It happens every January. The firm makes grand resolutions to improve the financial performance. But by spring, the attorneys get bogged down in their old habits. It's the administrator's job to keep the attorneys focused on their financial resolves, because their abilities and interests lie far more in law than in business. Take a hard look now at what's going on financially … [Read more...] about Keep profits on track with this quick 5-point spring financial checkup
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Who’s the real person you plan to hire? Can social media help you decide?
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D., SPHR bio The applicant knocked it out of the park with both his resume and his answers to your interview questions. The references he provided gave positive reports. Do you make the offer? Not so fast. Have you fully checked out the real person behind the resume and interview answers? If you search him out on social media, will you find posts … [Read more...] about Who’s the real person you plan to hire? Can social media help you decide?
Got troublesome staff? These five easy rules may make your job easier
Here are five easy rules that will make the job of managing difficult people a little easier—or at least make it go more smoothly. They are outlined by Monica Wofford, MBA, CSP, principal of Contagious Companies, a leadership training company, and author of "Make Difficult People Disappear." Rule #1: Address problems consistently Face the problem people. And don't be … [Read more...] about Got troublesome staff? These five easy rules may make your job easier
How to create a good mental health work environment for employees
Most people are aware that employees with a physical illness or disability are entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). But it's not as commonly known that those with mental disabilities are also covered by the ADA and FMLA, according to a new XpertHR report on mental health … [Read more...] about How to create a good mental health work environment for employees
How to create a budget for your law firm
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
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