By Doug Striker bio We all know that using styles to format a Word document leads to more stable documents and efficient editing. But, are you efficiently applying styles? You can use a keyboard shortcut for any style, including built-in styles such as Normal and Heading 1, 2, etc. Some styles already have their own shortcuts, but you can change them, if you … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: How to create a keyboard shortcut for a Word Style
Managing the office
Missouri administrator tells how to move your office in just one weekend
A St. Louis administrator was able to complete an office move in just one weekend by dividing staff into teams and giving each one specific moving duties. The administrator of the nine-attorney, 23-staff office had been through a move before and had seen firsthand the difficulties. Mostly, she said, the hold-ups came because staff didn't know where to turn for questions. So … [Read more...] about Missouri administrator tells how to move your office in just one weekend
How to turn a bad annual review into a self-improvement action plan
We're all human. Anyone can get into situations that are less than successful. And anyone can meet with a bad job review. But the ship can be turned around, says Theresa Rose, a professional development consultant and speaker. It takes a positive response to the partners, a positive emotional attitude, and an ongoing effort to improve in the areas that matter to the … [Read more...] about How to turn a bad annual review into a self-improvement action plan
No, legal practice management software is not a requirement
By Diane L. Camacho, CLM bio We all want to become more organized, and it would be great if there were some sort of magic software that would allow us to organize our work and thoughts simply. Practice management software claims to be that magic. There must be hundreds of software solutions on the market for law firms. Developers see that we have a definite need to … [Read more...] about No, legal practice management software is not a requirement
Secrecy in the age of social media: six ways to keep sensitive practice information offline
You can be sure that most of your employees are active on social media. For younger ones, in fact, using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are as natural as breathing. According to James Pooley, author of "Secrets: Managing Information Assets in the Age of Cyberespionage," social media and the sharing culture it has sparked are very real threats to organizations. "The … [Read more...] about Secrecy in the age of social media: six ways to keep sensitive practice information offline
Use weekly financial reporting to keep partners aware of cash flow
A Vermont manager has found that running the financial reports weekly instead of monthly is an easy way for the partners to stay always aware and in control of what's going on. They see every penny that has come in and gone out. They know how each attorney and each practice area is faring. And they know when to expect extra expenses and what the taxes are likely to be. The … [Read more...] about Use weekly financial reporting to keep partners aware of cash flow
How to beat the workplace bully in your law office
Loss of good employees, low morale and communication breakdowns caused by office bullies are costing your law office plenty, says Dr. Lynne Curry, Regional Director of Training and Business Consulting for Avitus, a national firm with offices coast to coast According to Curry, more than 65 million American workers have either been bullied on the job or seen their coworkers … [Read more...] about How to beat the workplace bully in your law office
Orientation program sends new hires in the right direction
Staff orientation ensures a good start on the job. No matter what the work, the employer/employee relationship is made or broken in the first 90 days, says the director of administration at a 37-attorney office in California. It's during those first three months that people conclude either "I've made a good decision" or "What have I gotten myself into?" So to point new … [Read more...] about Orientation program sends new hires in the right direction
How to become a Microsoft Word ninja and boost your productivity
Legal professionals are under constant pressure to work more efficiently and effectively, and using technology can help them do both while lightening their workloads, according to Michelle Spencer, founder of the Legal Learning Development Network. "Microsoft Word is a tool that is used repeatedly each day, especially by those producing legal documents, which can be really … [Read more...] about How to become a Microsoft Word ninja and boost your productivity
3 steps a manager must take to end harmful gossip in the workplace
By Lynne Curry bio The conversation stops when you walk into the break room. Two employees look at each other, mouth "later," and head back to their desks. An hour later, you see another employee dart into the restroom and come out five minutes later with reddened eyes. You ask her "what's up?" and when she looks like she might burst into tears, you usher her into your … [Read more...] about 3 steps a manager must take to end harmful gossip in the workplace