By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Nothing strikes a nerve with clients more than having to pay legal fees. I am not sure why, but some clients think it is acceptable to expect their lawyers to work for free, something they don't expect anyone else to do. In today's economy, clients are looking for reduced legal fees and results. Value billing and flat fee billing structures are … [Read more...] about 6 realities about client billing and how to address them
Working on everything everywhere all at once? Try monotasking
In today’s fast-paced business environment, office administrators are often faced with a multitude of tasks and responsibilities. As the demands of the job continue to grow, it becomes increasingly tempting to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, commonly known as multitasking. However, there is an emerging school of thought that promotes the merits of monotasking—focusing on … [Read more...] about Working on everything everywhere all at once? Try monotasking
Empathy an important workplace leadership quality
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of others. It involves not only recognizing and acknowledging the emotions of others but also demonstrating care and concern for their well-being. In the context of a workplace leader, empathy is essential for several reasons: Building Trust: Empathetic leaders are … [Read more...] about Empathy an important workplace leadership quality
Keep those payables paid with these procedures
Managing accounts payable is a critical aspect of running a law firm efficiently and responsibly. Establishing well-defined processes and practices for accounts payable can help your firm maintain financial stability, build strong relationships with vendors, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Here's some advice on how to set up effective accounts payable … [Read more...] about Keep those payables paid with these procedures
Adapting to and managing the logistics of virtual court appearances and depositions
In the evolving landscape of legal practice, the adoption of remote court proceedings has become increasingly prevalent, requiring law office administrators to adeptly manage the logistics of virtual court appearances and depositions. This comprehensive guide explores the specific challenges involved in adapting to and optimizing these new methods of legal … [Read more...] about Adapting to and managing the logistics of virtual court appearances and depositions
Demand for law talent is down, way down
Demand for new talent at law firms is down, making this the softest recruiting cycle since the Great Recession. NALP, an association of legal professionals, has released its Perspectives on 2023 Law Student Recruiting report which reflects how the market is readjusting from the post-pandemic hiring surge that seems to have left many law firms with talent levels that are … [Read more...] about Demand for law talent is down, way down
Our staff fell for a cyber attack
By Lynne Curry Question: Four of our staffers fell for a cyber attack last week. They opened an email attachment they thought originated from our HR department, which regularly emails policy updates to all staff. This email had the subject line: Changes to Vacation Policies. Even though we’ve trained our staff members not to click on suspicious emails, and … [Read more...] about Our staff fell for a cyber attack
Set key performance indicators and track on a dashboard
In the realm of law office administration, effective strategic planning is essential for fostering growth, optimizing operations, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Central to this process is the establishment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which serve as quantifiable metrics to gauge the firm's progress towards its overarching goals. When crafting a budget for the … [Read more...] about Set key performance indicators and track on a dashboard
Four fixes for job burnout
By Lynne Curry Are you burned out and not sure how to fix it? In 2024, emails from burned-out managers and employees have flooded my workplace coach inbox. Here’s what some have said: “I’m running on empty;” “mentally exhausted and emotionally drained;” “constantly on edge and irritable;” “on autopilot, just going through the motions, and don’t see any way out.” If … [Read more...] about Four fixes for job burnout
Build a fortress: A strong workplace security culture
In today's increasingly digital and interconnected world, safeguarding sensitive information and protecting the privacy of clients is paramount for law offices. As the manager responsible for maintaining the security of your firm, fostering a strong workplace security culture is essential to mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of your operations. By implementing proactive … [Read more...] about Build a fortress: A strong workplace security culture