By Diane L. Camacho bio As I work with small law firms and solo attorneys, I see time and time again, attorneys doing work and not getting paid for it. It isn't marketing or CLE sessions that I'm talking about. It is work that you can't bill for and someone else can do for you—someone who is an expert in their field. For example, let's say your firm has decided they need … [Read more...] about Attorneys who DIY: What it actually costs your firm
Managing the office
Model Retainer Agreement
Why you need this Model Retainer Agreement: Many clients don't like to pay their legal bills and without having measures in place to ensure payments, law firms can run into huge headaches. One best practice is to lay out your billing arrangements and hourly fees charged by partners, associates, and paralegals in your retainer agreement. How this Model Retainer Agreement helps … [Read more...] about Model Retainer Agreement
Model Policy: Office Room Temperature
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for maintaining a comfortable and productive work environment for all staff and clients by regulating the temperature in the law office. By implementing this office temperature policy, the law office aims to maintain a comfortable and productive work environment for all staff and clients. Consistent communication, … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Office Room Temperature
Try the Inbox Zero method to bring those emails under control
Is your email inbox a stress-inducing mess of unanswered emails? Here’s something you can try to put it in order and keep it that way. Inbox Zero is a time management and email productivity strategy developed by productivity expert Merlin Mann. The concept revolves around the idea of keeping your email inbox empty or close to empty by consistently processing and … [Read more...] about Try the Inbox Zero method to bring those emails under control
Harnessing voice technology for seamless operations
In the realm of modern legal practice, the integration of technology has become increasingly crucial for optimizing operations and maintaining a competitive edge. Among the array of technological innovations available, voice technology has emerged as a game-changer for law office administrators. Consider the ways in which voice technology can be harnessed to streamline various … [Read more...] about Harnessing voice technology for seamless operations
You can run, but you can’t hide from Gen Z
By Lynne Curry “I simply don’t hire them.” According to research, that’s the attitude of 94 percent of business leaders who avoid hiring Gen Z employees, those born between 1997 and 2012. Why? According to 1,243 recently surveyed business leaders, Gen Zers bring with them have a sense of entitlement, a deficient work ethic and sub-par communication skills. Half of these … [Read more...] about You can run, but you can’t hide from Gen Z
10 ways to reduce time-wasting meetings
Meetings are an essential part of the collaborative work environment in a law office. However, excessive and unproductive meetings can lead to wasted time and hinder the efficiency of your legal team. As a law office administrator, it is crucial to optimize staff time and resources. In this article, we will explore practical strategies to help law office administrators reduce … [Read more...] about 10 ways to reduce time-wasting meetings
Notice to Client of Increase in Hourly Rate
Why you need this Model Notice to Client: Clients should be notified in writing of any fee increases 30 days in advance. This protects both the firm and the client. Informing your client of what to expect and when to expect it will help your client prepare for the extra expense. How this Model Notice to Client helps you: The Notice needs to be clear, brief, and readable. … [Read more...] about Notice to Client of Increase in Hourly Rate
Model Billing Statement
Why you need this Model Billing Statement: Many clients don't like to pay their legal bills and without having measures in place to ensure payments, law firms can run into huge headaches. One best practice is to ensure that your billing statement clearly outlines what services your clients are receiving for their money. How this Model Billing Statement helps you: Use this … [Read more...] about Model Billing Statement
Model Form: Applause Sheet
Why you need this model Applause Sheet: This is a quick and easy way to help develop and maintain positive relationships among the people in your office. How this model Applause Sheet helps you: Using this form at your regular staff meetings may not only end negative attitudes among staff, it might also help keep a positive attitude going indefinitely. How to use this model … [Read more...] about Model Form: Applause Sheet