Law Office Manager

Managing staff

Tackle silly problems with silly solutions and boost morale

For the small problems inherent in any office's staff, one manager has two easy solutions: humor and once-a-day positive notes. The humor comes in the form of silly contests to solve equally silly—though very human—problems. "They're nonsensical, but they reduce tension," says the Georgia office manager. One, for example, was an ongoing complaint that nobody replaced the … [Read more...] about Tackle silly problems with silly solutions and boost morale

Preventing an active shooter tragedy and saving your life

By Lynne Curry  bio According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace homicides are on the rise. Forty-four or 69.8% of the sixty-three incidents for which analysts have determined the incident's duration ended in less than five minutes. Twenty-two incidents ended in less than two minutes. Sixty percent of the incidents ended before police arrived on the … [Read more...] about Preventing an active shooter tragedy and saving your life

10 interview questions that reveal the true personality of every job applicant

Interviewing job candidates is perhaps the most serious responsibility of management. A bad hire is a full-time disaster, because the lawyers, the staff, and the manager spend more time with that person than they do with their own families. Interviewing is an artificial situation and managers get tricked by it. Everybody can have a pat answer to the standard questions of "what … [Read more...] about 10 interview questions that reveal the true personality of every job applicant

Emotional retention: New strategies to retain top talent

By Brenda Barnes  bio Great businesses are built with great people. In today's competitive employment market, it's hard enough to recruit those great people, but the real challenge is getting them to stay. Traditional retention strategies haven't worked so it's time to take a fresh look at how to keep the best people you have. Benefits vs. retention We often confuse … [Read more...] about Emotional retention: New strategies to retain top talent

A dozen cybersecurity tips for mobile device users

The vast majority of Americans—95%—now owns a cellphone of some kind, and the percentage of Americans with smartphones has risen to 77%. Navigating the waters of security in the wake of this expansive usage of mobile devices presents serious challenges for families and businesses alike. In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Illinois Bankers Association, … [Read more...] about A dozen cybersecurity tips for mobile device users

I started sending my team a weekly inspirational email and something extraordinary happened

By Robert Glazer  bio A few years ago I began the habit of getting up earlier and writing in my journal, taking the time to be reflective, appreciative, and grateful. I went over my goals each morning and my values. I devoted time to reading stories and quotations that inspired me. Finding, reading, and journaling about these pieces of inspiration soon became an … [Read more...] about I started sending my team a weekly inspirational email and something extraordinary happened

Firms spend average of $12,000 to recruit and train each entry-level lawyer

Newly minted associates may see employers extend more job offers, research indicates. Nearly one-quarter (22 percent) of lawyers recently interviewed by Robert Half Legal said their law firm plans to increase its hiring of first-year associates in the next 12 months, while 67 percent indicated no change in hiring activity and 7 percent plan a decrease. Not only are law firms … [Read more...] about Firms spend average of $12,000 to recruit and train each entry-level lawyer