As a law office manager, you know that September often brings a surge of activity. Whether it’s new cases, court dates, or the ramping up of ongoing projects, the post-summer period can be intense. That’s why the last two weeks of August are the perfect time to focus on tasks that will set your office up for success in the months ahead. Here are some key jobs to consider … [Read more...] about Getting ahead: Tasks to tackle in the last two weeks of August
Working with lawyers
Law class of 2023 shatters employment records
A new report shows the law school graduating class of 2023 broke records for employment. The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) has released its Employment for the Class of 2023 — Selected Findings, a summary of key outcomes from the upcoming annual Jobs & JDs: Employment and Salaries of New Law School Graduates. NALP began tracking employment data in 1974, … [Read more...] about Law class of 2023 shatters employment records
How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
By Lynne Curry If you’re locked in a work relationship with a manipulative boss or coworkers who learn you’re an easy mark, they’ll manipulate you until you recognize their games and find ways to outsmart them. Here’s what you need to understand and do to stop manipulators in their tracks. Start by understanding who and what manipulators are. Next, realize how you’re … [Read more...] about How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
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
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
Demand for law talent is down, way down
Demand for new talent at law firms is down, making this the softest recruiting cycle since the Great Recession. NALP, an association of legal professionals, has released its Perspectives on 2023 Law Student Recruiting report which reflects how the market is readjusting from the post-pandemic hiring surge that seems to have left many law firms with talent levels that are … [Read more...] about Demand for law talent is down, way down
Firms put the brakes on lateral hiring in 2023 – falling 35% from 2022
The lateral hiring market showed continued signs of a course correction in 2023, with lateral lawyer hiring down 35% overall, following 2022’s decline of 11.5%, according to the latest analyses from NALP’s 2023 Lateral Hiring Survey. NALP is an association of more than 3,000 legal career professionals who advise law students, lawyers, law offices, and law schools in North … [Read more...] about Firms put the brakes on lateral hiring in 2023 – falling 35% from 2022
To-Dos: Your July office checklist
According to best-selling author Regina Brett, "Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on a branch and study the clouds." You wish! That might happen on the weekend—if you're lucky—but Monday to Friday, there's still plenty of work to do at the office. Here are some … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your July office checklist
18 ways your firm can run afoul of the law and regulations
It's crucial to ensure that the law firm operates within the boundaries of the law and adheres to relevant regulations. Running afoul of the law can have serious consequences for the firm's reputation, finances, and even legal standing. Here are some, but not all, the ways a law office can get into trouble with the law and regulations: Unauthorized Practice of Law: … [Read more...] about 18 ways your firm can run afoul of the law and regulations
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