By Lynne Curry Question: An email with the subject line “good news” arrived in my inbox from my supervisor this morning. The good news I hoped for flashed across my mind as I imagined him saying he was moving to another state, and I’d be getting a new supervisor. He didn’t like me, and I didn’t like him. Instead, he told me I was being offered a promotion. He didn’t look … [Read more...] about Should I take a ‘dry promotion’ (without a raise)?
To-Dos: Your June office checklist
As we near the end of the second quarter, it's a good time to see if the firm, staff, and you are all on track with respect to the goals you set in January or if any course corrections are needed. Here are a few areas you can address. 1. Check the budget. Review the budget to see if and where alterations are needed. Are the goals still appropriate? Are employees making good … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your June office checklist
Attorneys who DIY: What it actually costs your firm
By Diane L. Camacho bio As I work with small law firms and solo attorneys, I see time and time again, attorneys doing work and not getting paid for it. It isn't marketing or CLE sessions that I'm talking about. It is work that you can't bill for and someone else can do for you—someone who is an expert in their field. For example, let's say your firm has decided they need … [Read more...] about Attorneys who DIY: What it actually costs your firm
Flex-retirement: A win-win strategy for employee retention
Employee retention is not only a cost-effective strategy, but it also helps maintain institutional knowledge and ensures a smoother transition when team members retire. One innovative approach that can facilitate this transition and keep experienced staff on board is "flex-retirement." What Is Flex-Retirement? Flex-retirement, also known as flexible retirement, is a workplace … [Read more...] about Flex-retirement: A win-win strategy for employee retention
10 training trends for law office admin staff
Trends in staff training continue to respond to the changing demands of the legal industry. Incorporating these trends into training programs can significantly enhance the skills and capabilities of law office administrative staff. By staying updated with these trends, law office managers can ensure their teams are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the legal … [Read more...] about 10 training trends for law office admin staff
8 common mistakes in client billing and how to avoid them
Billing errors are common and can lead to disputes, loss of client trust, and financial setbacks. Here’s an overview of common mistakes in client billing and strategies to avoid them. One frequent mistake is inaccurate time tracking. Lawyers often juggle multiple clients and tasks, making it easy to misrecord billable hours. To avoid this, implement a robust time-tracking … [Read more...] about 8 common mistakes in client billing and how to avoid them
How to hire a great receptionist
A receptionist is often the first point of contact for clients and can significantly influence their perception of your firm. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you hire a great receptionist who aligns with your office’s needs and culture. 1. Define the Role Clearly Before starting the hiring process, define what you need from a receptionist. The responsibilities may … [Read more...] about How to hire a great receptionist
Model Policy: Office Room Temperature
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for maintaining a comfortable and productive work environment for all staff and clients by regulating the temperature in the law office. By implementing this office temperature policy, the law office aims to maintain a comfortable and productive work environment for all staff and clients. Consistent communication, … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Office Room Temperature
8 ways to mentor your staff to thrive in their careers
Mentoring plays a pivotal role in the professional development of administrative staff within a law office. As a law office administrator, you have the unique opportunity to guide, support, and develop your team members, ensuring they have the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in their roles. Effective mentorship not only enhances individual performance but also … [Read more...] about 8 ways to mentor your staff to thrive in their careers
How and when to ask a client for a referral
A new client should be a planned event, not an accident. And the most productive way to get a continuing stream of planned events is to follow an established process for generating referrals. Referrals are the highest producing form of marketing. In fact studies have shown that as many as seven out of 10 referrals turn into new clients. By contrast, cold calls for … [Read more...] about How and when to ask a client for a referral