Small businesses, including legal practices, often try to get by without formal job descriptions. The thinking is the manager knows what each position requires, and she or he can share this information with job candidates and new hires. Another argument is that because job tasks tend to change, job descriptions quickly become outdated. Neither of these arguments takes … [Read more...] about 6 ways formal job descriptions benefit your law office
Hiring
How you can support associates’ professional development
The law office administrator can have a significant impact on the professional development of your associates. By fostering a culture that encourages continuous learning, providing mentorship opportunities, and promoting growth, you can help build a stronger, more capable team. Here’s how you can play a pivotal role in supporting your associates’ professional development. 1. … [Read more...] about How you can support associates’ professional development
Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding a records manager
Hiring a records manager for your law office is a critical task. A good records manager ensures your firm’s sensitive legal documents are properly organized, stored, and compliant with all regulatory requirements. From maintaining digital archives to overseeing physical files, the role demands precision and confidentiality. Here’s how to effectively recruit, hire, and onboard … [Read more...] about Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding a records manager
Here’s how to hire or contract a courier/court runner
Hiring or contracting a courier or court runner is a crucial decision for a law office. These professionals play an essential role in ensuring that important legal documents, court filings, and deliveries are handled with efficiency and precision. Whether you choose to hire an employee or contract the role out, finding the right person is key. Here’s how you can recruit, … [Read more...] about Here’s how to hire or contract a courier/court runner
How to write a job description
Writing a job description for a job in a law office requires careful consideration of the role's responsibilities, qualifications, and the overall culture of the office. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective job description: 1. Job Title: Choose a clear and concise job title that accurately reflects the position. For example, "Legal Assistant," … [Read more...] about How to write a job description
Covering Cases and Crises: How Temp Staff Keep Your Law Office Moving
Staffing a law office comes with its challenges—tight deadlines, fluctuating caseloads, and unexpected absences can create gaps that need to be filled quickly. That’s where temporary and contract employees can play a vital role. Whether you’re covering for an employee on leave, managing a sudden influx of cases, or handling a special project, temp staff can provide the … [Read more...] about Covering Cases and Crises: How Temp Staff Keep Your Law Office Moving
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
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
Law Firm Lateral Hiring Expands in 2024, Fueled by Associate Recruitment
Recuitment of associates drove an expansion in lateral hiring for law firms last year. Following a two-year market downturn, lateral hiring bounced back in 2024, with hiring growing nearly 14% overall and lateral associate hiring rising by almost 25%, according 2024 Lateral Hiring Survey just released by NALP. Partner lateral hiring increased by a modest 2%, while the hiring of … [Read more...] about Law Firm Lateral Hiring Expands in 2024, Fueled by Associate Recruitment
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