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
Managing the office
Tick those unpleasant tasks off your to-do list
Avoiding something unpleasant is the main reason people procrastinate. Try one of these four approaches when you face an unpleasant task: Do it. There’s an adrenaline rush from knowing you’ve completed an unpleasant task. Finishing something you’ve been putting off will energize you for the rest of the day. Don’t do it yet. If you’re not sure what to do, putting off … [Read more...] about Tick those unpleasant tasks off your to-do list
Cost-cutting strategies for law firms
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio After much resistance, kicking and screaming, lawyers are finally facing the reality that the business of practicing law is separate from the practice of law. What exactly does this mean? It means that a law practice is a business and from a management standpoint it needs to be run like a business or the practice will fail. We all know that the … [Read more...] about Cost-cutting strategies for law firms
How to Give Your Collections Engine a Tuneup
When your collections process is humming along, cash flow stays steady, and everyone from partners to vendors feels confident. But over time, even the most efficient collections system can start to sputter. Let’s talk about how to give your collections machine a tuneup so you can keep your financial engine running strong. 1. Revisit Your Billing and Invoicing Processes Start … [Read more...] about How to Give Your Collections Engine a Tuneup
Spreadsheet savvy is vital to law office administration
In the dynamic landscape of legal administration, adept management of data and information is paramount. Law office managers serve as the backbone of law firms, ensuring smooth operations, client satisfaction, and adherence to regulatory requirements. Amidst the myriad responsibilities they shoulder, proficiency in utilizing spreadsheets emerges as a cornerstone skill, … [Read more...] about Spreadsheet savvy is vital to law office administration
Big changes: How to navigate a law office merger
The merger of law offices is a significant event that can reshape the landscape of a legal practice. As a law office manager, you play a central role in ensuring a smooth transition during this process. Office mergers present unique challenges and opportunities, and this article aims to provide guidance on how to navigate them effectively. Understanding the Merger … [Read more...] about Big changes: How to navigate a law office merger
4 common problems in law offices, and some solutions
Like any other workplace, law offices face their fair share of challenges. From managing administrative tasks to fostering effective communication, it's important to identify and tackle these issues proactively. In this article, we will discuss some common problems in law offices and provide possible solutions to help you enhance efficiency and productivity in your firm. 1 … [Read more...] about 4 common problems in law offices, and some solutions
5 things you should never say to your staffers
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
January To-Do List for a Busy Law Office Manager
January marks the start of a new year, bringing opportunities to review, plan, and set your law office up for success. It’s the ideal time to address lingering tasks from the previous year while laying the groundwork for a productive and efficient year ahead. Here’s a detailed to-do list tailored to the needs of a busy law office manager. 1. Year-End Wrap-Up Ensure … [Read more...] about January To-Do List for a Busy Law Office Manager
The Ultimate Guide to Streamlining Law Office Operations in 2025
Running a law office is no small feat. With tight deadlines, demanding clients, and complex regulations, inefficiencies can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. That’s why streamlining operations is more critical than ever in 2025. By optimizing your processes, adopting smart tools, and empowering your team, you can transform your law office into a model of efficiency and … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Guide to Streamlining Law Office Operations in 2025