National Memo Day, celebrated each year on May 21, might not be the most famous observance on your calendar—but as an office manager, it’s a great opportunity to take a fresh look at how you communicate through memos. Whether you’re a frequent memo-sender or haven’t written one in years, this day is a nudge to reflect, refine, and maybe even reboot your approach. If your … [Read more...] about National Memo Day: A Reminder to Master the Art of the Office Memo
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Using Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) Effectively with Staff
One of the toughest parts of your job is addressing underperformance. It’s never fun to have those difficult conversations, but when handled thoughtfully, they can be a real turning point—not just for the employee, but for your whole team. That’s where a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) comes in. Done right, a PIP isn’t a punishment—it’s a tool for clarity, accountability, … [Read more...] about Using Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) Effectively with Staff
Vacation staffing checklist for law office administrators
Planning for summer staffing, when many people want to be away on vacation, should have started well before today, but here's a checklist to make sure you have thought of everything. 1. Plan Early and Communicate: Request Vacation Schedules Early: Ask staff to submit their vacation requests at least 2-3 months in advance. Create a Vacation Calendar: Display a shared … [Read more...] about Vacation staffing checklist for law office administrators
Build a fortress: A strong workplace security culture
In today's increasingly digital and interconnected world, safeguarding sensitive information and protecting the privacy of clients is paramount for law offices. As the manager responsible for maintaining the security of your firm, fostering a strong workplace security culture is essential to mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of your operations. By implementing proactive … [Read more...] about Build a fortress: A strong workplace security culture
How and when to ask a client for a referral
A new client should be a planned event, not an accident. And the most productive way to get a continuing stream of planned events is to follow an established process for generating referrals. Referrals are the highest producing form of marketing. In fact studies have shown that as many as seven out of 10 referrals turn into new clients. By contrast, cold calls for … [Read more...] about How and when to ask a client for a referral
How to create a welcoming workspace with office design and ergonomics
You understand the significance of creating an environment that fosters productivity, comfort, and professionalism. The design and ergonomics of your law firm's workspace play a crucial role in enhancing employee satisfaction, promoting collaboration, and leaving a positive impression on clients. 1. Strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics When designing your … [Read more...] about How to create a welcoming workspace with office design and ergonomics
How to write a job description
Writing a job description for a job in a law office requires careful consideration of the role's responsibilities, qualifications, and the overall culture of the office. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective job description: 1. Job Title: Choose a clear and concise job title that accurately reflects the position. For example, "Legal Assistant," … [Read more...] about How to write a job description
Could you be doing more to make your receivables less?
Unpaid invoices and overdue accounts can lead to cash flow issues, hinder business growth, and strain client relationships. Consider these strategies to help you keep receivables low and improve the overall financial stability of your firm. Clear and Detailed Fee Agreements The foundation of any successful receivables management strategy begins with transparent and … [Read more...] about Could you be doing more to make your receivables less?
Administrator a key player in firm’s ethics and integrity
A law office administrator plays a vital role in maintaining the ethical standards and integrity of the firm. Your responsibilities encompass a range of tasks that have a direct impact on the firm's reputation, client relationships, and overall success. Here are key ethical considerations that should guide your actions and decisions as a law office … [Read more...] about Administrator a key player in firm’s ethics and integrity
Case Management Audit Checklist
Objective: Ensure efficiency, compliance, and client satisfaction in the case management process. Use this checklist during regular audits to assess the effectiveness of case management practices and identify areas for improvement. 1. Case Load Distribution Workload Balance: Verify that cases are distributed equitably among attorneys to avoid … [Read more...] about Case Management Audit Checklist