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
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Offering AI Upskilling as a Job Benefit: A Smart Move for Office Managers
Office managers are always thinking about how to support the team, boost productivity, and stay competitive in a changing workplace. One way to do all three? Offer AI upskilling as an employee benefit. You’ve probably heard plenty of buzz about artificial intelligence transforming industries—but the practical question is: how can your team keep up? The answer might be simpler … [Read more...] about Offering AI Upskilling as a Job Benefit: A Smart Move for Office Managers
How to Create a Calm, Focused Environment in a Small Office
It only takes one loud phone call or a string of interruptions to derail productivity in a small office. When space is limited and everyone works within earshot of one another, creating a calm and focused environment isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Picture this: you’re trying to finalize a report while two coworkers chat about weekend plans right behind … [Read more...] about How to Create a Calm, Focused Environment in a Small Office
Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?
By Lynne Curry Question: When our newly hired general manager pulled me into his office this morning, he asked me to fire a staff member, an individual I know well and who’s always impressed me as a hard worker. I run our company’s HR department. I asked, “Could you give me the details, so I can create a solid case for our file?” The GM, a fifty-something white man … [Read more...] about Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?
Why Every Office Manager Should Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
You’re the hub of activity and the go-to problem solver when you are an office manager. You’ve probably answered the same questions more times than you can count or had to troubleshoot chaos when key team members were out of the office. These scenarios—and many more—underscore the critical need for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in your office. SOPs might not … [Read more...] about Why Every Office Manager Should Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Reconnecting with Purpose: How to Invite Someone from the Past into Your Career Network
Reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while can feel a little awkward—but when done with authenticity and a clear sense of purpose, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a former colleague, mentor, or someone you crossed paths with years ago at a conference, reviving an old connection can open new doors and enrich your professional network. As an office … [Read more...] about Reconnecting with Purpose: How to Invite Someone from the Past into Your Career Network
Building a Future-Ready Law Office: How to Embrace New Legal Tech Without Disrupting Your Team
Adopting new technology can feel a little like trying to fix a moving car. You know your law office needs to stay competitive, efficient, and secure, but introducing change without causing confusion—or outright resistance—can be tricky. The good news is, you can guide your team through a tech transition smoothly by being intentional about how you approach it. Start by … [Read more...] about Building a Future-Ready Law Office: How to Embrace New Legal Tech Without Disrupting Your Team
How to Develop an Effective Knowledge Management System for Your Law Office
If you’ve ever watched your team spend too much time digging for a document, asking around for a template, or reinventing the wheel on routine tasks, you already know why knowledge management matters. An effective system makes your law office smarter, faster, and more consistent—and building one doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you approach it step-by-step. Start by … [Read more...] about How to Develop an Effective Knowledge Management System for Your Law Office
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)
New Case Opening Checklist
Opening a new case properly sets the tone for the entire client experience and the case’s ultimate success. This checklist is designed to guide law office administrators through the critical internal steps needed to launch a new matter efficiently, securely, and in full compliance with office procedures. Completing each step ensures that attorneys and staff have everything they … [Read more...] about New Case Opening Checklist