By Lynne Curry As employers push forward with their return-to-office (RTO) policies, many unknowingly step into legal minefield. The shift back to in-person work presents a host of challenges—especially for employers balancing productivity with legal obligations. Whether it’s handling accommodation requests, avoiding discrimination claims, or ensuring compliance with … [Read more...] about Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
To-Dos: Your May office checklist
It can be difficult to focus on work this month. May is when many of us come down with spring fever, yearning to get outside in the garden or the golf course. So this month's checklist is a nice balance of business and pleasure. 1. Start planning coverages for summer vacations. Many firms do not use temporary legal assistants or secretaries anymore. With stepped up … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your May office checklist
Employee Safety Briefing: Ensuring a safe work environment in our law office
Dear Team, At [Law Firm Name], our top priority is the well-being and safety of our employees. We recognize that maintaining a safe work environment is crucial for our collective success. In light of this, we would like to provide you with important information and guidelines to ensure your safety while working at our law office. This briefing incorporates recommendations … [Read more...] about Employee Safety Briefing: Ensuring a safe work environment in our law office
Is AI Pushing You Into a Career Change?
By Lynne Curry Tish spent fifteen years as a legal assistant. She’d honed her skills and mastered the ins and outs of case files and court scheduling. She knew the quirks of each of her senior partners. A year ago new software rolled in—AI tools that scanned thousands of pages of case law in seconds, summarized legal documents with eerie precision, and auto-generated … [Read more...] about Is AI Pushing You Into a Career Change?
How to Celebrate National Administrative Professionals Day
National Administrative Professionals Day, coming up on April 30, is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the hardworking administrative professionals who keep your office running smoothly. As an office manager, this day is an opportunity to show your appreciation for the critical role your administrative staff plays in the success of the organization. Here’s why National … [Read more...] about How to Celebrate National Administrative Professionals Day
Stress Awareness Month: A Chance to Foster Openness and Support
April is Stress Awareness Month, an observance that’s been held every year since 1992 and is sponsored by the Stress Management Society. As an office manager, this is a valuable opportunity to shine a light on a topic that affects everyone—especially in fast-paced, high-pressure workplaces. By using this month to acknowledge stress and talk openly about it, you can take … [Read more...] about Stress Awareness Month: A Chance to Foster Openness and Support
Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
April is the perfect time to get ahead of the summer scramble by nailing down everyone’s vacation plans. As an office manager, you know that warm weather brings sunshine, sandals—and a flurry of PTO requests that can leave you short-staffed if you’re not careful. The earlier you start organizing summer schedules, the smoother the season will be for everyone. Here’s how to … [Read more...] about Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
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
Running a Small Office Without Running Yourself Ragged
When you manage a small law office, you're not just "the office manager"—you're often the receptionist, the billing coordinator, the IT support, the HR department, and the go-to problem solver. With just a couple other administrative staffers around you, it's all about smart juggling, creative teamwork, and knowing how to lead while getting your own work done. First, get … [Read more...] about Running a Small Office Without Running Yourself Ragged
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