Law Office Manager

Managing the office

Colorado practice cuts costs by hiring IT staffer

Manager Arlene Zimmerman had an IT cost awakening when the computer went down. She called in the vendor's tech support and paid $100 to find out the computer was simply unplugged. "I told myself 'never again!'" says Zimmerman, who manages a professional office in Colorado. So she started on a path of building up as much IT support as possible in-house—and getting the training … [Read more...] about Colorado practice cuts costs by hiring IT staffer

Is your coworker like one of the family or is one of the family?

By Steve M. Cohen  bio Let me preface this blog on nepotism by stating there is clearly a place for family businesses and organizations where related people work together for the good of the family cause and the good of the organization. That said, there are also organizations where familial relationships exist that are not always for the good of the cause. Often, … [Read more...] about Is your coworker like one of the family or is one of the family?

Handling the complaints

This is one of those practical solutions that come from years of experience dealing with people: It's how to handle one staffer's complaint about another. A manager gets all sorts of complaints, says office administrator Patricia Board. Some are serious "and some are petty." It may be that Staffer A is always visiting instead of working or that Staffer B is doing something … [Read more...] about Handling the complaints

3 proven ways to make firing easier on everyone

1 Do it Friday afternoon While some human resources experts say firing is best done in the middle of the week, most recommend doing it on Friday afternoon. That time is best for the office, because it lessens the possibility that the person will set up a support group in the hours immediately following. It also eliminates the possibility that the person will stay around and … [Read more...] about 3 proven ways to make firing easier on everyone

How secure is your content in cyber space?

www.Hackmageddon.com has released its timeline of the most notable cyber security breaches that occurred in the first half of October 2014. According to the timeline, in just 15 days, there were 46 attacks, with a wide range of targets and objectives. If you're concerned about how to protect your law practice against costly and destructive cyber attacks, register now for our … [Read more...] about How secure is your content in cyber space?

Model Tool: Office move checklist

Why you need this checklist: When moving offices, there is no room for error. For every day the attorneys can't get into the new location or can't see their clients, the practice is out of business. The key to success is good planning. How this checklist helps you: This checklist contains essential items you must consider for a successful move. How to use this … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Office move checklist

Employee rules change dramatically with 50 and up

By Steve M. Cohen  bio When it comes to sick leave in your office of 50 or more employees, you have to follow the doctor's orders regardless of whether or not you think the reason for the leave is justified. Because most office managers are so singularly focused on their firm, they are appalled to learn of all the limitations placed upon them by government rules and … [Read more...] about Employee rules change dramatically with 50 and up

How the Affordable Care Act affects your office policies and practices

You’ve heard a lot of talk about Obamacare, officially known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But do you know how how ACA affects your office as an employer? The ACA imposes new obligations on employers. Some of these are already in effect and are continuing obligations you should be satisfying, but others don't kick in until next year or later. Review our summary of the key … [Read more...] about How the Affordable Care Act affects your office policies and practices