Running a small law office means wearing a lot of hats — often at the same time. It’s a balancing act of managing tasks, supporting your team, keeping clients happy, and somehow finding time to breathe. This cheat sheet is your go-to guide for making it all run smoother. Whether you're a seasoned office manager or stepping into the role for the first time, these quick tips and … [Read more...] about Mastering the Small Law Office: Your Essential Cheat Sheet
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The Benefit of a Wind-Down Ritual
By Camille Stell Transitioning from work to home was never something I had to think about. In the before (pandemic) times, I stepped away from work by getting in my car for an hour commute. I thought about my day, but I also began to naturally transition away from my work mindset. I listened to music or a podcast, I ran errands, or thought about meal planning, and by the … [Read more...] about The Benefit of a Wind-Down Ritual
How to Assess Tech Skills When Hiring Law Office Administrators
Making Sure Candidates Can Navigate Case Management Software, E-Filing Systems, and Other Legal Tech Tools Hiring the right law office administrator means finding someone who not only understands legal procedures but is also tech-savvy enough to keep your office running smoothly. From case management software to e-filing systems, legal technology plays a major role in today’s … [Read more...] about How to Assess Tech Skills When Hiring Law Office Administrators
Top 10 Essential Skills Every Law Office Manager Needs to Succeed
You play a pivotal role in keeping your firm running smoothly. Whether you're juggling case schedules, overseeing staff, or ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations, your skill set is the backbone of the office. The expectations are higher than ever, and honing these 10 essential skills can set you apart and ensure your success. 1. Technology Proficiency Legal … [Read more...] about Top 10 Essential Skills Every Law Office Manager Needs to Succeed
Summer Associate Recruiting Shifts Away from On-Campus Interviews
For the first time in decades, law firms are no longer primarily utilizing on-campus interviewing (OCI) to recruit students. The historic shift in recruiting is identified by NALP in its Perspectives on 2024 Law Student Recruiting annual report. As alternative methods like direct application and early interview programs (EIP) gained traction, the recruiting cycle moved earlier … [Read more...] about Summer Associate Recruiting Shifts Away from On-Campus Interviews
Your April To-Do List for a Smooth-Running Law Office
As the second quarter of the year begins, April presents the perfect opportunity to refresh your law office’s operations, tie up loose ends from the first quarter, and get ahead of upcoming projects. Tax deadlines, compliance checks, and office efficiency improvements should all be on your radar this month. Use this to-do list to stay proactive and ensure your law office is in … [Read more...] about Your April To-Do List for a Smooth-Running Law Office
How to Reduce Client Pushback on Legal Bills
One of the biggest headaches in law firm management is dealing with client pushback on legal bills. Whether it's confusion over charges, frustration with unexpected costs, or simple sticker shock, disputes over invoices can slow down payments and strain client relationships. As a law office manager, you play a key role in reducing billing conflicts by ensuring transparency, … [Read more...] about How to Reduce Client Pushback on Legal Bills
Micro-Retirement: Taking a Time-Out During Your Career
By Lynne Curry Are you craving a new adventure? Has your once-steady career momentum fizzled—or worse, have you burnt out? Does the thought of grinding away another 10, 20, or 30years until retirement leave you feeling drained? If so, you’re not alone. Dana Saerstein, 31, decided she’d had enough. “If I keep working myself to the bone until I’m 60, I might never … [Read more...] about Micro-Retirement: Taking a Time-Out During Your Career
17 productivity tips for law office managers
In the fast-paced world of law, juggling administrative tasks can be a daunting challenge. But don't worry—by prioritizing your daily tasks, organizing your workspace, and leveraging the right tools and strategies, you can turn chaos into order and boost your productivity. Let's dive into practical tips to help you manage your workload effectively and keep your law office … [Read more...] about 17 productivity tips for law office managers
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