Why you need this model Notice: This model Notice will help your efforts to protect your practice from the risk of violating conflict of interest rules. How this model Notice helps you: If a potential conflict of interest exists, but the parties still want the firm to represent their legal interests, have all parties sign a Waiver of Conflict of Interest, acknowledging the … [Read more...] about TOOL: Model Notice and Waiver of Conflict of Interest
Working with lawyers
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
Common partner compensation systems
By Brenda A. Barnes and Camille Stell Partner compensation is probably one of the most sensitive aspects of a law firm’s practice management. Whether you are adopting a new system or modifying the current one, there must be an extraordinary amount of thought, care, and study. Systems are either non-performance-based systems or performance-based systems. Here are the … [Read more...] about Common partner compensation systems
It’s a new year: Commit to making your career dreams come true
By Lynne Curry Start this new year off right by committing to making your career dreams come true. Perhaps you’ve thought, “I want to turn my hobby into a viable business;” “I want a higher paying, more exciting job;” “I want to make enough money to live on in 20 hours a week, so the rest of the week is mine,” or “I want those above me to consider me a leader and … [Read more...] about It’s a new year: Commit to making your career dreams come true
Women now majority of associates, record gains in partnerships
For the first time in the history of the US legal industry, the majority of associates are women, and women have also made record gains in achieving law firm partnerships. NALP has released its annual Report on Diversity in U.S. Law Firms, available at www.nalp.org/reportondiversity. The report, based on information from the 2023 NALP Directory of Legal Employers (NDLE), … [Read more...] about Women now majority of associates, record gains in partnerships
9 time-saving tips for busy law office administrators
Law office administrators are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a law firm, which can be a complex and time-consuming task. In order to be effective, it is important for law office administrators to find ways to save time and streamline their work processes. Here are some tips and strategies for doing just that: Automate as much as possible: Technology … [Read more...] about 9 time-saving tips for busy law office administrators
Compliance quiz: Which employees can you discipline for smoking pot at work?
SITUATION Your practice is located a state where recreational and medical marijuana use is legal. But still you're shocked to find three of your employees smoking pot at work. The employees recognize that they've been caught red-handed but each offers up a different explanation: Bud reveals that he's addicted to marijuana; Herb explains that he uses medical … [Read more...] about Compliance quiz: Which employees can you discipline for smoking pot at work?
How to craft an effective lawyer bio
A well-crafted lawyer bio is an essential tool for showcasing the expertise and experience of your firm's attorneys. It serves as a powerful marketing and credibility-building asset, helping potential clients and colleagues understand the qualifications and background of your legal professionals. As a law office administrator, you play a crucial role in assisting lawyers in … [Read more...] about How to craft an effective lawyer bio
Report: Productivity surges as legal industry embraces AI
Clio, the world’s leading provider of cloud-based legal technology, has released its 2023 Legal Trends Report, revealing a remarkable increase in law firm productivity as technology adoption continues to rise. Legal professionals are actively embracing technology solutions to enhance workflow efficiency, boost financial performance, and optimize time management. With the … [Read more...] about Report: Productivity surges as legal industry embraces AI
What is your end of year focus?
By Brenda Barnes It’s that time of year again! We are often so busy in the last quarter of the year that many important items can get overlooked or pushed until another time. Here are 10 items you may want to give some of your attention to before end of year so you are ready to kick off 2024. Year-End Financial Planning: Review and analyze the firm's financial … [Read more...] about What is your end of year focus?