Starting a new role as an office manager can be an exciting yet challenging experience. It’s not uncommon to feel a bit overwhelmed in the beginning, but by taking proactive steps, you can build your confidence and excel in your new position. Here are some valuable tips to help you grow in your role as an office manager: 1. Understand Your … [Read more...] about 10 Steps to Build Your Confidence as a New Office Manager
Managing staff
Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think
It’s easy to get swept up in the to-do lists, reports, scheduling, and troubleshooting that fill an office manager’s day. You’re juggling a hundred moving pieces, and just getting through the day without a printer jam or a staff meltdown feels like a win. But amid the whirlwind, there’s one small habit that can make a big difference—for morale, for relationships, and even for … [Read more...] about Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think
To Make a Point, Use the Body Language that Supports Your Words
Few managers realize that successful communication depends heavily on body language. When people don't get the response they expect, they need to understand that their bodies aren't sending the messages they think they're conveying. Much of the message that gets picked up in a conversation comes from motions and gestures. And it works both ways. A manager has to know body … [Read more...] about To Make a Point, Use the Body Language that Supports Your Words
Building a Future-Ready Law Office: How to Embrace New Legal Tech Without Disrupting Your Team
Adopting new technology can feel a little like trying to fix a moving car. You know your law office needs to stay competitive, efficient, and secure, but introducing change without causing confusion—or outright resistance—can be tricky. The good news is, you can guide your team through a tech transition smoothly by being intentional about how you approach it. Start by … [Read more...] about Building a Future-Ready Law Office: How to Embrace New Legal Tech Without Disrupting Your Team
8 Proven Ways to Totally Destroy Your Credibility as a Manager
A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both attorneys and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things—the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 Proven Ways to Totally Destroy Your Credibility as a Manager
How to Manage Conflict Between Attorneys and Support Staff (Without Taking Sides)
You hear a paralegal venting to a coworker in the break room: "I can't work like this! He dumps last-minute filings on my desk and expects them done yesterday." Meanwhile, the attorney claims the assistant "just isn't responsive enough."Situations like this aren't unusual in a law office — but they can quickly escalate if not handled carefully. As the manager, you're often the … [Read more...] about How to Manage Conflict Between Attorneys and Support Staff (Without Taking Sides)
Supporting Law Firm Partners and Protecting the Practice: Addressing Alcohol Concerns with Care
If you suspect that a partner has an issue with alcohol that is affecting their work, it is a delicate yet urgent matter that requires careful handling. Addressing this situation with professionalism, discretion, and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines is essential for the well-being of the partner, the staff, and the firm as a whole. Here’s how to approach this … [Read more...] about Supporting Law Firm Partners and Protecting the Practice: Addressing Alcohol Concerns with Care
How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Managing staff schedules in a law office can feel like an endless game of chess—one where the rules keep changing and the pieces sometimes disappear. Between court dates, client meetings, vacations, and last-minute emergencies, keeping everyone’s schedule aligned can be a serious challenge. But with the right strategies, you can keep things running smoothly without pulling your … [Read more...] about How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Personalize Incentives to Enhance Motivation for Law Office Staff
In a law office where deadlines loom large and client needs demand attention, fostering motivation and engagement among staff members is crucial. While traditional incentives like Starbucks cards or Amazon gift certificates have their place, law office administrators can elevate employee morale and productivity by embracing a more personalized approach to recognition and … [Read more...] about Personalize Incentives to Enhance Motivation for Law Office Staff
How to Handle Chronically Late Staffers Without Losing Your Cool
You’ve probably dealt with it more than once: that one staffer who always seems to stroll in 10, 15, or even 30 minutes late. Not just once in a while—but regularly. It throws off team dynamics, irritates coworkers, and sends the message that punctuality is optional. The trick is handling it without creating unnecessary drama—or letting it slide until it becomes a major … [Read more...] about How to Handle Chronically Late Staffers Without Losing Your Cool