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
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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
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
Try the Inbox Zero method to bring those emails under control
Is your email inbox a stress-inducing mess of unanswered emails? Here’s something you can try to put it in order and keep it that way. Inbox Zero is a time management and email productivity strategy developed by productivity expert Merlin Mann. The concept revolves around the idea of keeping your email inbox empty or close to empty by consistently processing and … [Read more...] about Try the Inbox Zero method to bring those emails under control
Harnessing voice technology for seamless operations
In the realm of modern legal practice, the integration of technology has become increasingly crucial for optimizing operations and maintaining a competitive edge. Among the array of technological innovations available, voice technology has emerged as a game-changer for law office administrators. Consider the ways in which voice technology can be harnessed to streamline various … [Read more...] about Harnessing voice technology for seamless operations
Work junkies: Unwilling to disconnect on vacation
By Lynne Curry Question: My husband gets furious when I bring my laptop on our Hawaiian vacations, but I enjoy vacations more if I remain connected. I run a small law office, and like to stay on top of things and let my employees know I’m there for them. Part of the issue is that I love my work and my husband hates his job. If I have my laptop with me, I can check in with … [Read more...] about Work junkies: Unwilling to disconnect on vacation
You can run, but you can’t hide from Gen Z
By Lynne Curry “I simply don’t hire them.” According to research, that’s the attitude of 94 percent of business leaders who avoid hiring Gen Z employees, those born between 1997 and 2012. Why? According to 1,243 recently surveyed business leaders, Gen Zers bring with them have a sense of entitlement, a deficient work ethic and sub-par communication skills. Half of these … [Read more...] about You can run, but you can’t hide from Gen Z
10 ways to reduce time-wasting meetings
Meetings are an essential part of the collaborative work environment in a law office. However, excessive and unproductive meetings can lead to wasted time and hinder the efficiency of your legal team. As a law office administrator, it is crucial to optimize staff time and resources. In this article, we will explore practical strategies to help law office administrators reduce … [Read more...] about 10 ways to reduce time-wasting meetings
5 basics to get you started on succession planning
By Brenda Barnes From solo practitioners to attorneys in large firms, all attorneys must prepare for the days they are no longer able to practice law. Succession planning proactively protects clients and colleagues in the event of an attorney’s death or incapacitation. Only four states require private practice attorneys to plan for an end-of-career transition by … [Read more...] about 5 basics to get you started on succession planning
Do you have a work spouse?
By Lynne Curry He, or she, enlivens your workdays, becomes the person with whom you share casual but important stories about your personal life. It begins as a typical workplace friendship. One day when you both head out the door at the same time for lunch and discover you love the same lunch wagon, you decide to drive together and eat on a bench shivering in the … [Read more...] about Do you have a work spouse?