As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time for law office administrators to take stock of compliance practices and ensure the firm is on solid ground heading into the new year. From trust accounting to CLE compliance, a thorough review can help identify any overlooked details, maintain regulatory standards, and set a strong foundation for the months ahead. Use this … [Read more...] about End-of-Year Compliance Review Checklist
Working with lawyers
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
Why Legal Dictation Software Might Be Your Law Firm’s New Best Friend
If you're juggling too many tasks as a law office manager—or watching your attorneys type away like it's 1998—you might want to take a look at legal dictation software. While it might sound like a throwback to cassette tapes and foot pedals, today’s dictation tools are sophisticated, cloud-based, and tailored specifically for the legal profession. And when used right, they can … [Read more...] about Why Legal Dictation Software Might Be Your Law Firm’s New Best Friend
How to Communicate New Raised Rates for 2026 to Your Clients
As a law office manager, one of your many responsibilities is handling delicate client communications. Announcing raised rates is never an easy task, but with careful planning and a client-focused approach, you can manage the process smoothly while maintaining trust and professionalism. Here’s how to navigate this important conversation with grace and clarity. 1. Start With … [Read more...] about How to Communicate New Raised Rates for 2026 to Your Clients
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)
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
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
Mid-November Checklist for Your Holiday Staff Party
Hosting a staff party is a great way to celebrate achievements, recognize hard work, and strengthen bonds among team members in a law office. For a law office administrator, mid-November is an ideal time to make sure all plans are on track and that no detail is overlooked. This checklist is tailored to help you organize every aspect of the event, from finalizing the guest list … [Read more...] about Mid-November Checklist for Your Holiday Staff Party
How and When to Ask a Client for a Referral
A new client should be a planned event, not an accident. And the most productive way to get a continuing stream of planned events is to follow an established process for generating referrals. Referrals are the highest producing form of marketing. In fact studies have shown that as many as seven out of 10 referrals turn into new clients. By contrast, cold calls for … [Read more...] about How and When to Ask a Client for a Referral
Spreadsheet Savvy is Vital to Law Office Administration
In the dynamic landscape of legal administration, adept management of data and information is paramount. Law office managers serve as the backbone of law firms, ensuring smooth operations, client satisfaction, and adherence to regulatory requirements. Amidst the myriad responsibilities they shoulder, proficiency in utilizing spreadsheets emerges as a cornerstone skill, … [Read more...] about Spreadsheet Savvy is Vital to Law Office Administration