Hire a receptionist and hire the manager of first and lasting impressions. The receptionist position is a marketing position. Before callers ever talk to an attorney, they form an opinion of the firm through their contact with the front desk. Yet most firms view the position as one that doesn't need a lot of intellectual skills and hire a receptionist without looking for the … [Read more...] about How to hire a great receptionist
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How to get good stuff about the office during an exit interview
An exit interview should bring to light far more than what is good and bad about the office. It should give insight into what's really going on and produce ideas for making improvements. There's an art to exit interviewing. It's a matter of getting the staffer to talk and asking the questions that will keep them talking. A smile at the start Start by setting a positive … [Read more...] about How to get good stuff about the office during an exit interview
Spelling bee: Top 100 misspelled words in the legal industry
So you think you can spell? Test your skill on these 100 most commonly misspelled words in the legal industry: Accommodate Acquiesce Adjudicate Admissibility Adverse Affidavit Aggregate Aggravate Allege Amicable Appellant Appraise Arraignment Assent Attainder A lot Benefit Calendar Certificate Consider Counsel … [Read more...] about Spelling bee: Top 100 misspelled words in the legal industry
7 tips for leading a video meeting
We've become accustomed to attending work meetings on Zoom and other video conferencing platforms in the last four years. But you might not be at ease as the leader of a Zoom meeting for your law office admin team. Here are some tips for conducting a successful video work meeting: Set a clear agenda: Before the meeting, create an agenda that outlines the topics to be … [Read more...] about 7 tips for leading a video meeting
What it takes for a good manager to be a good leader
A good manager is often synonymous with being a good leader, but it’s important to recognize that while there is overlap between the two roles, they are not identical. A manager typically has responsibilities related to organizing, planning, and controlling processes and resources to achieve specific goals. On the other hand, a leader focuses on inspiring, motivating, and … [Read more...] about What it takes for a good manager to be a good leader
To make a point, use the body language that supports your words
Few managers realize that successful communication depends heavily on body language. When people don't get the response they expect, they need to understand that their bodies aren't sending the messages they think they're conveying. Much of the message that gets picked up in a conversation comes from motions and gestures. And it works both ways. A manager has to know body … [Read more...] about To make a point, use the body language that supports your words
To-Dos: Your March office checklist
March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. That's outside, where winter storms give way to springtime calm. Inside, there can also be a whirlwind of activity, especially if you're tackling office-wide organizational and spring-cleaning projects. If this is the month you strive to bring order to the firm, here are some tasks you can tackle. The office: 1. … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your March 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
Personal client attention doubles the money-making referrals
When a North Carolina office realized its referrals from clients were dwindling, it responded by setting up a plan to ensure maximum personal contact with the clients. Within the first year the plan was in place, the personal injury firm doubled its referrals. The focus was placed on communications, fast response to calls, maintaining contact throughout the year and keeping … [Read more...] about Personal client attention doubles the money-making referrals
5 things you should never say to your staffers
Without realizing it, a manager can create conflict. It comes from the way staff’s interruptions, questions, and suggestions get handled. Here are five automatic and all too common bad responses. 1 “I don’t have time for that now” A staffer comes in with a question, the manager is in the middle of work, and the response is “not now” or “can’t you take care of that … [Read more...] about 5 things you should never say to your staffers