Law Office Manager

Managing staff

Cultivating cultural competency: A vital skill for law office managers

As society becomes increasingly diverse, cultural competency has emerged as a crucial skill for professionals in all fields. Law office managers, who play a pivotal role in facilitating effective communication and fostering inclusive environments, must understand the importance of cultural competency. This article aims to explain what cultural competency entails, outline its … [Read more...] about Cultivating cultural competency: A vital skill for law office managers

Workplace political discussions: Strategies for handling what’s coming

By Lynne Curry Employees care deeply about abortion, gun control, immigration, the uptick in crime, climate change, and other issues that affect their freedom, wallets, and quality of life. As a result, even seemingly innocuous comments concerning news events can escalate into bitter, emotionally charged workplace arguments that alienate coworkers and customers, damage … [Read more...] about Workplace political discussions: Strategies for handling what’s coming

How to handle a scamming, scheming staffer

By Lynne Curry Question: I run a small firm. When I advertised for a new hire, I didn’t find anyone who had the right skill set. “Will” applied. Although he lacked the skills I sought, he interviewed well and said he was willing to learn everything necessary to become my No. 1 employee. I took a chance on him and invested months in training him. He shadowed me, developed … [Read more...] about How to handle a scamming, scheming staffer

‘I’m a threat to my boss because I’m smarter’

By Lynne Curry Over the years of your career, you may have found yourself on both sides of the following situation, first as a bright young staff member and later as a manager dealing with a brash new employee. Question: I am a threat to my supervisor. It’s not my fault, but it may cost me my job. Things were going well between my supervisor and I until last month. In an … [Read more...] about ‘I’m a threat to my boss because I’m smarter’

Don’t delay if you have to deliver bad news

By Lynne Curry “It’s not the difficult conversations that bite you the hardest,” I told the manager. “It’s the ones you put off until too late.” I listened to the manager’s reasons and told him, “Here are the risks you take. You dread telling ‘Robert’ what and how he needs to improve because he lashes out at you and remains sullen for days after you’ve counseled him. You … [Read more...] about Don’t delay if you have to deliver bad news

Mastering time blocking: A guide for law office administrator and managing partners

Introduction: As a law office manager, you play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the firm while overseeing multiple projects and tasks. To effectively manage the demands of a legal environment, implementing time blocking techniques can be highly beneficial. By strategically allocating your time, you can optimize productivity, streamline workflows, and … [Read more...] about Mastering time blocking: A guide for law office administrator and managing partners

7 ways to support mental health in your office

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a good time to devote some thought to how you can support mental health in your office. Here are some ideas for advancing mental health in the workplace: Encourage open communication: Encourage your employees to speak openly about their mental health and provide a safe space for them to do so. Encourage managers to be approachable … [Read more...] about 7 ways to support mental health in your office

Snappy comebacks WHEN you need them

By Lynne Curry The snappy comeback you wish you’d had when “Jim” sniped at you in the meeting, and you sat frozen and speechless. The silencing comment you wish you’d given “Brenda” when you walked past the break room and you heard her dissing you. Why don’t those comebacks arrive when you need them? Here’s why… When you experience a verbal attack or another threat, your … [Read more...] about Snappy comebacks WHEN you need them

The nomadic remote employee: Employee dream, employer nightmare

By Lynne Curry Question: Several of our employees regularly travel out of state. Before the pandemic, they took vacations for several days or weeks. They and we understood they were on vacation. The situation was clear cut. Our current team includes three employees who want to travel and stay for weeks or even months, in places like Hawaii and Thailand or with relatives. … [Read more...] about The nomadic remote employee: Employee dream, employer nightmare