Tech investments, smoother workflows, and better client service all boost the bottom line—even if you don’t bill by the hour. When people think about law firm revenue, they tend to focus on the billable hour. But there's another powerful engine driving profitability that often flies under the radar: operations. How efficiently the firm runs, how clients experience the office, … [Read more...] about Beyond the Billable Hour: How Managers Can Help Drive Revenue
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Generational Friction at the Front Desk: Managing Millennials, Boomers, and Gen Z in One Office
Practical strategies for resolving workplace tension and improving communication between age-diverse staff Your front desk is the face of the firm—but behind that polished smile, there may be tension simmering. It’s not uncommon to have Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z employees working side-by-side, each with different habits, expectations, and communication styles. Add … [Read more...] about Generational Friction at the Front Desk: Managing Millennials, Boomers, and Gen Z in One Office
When the Partners Don’t Agree: Staying Neutral Without Getting Stuck
Tips for handling conflict among firm leadership without getting pulled into the middle Conflicting personalities and competing priorities between law firm partners can create tension that trickles down to you. One wants to hire more staff, another wants to tighten the budget. One is pushing for a new case management system, another insists the current one is fine. Meanwhile, … [Read more...] about When the Partners Don’t Agree: Staying Neutral Without Getting Stuck
Monthly Financial Review Checklist
Even in the busiest law practices, taking time once a month to review your financials can prevent costly mistakes and keep the firm on solid ground. This checklist gives you a simple, structured way to stay on top of the numbers—whether you're tracking revenue, monitoring expenses, or making sure compliance obligations are met. Think of it as your monthly tune-up to keep the … [Read more...] about Monthly Financial Review Checklist
After Vacation Blues: Fixing the Post-Vacation Slump
By Lynne Curry Question: Three hours after my red-eye landed, I arrived at the office Monday morning and booted up my computer. Unfortunately, my brain didn’t boot up with it. I’m just not ready for my inbox to glare at me with 247 unread messages and a calendar packed tighter than a TSA line. Ten days ago, I left my spreadsheets and Slack threads behind to hike … [Read more...] about After Vacation Blues: Fixing the Post-Vacation Slump
“The Client Was Rude—Now What?” Teaching Staff How to Navigate Difficult Conversations
Real-world scripts and de-escalation strategies for law office managers Even the best law firms will eventually face a client who’s frustrated, emotional—or just plain rude. Legal services are high-stakes, high-stress, and often high-cost, so it's no surprise that tensions sometimes spill over onto front desk staff, paralegals, or even the office manager. When that happens, … [Read more...] about “The Client Was Rude—Now What?” Teaching Staff How to Navigate Difficult Conversations
How to Negotiate with Employment Agencies
Working with employment agencies is often part of the hiring process when you're responsible for staffing a law office. Whether you're bringing on temporary help or searching for permanent team members, negotiating well with agencies is key to finding the right people at the right price. This guide will help you approach those conversations with confidence and strategy. 1. … [Read more...] about How to Negotiate with Employment Agencies
How to Help Set Up a Lawyer Blog to Market Your Firm
Assisting a lawyer in creating a legal blog can be a rewarding project, enhancing the law firm’s visibility and establishing the attorney as a thought leader in their practice area. As a law office administrator, your role will be crucial in streamlining this process. Here’s how you can effectively assist: 1. Identify the Blog's Purpose Help the lawyer clarify the blog’s … [Read more...] about How to Help Set Up a Lawyer Blog to Market Your Firm
6 Realities About Client Billing and How to Address Them
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
Unlocking the Marketing Potential of Front Desk Staff in Your Law Firm
The front desk staff often serve as the initial point of contact for clients, visitors, and callers. While their primary role may seem administrative, savvy law office managers recognize that these frontline team members wield significant influence in shaping the firm's image and marketing efforts. Here's how your front desk staff can become invaluable allies in marketing your … [Read more...] about Unlocking the Marketing Potential of Front Desk Staff in Your Law Firm