While many attorneys cringe at the thought of creating a budget, there are five important reasons why your law firm needs one, says Elizabeth Miller, an independent law firm administrator and consultant. Budgets help law firms achieve long-term goals, such as growing their businesses or buying an office instead of renting office space. You can't spend money you … [Read more...] about How to create a budget for your law firm
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Specific acknowledgement and specific recognition create a happy, productive staff
What's the one element that makes people pleased to come to work every day? Appreciation from the boss. Appreciation is so important that the Department of Labor cites lack of it as the #1 reason people leave their jobs, says attorney and business coach Nora Riva Bergman of Real Life Practice in Tarpon Springs, Fl. And appreciation goes a long way, because it gets staff … [Read more...] about Specific acknowledgement and specific recognition create a happy, productive staff
Easy ways to make your law office healthier
Too often, law offices not only fail to promote staff health and well-being, they might actually detract from it. Why does it matter? A healthy workplace encourages staff engagement and productivity, which has a direct impact on the profitability of the practice. To evaluate your workplace, and make necessary improvements, take a close look at the following. Office … [Read more...] about Easy ways to make your law office healthier
Sample Budget Spreadsheet
Why you need this budget spreadsheet: While many attorneys cringe at the thought of creating a budget, there are several important reasons why your law firm needs one, including helping you prepare for unexpected expenses. How this budget spreadsheet helps you: This 12-month, month-by-month spreadsheet lists some common fixed expenses of a law firm. How to use this budget … [Read more...] about Sample Budget Spreadsheet
Do compensation plans drive succession planning results?
By Brenda A. Barnes bio Compensation—or lack thereof—drives many, if not most, succession plans. The most obvious reason for a succession plan is to compensate principals fairly for the firm they've built with their entrepreneurial spirit, including the physical assets and intellectual property they own, and for the money they've invested in their businesses. How to … [Read more...] about Do compensation plans drive succession planning results?
Easy-to-use interview system guarantees a good match between secretary and attorney
For secretarial interviews, an Ohio administrator uses the approach that includes everything—attorney input, staff input and even observations from the receptionist. At the 25-attorrney firm in Dayton, the administrator set up the system not only to make sure the applicant is qualified for the job but also to evaluate how well the secretary will work with the attorney and … [Read more...] about Easy-to-use interview system guarantees a good match between secretary and attorney
What’s the ‘employee experience’ like at your law firm?
Professionals have been talking about the customer experience and the candidate experience for years, so it was bound to happen. Another term is now being batted around in human resource and management circles: the employee experience. Before you dismiss it as another buzz term or, worse, a fad, consider the implications of ignoring this crucial aspect of managing your law … [Read more...] about What’s the ‘employee experience’ like at your law firm?
7 quick ways to jump-start your firm’s business development efforts
By David H. Freeman bio Every so often, you may think, "I could use some fresh ideas to jump-start the firm's business development efforts." Or perhaps the managing partner is looking to you for some input on how to grow the business. I have some resources that can help. Over the years, I've produced very short business development tips designed to trigger new … [Read more...] about 7 quick ways to jump-start your firm’s business development efforts
Matching your management style to your employee’s personality
Much like one bad apple, one bad employee can spoil the whole bunch in your office, says Dr. Steve Cohen, Principal, Lead HR Consultant at HR Solutions On-Call. Cohen, who is often described as a "mess management" expert for his ability to solve people problems for vulnerable organizations, says the typical job is always built on the issue of technical skills, but … [Read more...] about Matching your management style to your employee’s personality
How to handle same-sex office romances
Question: Two women who work at our office have recently become romantically involved—with each other. My problem isn't with the fact that they are both women, but that they are coworkers. How should I handle the situation? Answer: Workplace romance is a difficult topic for a manager to broach because it seems as if it's an intrusion on employees' personal lives. On the other … [Read more...] about How to handle same-sex office romances