Law Office Manager

Working with lawyers

How to Manage Conflict Between Attorneys and Support Staff (Without Taking Sides)

You hear a paralegal venting to a coworker in the break room: "I can't work like this! He dumps last-minute filings on my desk and expects them done yesterday." Meanwhile, the attorney claims the assistant "just isn't responsive enough."Situations like this aren't unusual in a law office — but they can quickly escalate if not handled carefully. As the manager, you're often the … [Read more...] about How to Manage Conflict Between Attorneys and Support Staff (Without Taking Sides)

To-Dos: Your May office checklist

It can be difficult to focus on work this month. May is when many of us come down with spring fever, yearning to get outside in the garden or the golf course. So this month's checklist is a nice balance of business and pleasure. 1. Start planning coverages for summer vacations. Many firms do not use temporary legal assistants or secretaries anymore. With stepped up … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your May office checklist

Your Role in Preventing Malpractice as a Law Office Administrator

You may not be drafting motions or standing in court, but your role as a law office administrator is absolutely central to safeguarding the firm against malpractice. The systems you build, the processes you enforce, and the oversight you provide all contribute to a legal environment where deadlines are met, client information is protected, and the risk of professional liability … [Read more...] about Your Role in Preventing Malpractice as a Law Office Administrator

Summer Associate Recruiting Shifts Away from On-Campus Interviews

For the first time in decades, law firms are no longer primarily utilizing on-campus interviewing (OCI) to recruit students. The historic shift in recruiting is identified by NALP in its Perspectives on 2024 Law Student Recruiting annual report. As alternative methods like direct application and early interview programs (EIP) gained traction, the recruiting cycle moved earlier … [Read more...] about Summer Associate Recruiting Shifts Away from On-Campus Interviews

17 productivity tips for law office managers

In the fast-paced world of law, juggling administrative tasks can be a daunting challenge. But don't worry—by prioritizing your daily tasks, organizing your workspace, and leveraging the right tools and strategies, you can turn chaos into order and boost your productivity. Let's dive into practical tips to help you manage your workload effectively and keep your law office … [Read more...] about 17 productivity tips for law office managers

To make a point, use the body language that supports your words

Few managers realize that successful communication depends heavily on body language. When people don't get the response they expect, they need to understand that their bodies aren't sending the messages they think they're conveying. Much of the message that gets picked up in a conversation comes from motions and gestures. And it works both ways. A manager has to know body … [Read more...] about To make a point, use the body language that supports your words

Supporting Law Firm Partners and Protecting the Practice: Addressing Alcohol Concerns with Care

If you suspect that a partner has an issue with alcohol that is affecting their work, it is a delicate yet urgent matter that requires careful handling. Addressing this situation with professionalism, discretion, and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines is essential for the well-being of the partner, the staff, and the firm as a whole. Here’s how to approach this … [Read more...] about Supporting Law Firm Partners and Protecting the Practice: Addressing Alcohol Concerns with Care

Looking for a job promotion? Relationships are critical

It makes good business sense—and is respectful professional etiquette—to stay in touch with your former bosses, says Allison & Taylor, the nation’s oldest professional reference checking firm. As your career advances, your efforts to stay connected with past employers could pay dividends many times over when they provide you with favorable professional … [Read more...] about Looking for a job promotion? Relationships are critical

Clients cite their top 6 turnoff points with law firms

Don't jeopardize repeat business by unwittingly antagonizing the clients. Keeping them satisfied is a worthwhile investment. Lose one client and you have to work twice as hard to find someone else. An Illinois firm developed a list of client turn-offs after it conducted a series of client satisfaction surveys. The firm began its research informally with one-on-one discussions … [Read more...] about Clients cite their top 6 turnoff points with law firms

Case file organization checklist for law office administrators

Maintaining an organized and efficient case file management system is essential to ensuring that your team can work effectively and that clients receive the best possible representation. This checklist is designed to help you streamline the process, minimize errors, and keep everything running smoothly. Whether you're dealing with physical files, digital records, or a … [Read more...] about Case file organization checklist for law office administrators