It's crucial to ensure that the law firm operates within the boundaries of the law and adheres to relevant regulations. Running afoul of the law can have serious consequences for the firm's reputation, finances, and even legal standing. Here are some, but not all, the ways a law office can get into trouble with the law and regulations: Unauthorized Practice of Law: … [Read more...] about 18 ways your firm can run afoul of the law and regulations
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Are you tossing and turning at night with job worries?
How did you sleep last night? Were you able to switch off your work worries, or did they keep you awake? The demands of a law office administrator's job can lead to work-related worries creeping into your personal time. To achieve a healthy work-life balance and reduce stress, it's crucial to implement strategies that allow you to leave work at the office and enjoy your … [Read more...] about Are you tossing and turning at night with job worries?
Should I take a ‘dry promotion’ (without a raise)?
By Lynne Curry Question: An email with the subject line “good news” arrived in my inbox from my supervisor this morning. The good news I hoped for flashed across my mind as I imagined him saying he was moving to another state, and I’d be getting a new supervisor. He didn’t like me, and I didn’t like him. Instead, he told me I was being offered a promotion. He didn’t look … [Read more...] about Should I take a ‘dry promotion’ (without a raise)?
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
Flex-retirement: A win-win strategy for employee retention
Employee retention is not only a cost-effective strategy, but it also helps maintain institutional knowledge and ensures a smoother transition when team members retire. One innovative approach that can facilitate this transition and keep experienced staff on board is "flex-retirement." What Is Flex-Retirement? Flex-retirement, also known as flexible retirement, is a workplace … [Read more...] about Flex-retirement: A win-win strategy for employee retention
10 training trends for law office admin staff
Trends in staff training continue to respond to the changing demands of the legal industry. Incorporating these trends into training programs can significantly enhance the skills and capabilities of law office administrative staff. By staying updated with these trends, law office managers can ensure their teams are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the legal … [Read more...] about 10 training trends for law office admin staff
8 common mistakes in client billing and how to avoid them
Billing errors are common and can lead to disputes, loss of client trust, and financial setbacks. Here’s an overview of common mistakes in client billing and strategies to avoid them. One frequent mistake is inaccurate time tracking. Lawyers often juggle multiple clients and tasks, making it easy to misrecord billable hours. To avoid this, implement a robust time-tracking … [Read more...] about 8 common mistakes in client billing and how to avoid them
How to hire a great receptionist
A receptionist is often the first point of contact for clients and can significantly influence their perception of your firm. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you hire a great receptionist who aligns with your office’s needs and culture. 1. Define the Role Clearly Before starting the hiring process, define what you need from a receptionist. The responsibilities may … [Read more...] about How to hire a great receptionist
8 ways to mentor your staff to thrive in their careers
Mentoring plays a pivotal role in the professional development of administrative staff within a law office. As a law office administrator, you have the unique opportunity to guide, support, and develop your team members, ensuring they have the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in their roles. Effective mentorship not only enhances individual performance but also … [Read more...] about 8 ways to mentor your staff to thrive in their careers
Try the Inbox Zero method to bring those emails under control
Is your email inbox a stress-inducing mess of unanswered emails? Here’s something you can try to put it in order and keep it that way. Inbox Zero is a time management and email productivity strategy developed by productivity expert Merlin Mann. The concept revolves around the idea of keeping your email inbox empty or close to empty by consistently processing and … [Read more...] about Try the Inbox Zero method to bring those emails under control