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
Enforce those billing and collection guidelines
Getting paid or not getting paid to a great extent depends on the firm’s billing and collection guidelines—and whether they are enforced. Without guidelines, the firm is asking for money loss. Billing is haphazard, collection work isn’t done regularly, personal clients aren’t always satisfied with their bills, and corporate clients may hold up payment or contest the … [Read more...] about Enforce those billing and collection guidelines
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