Law Office Manager

Managing the office

Seattle office provides financial education for staff

"People aren't necessarily financially literate," says Ann S. Callahan, human resources manager for Helsell Fetterman, a 30-staff, 30-attorney firm in Seattle. Personal finance "is not something they learn in school." As an HR person and a long-time administrator of 401k plans, Callahan has seen "a wide range of ways people use their plans and how they don't use them." She … [Read more...] about Seattle office provides financial education for staff

Here’s why the 2015 LMA Annual Conference is set to break attendance records

By Betsi Roach  bio More than thirteen hundred legal marketing and business development professionals will be convening in San Diego next month for the 2015 LMA (Legal Marketing Association) Annual Conference. Celebrating 30 years, LMA's flagship event brings together marketers from all specialties and experience levels representing law firm of all sizes, from AmLaw 50 to … [Read more...] about Here’s why the 2015 LMA Annual Conference is set to break attendance records

Standing desks—Fad or functional?

You might want to stand up for this: "Sitting is the new smoking" says a recent study on the economic impact of reduced physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. Indeed, it's well documented that we are, essentially, sitting far too much, and for far too long. The results of this have been shown to be negatively affecting our health, and waistlines. Unfortunately, studies … [Read more...] about Standing desks—Fad or functional?

Have you built a law office staff that cares?

By Catherine Jones bio Thanks to everyone who attended our webinar, “How to Build a Law Office Staff that Cares,” with Steve M. Cohen. The webinar recording is now available on the site, along with the presentation materials. One of the poll questions produced some results that I found particularly interesting. Question: What percentage of your current employees would you … [Read more...] about Have you built a law office staff that cares?

State and federal monitoring can make a manager’s life complicated

By Steve M. Cohen  bio Managers can be excused for pulling out their hair over government regulations, but some are more likely to impact your office than others. Every state has a human rights commission that is tasked with investigating charges made by employees against their employers in issues of fairness. The federal government has its own human rights … [Read more...] about State and federal monitoring can make a manager’s life complicated

How to end the jealousy when a sharp newcomer threatens the long timers

A tenet of management is that "people require care." And nowhere is that more evident than in the situation where a bright-eyed, eager, and well-qualified new staffer comes in—and threatens the long-term staffers. The cure is recognition, says Venus Opal Reese, PhD, a consultant for professional and business development. And it has to come fast, because left alone, the … [Read more...] about How to end the jealousy when a sharp newcomer threatens the long timers

What to do when a lawyer harasses staffers but no one complains

Question: One of our attorneys continuously makes inappropriate remarks to the staff. He thinks the remarks are funny. The staff don't complain, but what's said is obviously inappropriate. Everyone likes the lawyer, and the other lawyers want to keep him on staff. They have counselled with him, but he continues. What should we do? Answer: No office can afford to turn a blind … [Read more...] about What to do when a lawyer harasses staffers but no one complains

Model Tool: Sample dress code

Why you need this dress code: It would be nice if everyone understood what it means to be professional, but they don't. The reality is that staff often have to be taught how to behave. And part of being an administrator is teaching staff. How this dress code helps you: A written dress code is important, especially as business dress becomes more casual. If your firm doesn't have … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Sample dress code

How to help stressed-out employees

By Steve M. Cohen  bio Stress is actually a good thing—until it overloads people. This overloaded situation is actually called "dis-stress." The ability to accommodate stress is inherent in all of us, but how much stress we can manage is a personal matter. Anxiety, resulting from stress overload is not a good thing in anyone's life. What every office manager must … [Read more...] about How to help stressed-out employees