By Doug Striker Clients are increasingly asking law firms to prove tech competency before signing contracts for work. Why? Because they know that good tech skills translate into more efficient production, which translates into more bang for their buck. Simply put: Clients don’t want to pay high hourly rates if the people producing the work don’t know how to, say, format a … [Read more...] about Prove tech competency at your law firm
Working with lawyers
7 steps to effective document management
In the legal industry, documents serve as the lifeblood of cases, transactions, and client relationships. Efficient document management ensures that crucial information is easily accessible, reducing the risk of errors and missed deadlines. Moreover, a well-organized document system enhances collaboration among team members, fosters compliance with legal requirements, and … [Read more...] about 7 steps to effective document management
How law firm managers can get a better night’s sleep
By Brenda Barnes bio It's a common problem for law firm managers: lost sleep over those gnawing concerns about what they "don't know" about their practice and what they could be doing better. These are some of the top sleep deprivers affecting our clients: Growing the top line of business and keeping the competitive edge Making sure they have the right people in the … [Read more...] about How law firm managers can get a better night’s sleep
6 realities about client billing and how to address them
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Nothing strikes a nerve with clients more than having to pay legal fees. I am not sure why, but some clients think it is acceptable to expect their lawyers to work for free, something they don't expect anyone else to do. In today's economy, clients are looking for reduced legal fees and results. Value billing and flat fee billing structures are … [Read more...] about 6 realities about client billing and how to address them
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
To-Dos: Your March office checklist
March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. That's outside, where winter storms give way to springtime calm. Inside, there can also be a whirlwind of activity, especially if you're tackling office-wide organizational and spring-cleaning projects. If this is the month you strive to bring order to the firm, here are some tasks you can tackle. The office: 1. … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your March office checklist
Attorneys who DIY: What it actually costs your firm
By Diane L. Camacho bio As I work with small law firms and solo attorneys, I see time and time again, attorneys doing work and not getting paid for it. It isn't marketing or CLE sessions that I'm talking about. It is work that you can't bill for and someone else can do for you—someone who is an expert in their field. For example, let's say your firm has decided they need … [Read more...] about Attorneys who DIY: What it actually costs your firm
How to prioritize law firm management tasks
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio What's the most important task you have to tackle today? Do you have so many you can't decide which to address first? In law firms, priorities change from day to day and even moment to moment. The truth of the matter is that there are often competing priorities. And unless there is an obvious crisis, it's sometimes not that easy to decide which … [Read more...] about How to prioritize law firm management tasks
Fostering a business development mindset: Empowering lawyers in your office
Business development is not typically the first thing that comes to mind for many lawyers, whose primary focus is often on legal expertise and client representation. However, in today's competitive legal landscape, developing a business mindset is essential for both individual career growth and the success of a law office. As a law office administrator, you can play a pivotal … [Read more...] about Fostering a business development mindset: Empowering lawyers in your office
Could you be doing more to make your receivables less?
Unpaid invoices and overdue accounts can lead to cash flow issues, hinder business growth, and strain client relationships. Consider these strategies to help you keep receivables low and improve the overall financial stability of your firm. Clear and Detailed Fee Agreements The foundation of any successful receivables management strategy begins with transparent and … [Read more...] about Could you be doing more to make your receivables less?