By Elizabeth M. Miller bio The first thing you might be wondering is why do I need a business continuity plan? With technology being what it is today, I bet every lawyer and law firm think they have a "business continuity plan" in place already. A business continuity or contingency plan will allow a law firm to have daily access to client information, financial … [Read more...] about The 6 essentials to include in your Business Continuity Plan to help your firm survive a disaster
Managing the office
Notice to Client of Increase in Hourly Rate
Why you need this Model Notice to Client: Clients should be notified in writing of any fee increases 30 days in advance. This protects both the firm and the client. Informing your client of what to expect and when to expect it will help your client prepare for the extra expense. How this Model Notice to Client helps you: The Notice needs to be clear, brief, and readable. … [Read more...] about Notice to Client of Increase in Hourly Rate
4 common problems in law offices, and some solutions
Like any other workplace, law offices face their fair share of challenges. From managing administrative tasks to fostering effective communication, it's important to identify and tackle these issues proactively. In this article, we will discuss some common problems in law offices and provide possible solutions to help you enhance efficiency and productivity in your firm. 1 … [Read more...] about 4 common problems in law offices, and some solutions
How great managers delegate
When it comes to delegating work to staff, managers rarely hit a happy medium. Instead, they tend to fall at the ends of the spectrum: those who do not delegate enough and those who delegate too much. But by far, it is the under-delegators who are greatest in number. And it is under-delegation that most causes employees to lose interest in their jobs. Lack of delegation … [Read more...] about How great managers delegate
Model Billing Statement
Why you need this Model Billing Statement: Many clients don't like to pay their legal bills and without having measures in place to ensure payments, law firms can run into huge headaches. One best practice is to ensure that your billing statement clearly outlines what services your clients are receiving for their money. How this Model Billing Statement helps you: Use this … [Read more...] about Model Billing Statement
How to create a welcoming workspace with office design and ergonomics
As a law office manager, you understand the significance of creating an environment that fosters productivity, comfort, and professionalism. The design and ergonomics of your law firm's workspace play a crucial role in enhancing employee satisfaction, promoting collaboration, and leaving a positive impression on clients. 1. Strike a balance between functionality and … [Read more...] about How to create a welcoming workspace with office design and ergonomics
Model Form: Applause Sheet
Why you need this model Applause Sheet: This is a quick and easy way to help develop and maintain positive relationships among the people in your office. How this model Applause Sheet helps you: Using this form at your regular staff meetings may not only end negative attitudes among staff, it might also help keep a positive attitude going indefinitely. How to use this model … [Read more...] about Model Form: Applause Sheet
TOOL: Model Notice and Waiver of Conflict of Interest
Why you need this model Notice: This model Notice will help your efforts to protect your practice from the risk of violating conflict of interest rules. How this model Notice helps you: If a potential conflict of interest exists, but the parties still want the firm to represent their legal interests, have all parties sign a Waiver of Conflict of Interest, acknowledging the … [Read more...] about TOOL: Model Notice and Waiver of Conflict of Interest
8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both attorneys and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things—the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager
How law firm managers can get a better night’s sleep
By Brenda Barnes bio It's a common problem for law firm managers: lost sleep over those gnawing concerns about what they "don't know" about their practice and what they could be doing better. These are some of the top sleep deprivers affecting our clients: Growing the top line of business and keeping the competitive edge Making sure they have the right people in the … [Read more...] about How law firm managers can get a better night’s sleep