When you manage a small law office, you're not just "the office manager"—you're often the receptionist, the billing coordinator, the IT support, the HR department, and the go-to problem solver. With just a couple other administrative staffers around you, it's all about smart juggling, creative teamwork, and knowing how to lead while getting your own work done. First, get … [Read more...] about Running a Small Office Without Running Yourself Ragged
Billing & collections
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
What Payment Methods Do Your Clients Want?
As a law office administrator, you know that handling client payments efficiently is key to maintaining a smooth and professional practice. But in today’s fast-evolving financial landscape, traditional payment methods might not always cut it. Clients are looking for more flexibility, convenience, and security when it comes to settling their bills. Offering diverse payment … [Read more...] about What Payment Methods Do Your Clients Want?
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?
Streamlining Law Firm Payments: Why Digital Options Are a Must and How to Offer Them
It’s no secret that today’s clients expect convenience—and that includes how they pay for legal services. Offering digital payment options isn’t just a nice touch; it’s becoming an essential part of running a modern, client-friendly law office. Clients want quick, secure, and flexible ways to pay their bills, and firms that don’t adapt risk falling behind. Here’s a look at why … [Read more...] about Streamlining Law Firm Payments: Why Digital Options Are a Must and How to Offer Them
Billing: Should You Keep It In-House or Go Outsourced?
The decision to outsource billing in law offices varies depending on the size, specialization, and resources of the firm. While some law offices handle billing in-house, others choose to outsource this function to streamline processes and reduce administrative burdens. Here’s an overview of trends and considerations when it comes to law offices and outsourced billing: Why Some … [Read more...] about Billing: Should You Keep It In-House or Go Outsourced?
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
How Attorneys and Staff Can Improve Timekeeping Habits to Avoid Lost Revenue
Accurate time tracking is the foundation of a profitable law firm. Yet, many firms lose thousands—if not millions—of dollars each year due to untracked or underreported billable time. Poor timekeeping habits, delayed entries, and inefficient processes can eat away at revenue without anyone noticing. As a law office manager, you can help attorneys and staff develop better time … [Read more...] about How Attorneys and Staff Can Improve Timekeeping Habits to Avoid Lost Revenue
Make Every Minute Count: Best Practices for Year-End Timekeeping and Billing
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
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?