Law Office Manager

Increasing profits

Keep your firm’s goals current

We traditionally set our firm's goals for the beginning of the year, but setting targets on a quarterly or on-going basis keeps these goals current and relevant. Goals provide crucial support in guiding year decisions through this year and the years ahead. Goals mean that instead of reacting to whatever happens, you’re proactively driving your firm to where you want to … [Read more...] about Keep your firm’s goals current

8 signs your firm needs an operations analysis

An operational analysis is an in-depth analysis of the firms's operations, or, put simply, getting somebody from outside to take a look at the inside. Most firms do that when they are facing problems, particularly financial problems, but it is better to do it before problems occur. Here is what the job entails, starting with the signs that it's time to get the review … [Read more...] about 8 signs your firm needs an operations analysis

Common partner compensation systems

By Brenda A. Barnes and Camille Stell Partner compensation is probably one of the most sensitive aspects of a law firm’s practice management. Whether you are adopting a new system or modifying the current one, there must be an extraordinary amount of thought, care, and study. Systems are either non-performance-based systems or performance-based systems. Here are the … [Read more...] about Common partner compensation systems

5 law firm billing practices for better cash flow

By Brenda Barnes It’s probably not a big surprise that if your firm does not have sound billing and collection practices, your cash flow will suffer. It also probably goes without saying that when cash flow suffers so does partner compensation. How can you tighten this up? First and foremost, you need to have solid billing policies that are agreed upon and followed! … [Read more...] about 5 law firm billing practices for better cash flow

7 basic steps for a successful law office move

Law offices are upsizing, downsizing and merging in response to economic ups and downs and other changes in the legal landscape. If your office is going to change its location or shuffle around in its current location this year, you're wise to start panning now. Moving a law office can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with careful planning and organization, it can … [Read more...] about 7 basic steps for a successful law office move

How to craft an effective lawyer bio

A well-crafted lawyer bio is an essential tool for showcasing the expertise and experience of your firm's attorneys. It serves as a powerful marketing and credibility-building asset, helping potential clients and colleagues understand the qualifications and background of your legal professionals. As a law office administrator, you play a crucial role in assisting lawyers in … [Read more...] about How to craft an effective lawyer bio

What is your end of year focus?

By Brenda Barnes It’s that time of year again! We are often so busy in the last quarter of the year that many important items can get overlooked or pushed until another time. Here are 10 items you may want to give some of your attention to before end of year so you are ready to kick off 2024. Year-End Financial Planning: Review and analyze the firm's financial … [Read more...] about What is your end of year focus?

Can every attorney in your office answer these 10 critical questions for 2024?

Want to see more profit in 2024? Get each attorney to draw up a practice plan for the year. A plan forces the attorneys to organize their work agenda by focusing on practice development, production, and self-improvement. What’s more, it ensures that everybody does work that furthers the firm’s goals, it keeps the marketing focused, and it keeps the collections in line. Use … [Read more...] about Can every attorney in your office answer these 10 critical questions for 2024?