By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Nothing strikes a nerve with clients more than having to pay legal fees. I am not sure why, but some clients think it is acceptable to expect their lawyers to work for free, something they don't expect anyone else to do. In today's economy, clients are looking for reduced legal fees and results. Value billing and flat fee billing structures are … [Read more...] about 6 realities about client billing and how to address them
Billing & collections
Making Legal Services More Accessible with Flex Payments
Legal services are often essential—but expensive. Many potential clients hesitate to seek help not because they doubt your firm’s expertise, but because they’re unsure how they’ll afford it. That’s where flex payments come in. Offering flexible payment options can expand your client base, increase collections, and build goodwill—without compromising your bottom line. Here's how … [Read more...] about Making Legal Services More Accessible with Flex Payments
Running a Small Office Without Running Yourself Ragged
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
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?
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?
Enforce those billing and collection guidelines
Getting paid or not getting paid to a great extent depends on the firm’s billing and collection guidelines—and whether they are enforced. Without guidelines, the firm is asking for money loss. Billing is haphazard, collection work isn’t done regularly, personal clients aren’t always satisfied with their bills, and corporate clients may hold up payment or contest the … [Read more...] about Enforce those billing and collection guidelines
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