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 to Communicate New Raised Rates for 2026 to Your Clients
As a law office manager, one of your many responsibilities is handling delicate client communications. Announcing raised rates is never an easy task, but with careful planning and a client-focused approach, you can manage the process smoothly while maintaining trust and professionalism. Here’s how to navigate this important conversation with grace and clarity. 1. Start With … [Read more...] about How to Communicate New Raised Rates for 2026 to Your Clients
The Benefit of a Wind-Down Ritual
By Camille Stell Transitioning from work to home was never something I had to think about. In the before (pandemic) times, I stepped away from work by getting in my car for an hour commute. I thought about my day, but I also began to naturally transition away from my work mindset. I listened to music or a podcast, I ran errands, or thought about meal planning, and by the … [Read more...] about The Benefit of a Wind-Down Ritual
18 Proofreading Tips for the Law Office
Proofreading is part of your daily work life in a law office and you are probably already an expert. But here are 17 tips and tricks you can use to help you catch every typo, misplaced comma and wrong word. First and best tip is to proofread backwards. Begin at the end and work back through the document paragraph by paragraph or even line by line. This will force you to look … [Read more...] about 18 Proofreading Tips for the Law Office
Budgeting and Planning for Long-Term Stability
Effective budgeting and financial planning are crucial for the long-term stability and success of any law office. Managing finances not only ensures that the firm operates smoothly but also positions it for future growth and stability. Here are some practical tips for creating a sustainable budget, managing expenses, and planning for the financial future of your firm. 1. … [Read more...] about Budgeting and Planning for Long-Term Stability
How to Manage Conflict Between Attorneys and Support Staff (Without Taking Sides)
You hear a paralegal venting to a coworker in the break room: "I can't work like this! He dumps last-minute filings on my desk and expects them done yesterday." Meanwhile, the attorney claims the assistant "just isn't responsive enough."Situations like this aren't unusual in a law office — but they can quickly escalate if not handled carefully. As the manager, you're often the … [Read more...] about How to Manage Conflict Between Attorneys and Support Staff (Without Taking Sides)
Mastering the Small Law Office: Your Essential Cheat Sheet
Running a small law office means wearing a lot of hats — often at the same time. It’s a balancing act of managing tasks, supporting your team, keeping clients happy, and somehow finding time to breathe. This cheat sheet is your go-to guide for making it all run smoother. Whether you're a seasoned office manager or stepping into the role for the first time, these quick tips and … [Read more...] about Mastering the Small Law Office: Your Essential Cheat Sheet
How to Assess Tech Skills When Hiring Law Office Administrators
Making Sure Candidates Can Navigate Case Management Software, E-Filing Systems, and Other Legal Tech Tools Hiring the right law office administrator means finding someone who not only understands legal procedures but is also tech-savvy enough to keep your office running smoothly. From case management software to e-filing systems, legal technology plays a major role in today’s … [Read more...] about How to Assess Tech Skills When Hiring Law Office Administrators
How to Reduce Client Pushback on Legal Bills
One of the biggest headaches in law firm management is dealing with client pushback on legal bills. Whether it's confusion over charges, frustration with unexpected costs, or simple sticker shock, disputes over invoices can slow down payments and strain client relationships. As a law office manager, you play a key role in reducing billing conflicts by ensuring transparency, … [Read more...] about How to Reduce Client Pushback on Legal Bills
Top 10 Essential Skills Every Law Office Manager Needs to Succeed
You play a pivotal role in keeping your firm running smoothly. Whether you're juggling case schedules, overseeing staff, or ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations, your skill set is the backbone of the office. The expectations are higher than ever, and honing these 10 essential skills can set you apart and ensure your success. 1. Technology Proficiency Legal … [Read more...] about Top 10 Essential Skills Every Law Office Manager Needs to Succeed