By Camille Stell As the end of the year approaches, many law firms feel increased billing pressure. Clients want to close out matters, attorneys want to hit revenue goals, and accounting departments are racing to finalize the books. For paralegals and staff, this is the season when accurate, consistent, and timely timekeeping is more important than ever. Why Detailed … [Read more...] about Make Every Minute Count: Best Practices for Year-End Timekeeping and Billing
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Law Graduates of Color, First-Gen Students Lag in Jobs, Salaries Despite Strong Market
Racial and socioeconomic disparities persist in law graduate employment, according to new data released by the National Association for Law Placement (NALP). The organization’s Jobs & JDs: Employment and Salaries of New Law Graduates — Class of 2024 report found that while the latest class entered a historically strong job market, graduates of color and first-generation … [Read more...] about Law Graduates of Color, First-Gen Students Lag in Jobs, Salaries Despite Strong Market
Supporting Law Firm Partners and Protecting the Practice: Addressing Alcohol Concerns with Care
If you suspect that a partner has an issue with alcohol that is affecting their work, it is a delicate yet urgent matter that requires careful handling. Addressing this situation with professionalism, discretion, and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines is essential for the well-being of the partner, the staff, and the firm as a whole. Here’s how to approach this … [Read more...] about Supporting Law Firm Partners and Protecting the Practice: Addressing Alcohol Concerns with Care
How to Unplug from Work Over the Thanksgiving Holiday
Thanksgiving is almost here, and as a law office administrator, you’re no stranger to the fast-paced nature of your role. From managing deadlines to keeping operations seamless, it’s easy to let work take over your time. But even the most dedicated administrators need a chance to recharge. Thanksgiving offers a perfect opportunity to step back, enjoy the holiday, and return … [Read more...] about How to Unplug from Work Over the Thanksgiving Holiday
Law Office Data Security and Privacy Audit Checklist
As legal practices handle sensitive client information, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of this data is paramount. A comprehensive audit of data security and privacy practices helps identify vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and implement best practices to safeguard information. Use this checklist as a guide to … [Read more...] about Law Office Data Security and Privacy Audit Checklist
How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Managing staff schedules in a law office can feel like an endless game of chess—one where the rules keep changing and the pieces sometimes disappear. Between court dates, client meetings, vacations, and last-minute emergencies, keeping everyone’s schedule aligned can be a serious challenge. But with the right strategies, you can keep things running smoothly without pulling your … [Read more...] about How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Personalize Incentives to Enhance Motivation for Law Office Staff
In a law office where deadlines loom large and client needs demand attention, fostering motivation and engagement among staff members is crucial. While traditional incentives like Starbucks cards or Amazon gift certificates have their place, law office administrators can elevate employee morale and productivity by embracing a more personalized approach to recognition and … [Read more...] about Personalize Incentives to Enhance Motivation for Law Office Staff
Mid-November Checklist for Your Holiday Staff Party
Hosting a staff party is a great way to celebrate achievements, recognize hard work, and strengthen bonds among team members in a law office. For a law office administrator, mid-November is an ideal time to make sure all plans are on track and that no detail is overlooked. This checklist is tailored to help you organize every aspect of the event, from finalizing the guest list … [Read more...] about Mid-November Checklist for Your Holiday Staff Party
How to Hire a Great Receptionist
Hire a receptionist and hire the manager of first and lasting impressions. The receptionist position is a marketing position. Before callers ever talk to an attorney, they form an opinion of the firm through their contact with the front desk. Yet most firms view the position as one that doesn't need a lot of intellectual skills and hire a receptionist without looking for the … [Read more...] about How to Hire a Great Receptionist
Billing for Paralegal and Support Staff Work: What’s Permissible?
Billing for paralegal and support staff work can be a valuable way to maximize a law firm’s revenue—when done correctly. However, improper billing practices can lead to client disputes, ethical violations, and even disciplinary action. As a law office manager, you play a key role in ensuring that your firm’s billing for non-attorney work is both ethical and compliant with … [Read more...] about Billing for Paralegal and Support Staff Work: What’s Permissible?