A new report on corporate law departments shows increasing investments in technology solutions, an expected increase in legal spend, and strengthening partnerships between corporate law departments and their external law firms. Thomson Reuters released 2022 State of Corporate Law Departments Report on March 22. The pandemic impacted all aspects of business including corporate … [Read more...] about Corporate law departments strengthen ties with outside law firms
Client relations
7 reasons to use a virtual receptionist for your small office
By Janae Robinson A virtual receptionist is an extension of your business. They are the first person a new client is greeted by, and they can leave a lasting impression. Here are the top seven benefits of a virtual receptionist. Make money Virtual receptionists are here to help you make money. When a live, helpful person answers your calls, your new clients and existing … [Read more...] about 7 reasons to use a virtual receptionist for your small office
Technical issues and too many participants are biggest virtual meeting pet peeves
Have you had about enough of video meetings? If so, you're not alone. A new study by global staffing firm Robert Half shows video calls may be wearing on workers. Almost three-quarters of professionals surveyed (72 per cent) said they participate in virtual meetings. Those respondents reported spending about a quarter of their workday (24 per cent) on camera with business … [Read more...] about Technical issues and too many participants are biggest virtual meeting pet peeves
Take advantage of case management software benefits
By Elizabeth Miller bio Case management software is now so popular in law firms that it is rare to hear of a firm that does not have it. The problem is that even though firms have the software, they don’t take advantage of all the benefits. Managing incoming leads and cases Give your law firm an advantage over other firms by providing potential clients with an exceptional … [Read more...] about Take advantage of case management software benefits
5 ways to keep profit on your radar
By Brenda Barnes bio Practicing law is a tough gig. There is always so much to do to ensure your practice is successful. Focusing on your clients is your first priority, but are you also keeping an eye on your firm’s financial health? After all, staying profitable is not only crucial to your success, but is also important to your clients’ success. To help you keep profit on … [Read more...] about 5 ways to keep profit on your radar
4 bad financial habits that may increase your policy premiums and your malpractice risk
Ineffective billing and collections practices affect more than the bottom line. They ultimately may determine what the firm has to pay for malpractice coverage. To an underwriter, poor financial habits are just like poor legal habits—they spell high risk for malpractice claims, says Dan Knise, president and CEO of Ames & Gough, a McClean, VA, specialty insurance broker. If … [Read more...] about 4 bad financial habits that may increase your policy premiums and your malpractice risk
7 ways to make your firm stand out among your competition
The competition for clients is fierce and law firms are marketing heavily, says marketing expert Shawn McNalis. That means a firm has to make itself stand out among a deluge of marketing messages and try for "top-of-mind awareness." Surprisingly, that can be done without much expense and even without a marketing department. The key, she says, is to focus on the personal side … [Read more...] about 7 ways to make your firm stand out among your competition
Trust account errors that could get you disbarred
As a law firm administrator, trust accounting issues need to be your primary concern, according to Joryn Jenkins, a collaborative divorce attorney, author and CEO of Open Palm Law and Open Palm Press in Tampa, FL. Elizabeth Miller, an independent law firm administrator in Tampa Bay, agrees, adding that of five trust account errors that could land you in serious trouble with … [Read more...] about Trust account errors that could get you disbarred
What you need to know when a bully takes you on
By Lynne Curry bio You've met bullies who play a win/lose game, even as you aim for a win/win solution. Guess who loses when they take you on? You do. Would you like to win, or at least not lose? Here's what you need to know: Fail the bully's test We believe or like to believe the best of everyone. When a bully first tests us with a demeaning slam, we often think … [Read more...] about What you need to know when a bully takes you on
5 actions to take when you hear, "I don’t trust you"
By Audrey Epstein bio Talking about trust is tough in business. When a colleague tells you, "I don't trust you" your first instinct is probably to react defensively or aggressively, and rarely with curiosity and an openness to understand. You take "I don't trust you" as an attack on your character and an affront to your integrity. But trust is the foundation for strong, … [Read more...] about 5 actions to take when you hear, "I don’t trust you"