Billing for paralegal and support staff work can be a valuable way to maximize a law firm’s revenue—when done correctly. However, improper billing practices can lead to client disputes, ethical violations, and even disciplinary action. As a law office manager, you play a key role in ensuring that your firm’s billing for non-attorney work is both ethical and compliant with … [Read more...] about Billing for Paralegal and Support Staff Work: What’s Permissible?
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Unlocking Profitability: How Streamlining Administrative Work Frees Up More Billable Hours
You know the drill—attorneys are constantly juggling client work, legal research, and court deadlines, but behind the scenes, a mountain of administrative tasks eats away at their billable hours. As a law office manager, one of your biggest opportunities to increase profitability is streamlining these non-billable tasks so attorneys can focus on what they do best: practicing … [Read more...] about Unlocking Profitability: How Streamlining Administrative Work Frees Up More Billable Hours
Office Policy & HR Compliance Checklist
Maintaining a well-structured office policy and ensuring HR compliance is essential for a law office to operate smoothly and legally. This checklist serves as a comprehensive guide to help law office managers stay on top of critical HR responsibilities, from updating employee handbooks to ensuring compliance with employment laws. By following these steps, you can create a more … [Read more...] about Office Policy & HR Compliance Checklist
Oversharing: Can You Please Curb Your TMI?
By Lynne Curry When “Heather” met with her boss to request a week of personal leave, she didn’t intend to spill her deepest secrets. But Heather needed someone to understand—the sleepless nights, the gut-wrenching choice, the unbearable fear of raising a child with birth defects. Her boss listened without judgment. Still, in the days that followed, Heather couldn’t … [Read more...] about Oversharing: Can You Please Curb Your TMI?
Never Miss a Call: How a Virtual Receptionist Can Transform Your Law Office
Running a law office means managing a constant flow of client calls, appointment scheduling, and case-related inquiries—all while keeping your team focused on legal work. If ringing phones are pulling your staff away from important tasks or you’re worried about missing a potential client’s call, a virtual receptionist could be the solution you need. A virtual receptionist is a … [Read more...] about Never Miss a Call: How a Virtual Receptionist Can Transform Your Law Office
Managing policies, technology, and support systems for remote and hybrid work
The world of work has undergone a significant transformation, and like many, your law office is probably embracing remote and hybrid work models. As the person who keeps everything running smoothly, you play a crucial role in making this transition successful. Let's talk about how you can effectively implement and manage the necessary policies, technology, and support systems … [Read more...] about Managing policies, technology, and support systems for remote and hybrid work
Law Office Data Security and Privacy Audit Checklist
As legal practices handle sensitive client information, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of this data is paramount. A comprehensive audit of data security and privacy practices helps identify vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and implement best practices to safeguard information. Use this checklist as a guide to … [Read more...] about Law Office Data Security and Privacy Audit Checklist
10-point review on safeguarding client data
In the digital age, safeguarding client data has become a paramount concern for law offices. Legal practices handle sensitive information daily, making them prime targets for data breaches and cyberattacks. As a law office administrator, you bear the responsibility of ensuring that client data is protected with the highest level of security. Here are some essential strategies … [Read more...] about 10-point review on safeguarding client data
Checklist: When a staffer departs
When a staff member leaves the law office, it’s important to ensure a smooth and secure transition. This checklist will help you cover all the necessary steps for offboarding a departing staff member, whether they are leaving voluntarily or due to termination. 1. Documentation and Communication Collect Resignation Letter or Termination Notice Ensure that the resignation … [Read more...] about Checklist: When a staffer departs
Navigating client confidentiality in the digital age
In today's technology-driven world, managing client confidentiality is more complex than ever before. As a law office manager, you're at the forefront of ensuring that sensitive client information remains secure and protected, even as you embrace the tools and conveniences of the digital age. This responsibility is critical—not only for maintaining your firm's reputation but … [Read more...] about Navigating client confidentiality in the digital age