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
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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
How to Assess Tech Skills When Hiring Law Office Administrators
Making Sure Candidates Can Navigate Case Management Software, E-Filing Systems, and Other Legal Tech Tools Hiring the right law office administrator means finding someone who not only understands legal procedures but is also tech-savvy enough to keep your office running smoothly. From case management software to e-filing systems, legal technology plays a major role in today’s … [Read more...] about How to Assess Tech Skills When Hiring Law Office Administrators
The Power of Good Habits for Office Managers
Your role demands a unique blend of organization, leadership, and adaptability. The ability to develop and maintain good habits can be a game-changer in managing your workload, reducing stress, and boosting your effectiveness. Drawing insights from popular books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, this article explores the power of habits and practical steps for building … [Read more...] about The Power of Good Habits for Office Managers
Preventing Workplace Harassment: Policies Every Law Office Needs
Introduction Workplace harassment is a serious issue that can disrupt your law office, damage morale, and expose your firm to legal risks. As a law office manager, it’s your responsibility to implement and enforce strong policies that protect employees and create a safe, professional work environment. Here are the essential policies every law office should … [Read more...] about Preventing Workplace Harassment: Policies Every Law Office Needs
Summer Associate Recruiting Shifts Away from On-Campus Interviews
For the first time in decades, law firms are no longer primarily utilizing on-campus interviewing (OCI) to recruit students. The historic shift in recruiting is identified by NALP in its Perspectives on 2024 Law Student Recruiting annual report. As alternative methods like direct application and early interview programs (EIP) gained traction, the recruiting cycle moved earlier … [Read more...] about Summer Associate Recruiting Shifts Away from On-Campus Interviews
Micro-Retirement: Taking a Time-Out During Your Career
By Lynne Curry Are you craving a new adventure? Has your once-steady career momentum fizzled—or worse, have you burnt out? Does the thought of grinding away another 10, 20, or 30years until retirement leave you feeling drained? If so, you’re not alone. Dana Saerstein, 31, decided she’d had enough. “If I keep working myself to the bone until I’m 60, I might never … [Read more...] about Micro-Retirement: Taking a Time-Out During Your Career
Law Firm Lateral Hiring Expands in 2024, Fueled by Associate Recruitment
Recuitment of associates drove an expansion in lateral hiring for law firms last year. Following a two-year market downturn, lateral hiring bounced back in 2024, with hiring growing nearly 14% overall and lateral associate hiring rising by almost 25%, according 2024 Lateral Hiring Survey just released by NALP. Partner lateral hiring increased by a modest 2%, while the hiring of … [Read more...] about Law Firm Lateral Hiring Expands in 2024, Fueled by Associate Recruitment
Career Moves: Is Job-Hopping Worth It?
By Lynne Curry For years, job-hopping proved a successful strategy talented employees used to maximize salary growth, expand their skill set, and advance their careers. In the last year, however, job-hopping has lost much of its luster. A shifting job market and increased employer scrutiny have left many frequent job-changers questioning whether their career moves have … [Read more...] about Career Moves: Is Job-Hopping Worth It?
How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Managing staff schedules in a law office can feel like an endless game of chess—one where the rules keep changing and the pieces sometimes disappear. Between court dates, client meetings, vacations, and last-minute emergencies, keeping everyone’s schedule aligned can be a serious challenge. But with the right strategies, you can keep things running smoothly without pulling your … [Read more...] about How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind