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
Managing the office
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
Year-End Reflections: Taking Stock of Your Law Office’s Successes and Challenges
As the end of the year approaches, it’s an ideal time to step back and reflect on your law office’s performance. Year-end reflections provide a valuable opportunity to evaluate what went well, identify areas for growth, and set the stage for a more effective and productive year ahead. By taking an honest inventory of your successes and challenges, you can help your firm thrive … [Read more...] about Year-End Reflections: Taking Stock of Your Law Office’s Successes and Challenges
Winter Safety Checklist for Parking Lots, Walkways, and Office Entrances
Winter weather can present significant safety challenges for office managers, employees, and visitors alike. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls, making it essential to take proactive measures to maintain safe and accessible conditions around your office. This comprehensive Winter Safety Checklist will help you address potential … [Read more...] about Winter Safety Checklist for Parking Lots, Walkways, and Office Entrances
Sending Holiday Cards? It’s Time to Get Cracking!
Sending holiday cards is a thoughtful way to show appreciation to your clients, colleagues, and business partners. With the end-of-year rush fast approaching, it’s important to start planning now to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s how you can break down the project so your cards are ready and out the door by early December. 1. Build Your List in Early November Begin … [Read more...] about Sending Holiday Cards? It’s Time to Get Cracking!
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 manage change
"The only constant in life is change." This timeless adage rings especially true in the dynamic world of legal practice. As a law office administrator, navigating changes—whether they stem from adopting new technology, undergoing organizational restructuring, or implementing revised policies and procedures—is essential for maintaining efficiency and fostering growth within your … [Read more...] about How to manage change
8 rules for running your office right, especially if it’s a small one
The smaller the office, the more the manager works under a microscope. Everybody sees everything that's going on and everything the manager does. For a new manager in that setting, the microscope gets even stronger because staff are watching to see who their new boss is. And if that new manager has been promoted from within, the scrutiny is unforgiving because it's coming … [Read more...] about 8 rules for running your office right, especially if it’s a small one