Without realizing it, a manager can create conflict. It comes from the way staff’s interruptions, questions, and suggestions get handled. Here are five automatic and all too common bad responses. 1 “I don’t have time for that now” A staffer comes in with a question, the manager is in the middle of work, and the response is “not now” or “can’t you take care of that … [Read more...] about 5 things you should never say to your staffers
Managing staff
10 Ways to Build an Environment of Continuous Learning for Your Admin Staff
As a law office manager, you know that an efficient and skilled administrative team is the backbone of your practice. But the legal world doesn’t stand still—laws change, technology evolves, and client expectations grow. To keep your team sharp and your office running smoothly, it’s essential to foster an environment of continuous learning. Here’s how to create a culture where … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Build an Environment of Continuous Learning for Your Admin Staff
Manager, Brace Yourself: The January Resignation Rush Is Coming
By Lynne Curry “My job’s been a pressure cooker of rush projects, travel and late-night emails for the last two years. The final straw came on Christmas. My boss decided I’d be the one to cover any calls, as everyone else was married. After that, it wasn’t a difficult decision. I’m trading my corporate paycheck for peace of mind and evenings and weekends off. My new job … [Read more...] about Manager, Brace Yourself: The January Resignation Rush Is Coming
Surviving the Earthquake of a Law Firm Takeover, Merger, or Acquisition
When a takeover, merger, or acquisition shakes up your law firm, it can feel like the ground beneath your feet has shifted. As a law office administrator, you’re often at the epicenter of the change, balancing leadership expectations, staff concerns, and operational disruptions. While the tremors may feel overwhelming, with the right approach, you can emerge stronger and more … [Read more...] about Surviving the Earthquake of a Law Firm Takeover, Merger, or Acquisition
Continuous career progression is a way to make staff stay
In the highly competitive legal industry, retaining talented staff is a critical challenge for you as a law office manager. Continuous career progression is a proactive and strategic approach to career development that involves the ongoing enhancement of skills, experiences, and responsibilities over time. This continuous process not only boosts job satisfaction and … [Read more...] about Continuous career progression is a way to make staff stay
Performance Reviews: Love Them, Hate Them, or Just Survive Them
Managers have mixed feelings about performance reviews, reflecting both their potential benefits and significant challenges. Many recognize the importance of performance reviews for employee development and organizational alignment. However, traditional review methods often come under criticism for being ineffective and overly time-consuming ... and stressful for both … [Read more...] about Performance Reviews: Love Them, Hate Them, or Just Survive Them
HR Update: Employers Deploy the Perk Police
By Lynne Curry Question: My employer fired me this morning for an “offense” so minor it’s laughable—especially since dozens of other employees do the same thing. Here’s what happened. My employer issues meal vouchers employees can use if they have pizza or sandwiches delivered to them at their desks when they’re working through lunch or into the evening. Since I … [Read more...] about HR Update: Employers Deploy the Perk Police
Exploring the Four-Day Workweek: A Map for Law Office Administrators
As the conversation around workplace flexibility continues to evolve, the four-day workweek is gaining attention across various industries, including the legal sector. There have been some developments in the United States regarding the potential shift to a four-day workweek, but no widespread changes to federal employment laws have been enacted … [Read more...] about Exploring the Four-Day Workweek: A Map for Law Office Administrators
Just promoted to office manager? Follow these 9 critical rules to avoid problems managing former friends and colleagues
Getting promoted to office manager can be a mixed blessing. As a former staffer, the new manager comes into the job knowing the good performers, the bad performers, the shortcuts, the troublemakers—and a few secrets. But the former peers also know their new boss, including strengths, weaknesses, and what buttons to push. Along with that, they are wondering how their … [Read more...] about Just promoted to office manager? Follow these 9 critical rules to avoid problems managing former friends and colleagues
Cross-train your staff: Benefits, strategies & examples
Cross-training your law office staff can be a game-changer, allowing your team to become more versatile, efficient, and adaptable. By equipping your employees with a broader skill set, you're better prepared to handle the diverse demands of the legal profession. Consider the following advantages of cross-training and examples of administrative duties where cross-training can … [Read more...] about Cross-train your staff: Benefits, strategies & examples