Law Office Manager

Working with lawyers

6 proven strategies to make the most of revenues to build profits

Improving the billing turnaround time, increasing the number of attorneys, cutting the expenses: All help the bottom line, but there are higher level issues that require as much or more of the financial attention. The firm's success calls for going past counting the money to evaluating the data, optimising the profit margin, keeping the billing rates up, and getting rid of … [Read more...] about 6 proven strategies to make the most of revenues to build profits

Wish you’d never said that? Here’s how to save the day and perhaps your job

When you're working in a high-stress environment, it's not uncommon for tempers to flare and words said that shouldn't be. It's unfortunate and, often, unprofessional. And it needs to be corrected as soon as possible. If you've directed an outburst at the boss or made a hurtful remark to your staff, damage control is in order. Mostly, that means an apology—either for what … [Read more...] about Wish you’d never said that? Here’s how to save the day and perhaps your job

3 onboarding mistakes that put retention at risk

By Dina Eisenberg  bio This is a tight market for legal professionals. The demand for paralegals is expected to rise 8% by 2022. If you've found the paralegal, legal assistant, or other legal professional that you want to add to your team, it makes perfect sense to create a remarkable, meaningful onboarding experience so you can retain your great find. Today's legal … [Read more...] about 3 onboarding mistakes that put retention at risk

Partner retirement: how to keep the clients and assign the business

When a partner retires, the top business concern is if and how the firm can keep the clients. And there's more than one reason to be concerned, says August J. Aquila, of Aquila Global Advisors, a Minnetonka, MN, consulting firm specializing in succession planning, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic planning for professional firms. Obviously, the firm wants to keep the … [Read more...] about Partner retirement: how to keep the clients and assign the business

9 ways your firm can avoid the downward spiral of debt

By Elizabeth M. Miller  bio When it comes to debt, I believe that less is more. And it makes me shake my head when I hear about firms going into debt to finance their service business. Borrowing money to finance a law practice is opening the door to unending debt that will self-perpetuate as the borrowing and re-paying continues endlessly. There are always cash flow problems, … [Read more...] about 9 ways your firm can avoid the downward spiral of debt

Compliance perspective: How to keep an employee from damaging your practice on social media

In the cyber age, protecting your practice from the potential threat posed by employee blogging, tweeting, Instagramming, and other social networking is a business imperative. But how? To find out, keep reading. . . It is your business The starting point is recognizing that social networking by employees is not purely a private matter. Over the past decades, courts and … [Read more...] about Compliance perspective: How to keep an employee from damaging your practice on social media

Why you need to stop talking to start leading

By Rebecca Teasdale  bio Recently, a colleague and I were at a dinner function with a group of leaders from a client company. We found ourselves seated at a table with a new member of the executive team who we were meeting for the first time. Waiting for the plated meals to arrive, we eased into the conversation with small talk about sports and weather and then we went deeper … [Read more...] about Why you need to stop talking to start leading

What’s overshadowing your partnerʼs big revenues?

Any firm can lose money to the very partners who are bringing in the most of it. That's because firms measure partner profitability by revenues only, and that doesn't show the full financial picture, says practice management consultant Andra Watkins of Positus Consulting in Charleston, SC. There's also a subjective side to evaluating each partner's contribution. And that … [Read more...] about What’s overshadowing your partnerʼs big revenues?

Why employers often get worker wellbeing wrong and how to get it right

A report from the Campbell Institute indicates not all employers are getting worker wellbeing right, and it could be affecting the sustainability of their business. While many organizations today are focused on wellbeing programs that tackle smoking cessation, weight loss or nutrition—not bad programs in and of themselves—the Campbell Institute report indicates a more … [Read more...] about Why employers often get worker wellbeing wrong and how to get it right