You hear a paralegal venting to a coworker in the break room: "I can't work like this! He dumps last-minute filings on my desk and expects them done yesterday." Meanwhile, the attorney claims the assistant "just isn't responsive enough."Situations like this aren't unusual in a law office — but they can quickly escalate if not handled carefully. As the manager, you're often the … [Read more...] about How to Manage Conflict Between Attorneys and Support Staff (Without Taking Sides)
Managing staff
Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
By Lynne Curry As employers push forward with their return-to-office (RTO) policies, many unknowingly step into legal minefield. The shift back to in-person work presents a host of challenges—especially for employers balancing productivity with legal obligations. Whether it’s handling accommodation requests, avoiding discrimination claims, or ensuring compliance with … [Read more...] about Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
How to Celebrate National Administrative Professionals Day
National Administrative Professionals Day, coming up on April 30, is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the hardworking administrative professionals who keep your office running smoothly. As an office manager, this day is an opportunity to show your appreciation for the critical role your administrative staff plays in the success of the organization. Here’s why National … [Read more...] about How to Celebrate National Administrative Professionals Day
Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
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
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
Job Security Is Dead; Reset Your Workplace with Radical Transparency
By Lynne Curry Job security is dead for four out of every five U.S. employees. U.S. According to a December 2024 survey of 1,115 U.S. employees: 92% fear a recession in 2025. 81% worry about losing their jobs. 76% expect layoffs to rise. 63% foresee more business closures than in 2024. 57% think finding a job will be harder. 52% anticipate … [Read more...] about Job Security Is Dead; Reset Your Workplace with Radical Transparency
Revenge Quitting: Why Employees Are Sabotaging Employers on Their Way Out
By Lynne Curry On Adam’s last day, he recorded a TikTok video walking through his employer’s facility, pointing out every OSHA violation. The video amassed millions of views, prompting an investigation and hefty fines for the company. Maggie managed her company’s social media accounts. After a heated argument with her boss, she changed all the account passwords and … [Read more...] about Revenge Quitting: Why Employees Are Sabotaging Employers on Their Way Out
How to Implement a Leave Donation Program to Support Employees Affected by Disaster
As a law office manager, you're responsible for ensuring smooth operations and the well-being of your team. One way to support your employees during difficult times is by creating a catastrophic leave program. This program allows staff members to donate their unused leave time to a colleague who is facing a serious illness or emergency, offering them the chance to maintain … [Read more...] about How to Implement a Leave Donation Program to Support Employees Affected by Disaster
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
Manager, Brace Yourself: The January Resignation Rush Is Coming
By Lynne Curry “My job’s been a pressure cooker of rush projects, travel and late-night emails for the last two years. The final straw came on Christmas. My boss decided I’d be the one to cover any calls, as everyone else was married. After that, it wasn’t a difficult decision. I’m trading my corporate paycheck for peace of mind and evenings and weekends off. My new job … [Read more...] about Manager, Brace Yourself: The January Resignation Rush Is Coming