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
Hiring
How to negotiate with employment agencies
As a law office administrator, you may frequently need to engage with employment agencies to find the right talent for your firm. Whether you're hiring temporary staff or looking for permanent employees, negotiating effectively with these agencies is crucial to securing the best candidates at competitive rates. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these negotiations with … [Read more...] about How to negotiate with employment agencies
How you can support associates’ professional development
As a law office manager, you 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
Law class of 2023 shatters employment records
A new report shows the law school graduating class of 2023 broke records for employment. The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) has released its Employment for the Class of 2023 — Selected Findings, a summary of key outcomes from the upcoming annual Jobs & JDs: Employment and Salaries of New Law School Graduates. NALP began tracking employment data in 1974, … [Read more...] about Law class of 2023 shatters employment records
6 ways formal job descriptions benefit your law office
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 Another argument is that because job tasks tend to change, job descriptions quickly become outdated.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
Demand for law talent is down, way down
Demand for new talent at law firms is down, making this the softest recruiting cycle since the Great Recession. NALP, an association of legal professionals, has released its Perspectives on 2023 Law Student Recruiting report which reflects how the market is readjusting from the post-pandemic hiring surge that seems to have left many law firms with talent levels that are … [Read more...] about Demand for law talent is down, way down
5 best onboarding practices for law office administrators
Efficient onboarding processes are crucial for integrating new employees seamlessly into the law office organization. As the gatekeepers of operational effectiveness, law firm administrators play a pivotal role in ensuring that the onboarding experience is not only smooth but also sets the stage for long-term success. By implementing best practices in onboarding, administrators … [Read more...] about 5 best onboarding practices for law office administrators
Firms put the brakes on lateral hiring in 2023 – falling 35% from 2022
The lateral hiring market showed continued signs of a course correction in 2023, with lateral lawyer hiring down 35% overall, following 2022’s decline of 11.5%, according to the latest analyses from NALP’s 2023 Lateral Hiring Survey. NALP is an association of more than 3,000 legal career professionals who advise law students, lawyers, law offices, and law schools in North … [Read more...] about Firms put the brakes on lateral hiring in 2023 – falling 35% from 2022
Creating a neurodiverse-friendly workplace
In today’s diverse and inclusive work environment, it’s imperative for office managers to create an atmosphere where all employees, including neurodivergent individuals, can thrive. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. By adopting strategies to support neurodivergent employees, you’re not only enhancing … [Read more...] about Creating a neurodiverse-friendly workplace
New research: Tech skills gap is bad amid rapid change
Rapid change, evolving business priorities and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) have created a significant challenge for today’s tech leaders: critical skills gaps on their teams. This is according to a new report, Building Future-Forward Tech Teams, from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half. More than half of technology leaders surveyed (52 per … [Read more...] about New research: Tech skills gap is bad amid rapid change