A law office administrator plays a vital role in maintaining the ethical standards and integrity of the firm. Your responsibilities encompass a range of tasks that have a direct impact on the firm's reputation, client relationships, and overall success. Here are key ethical considerations that should guide your actions and decisions as a law office … [Read more...] about Administrator a key player in firm’s ethics and integrity
Compliance
Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?
By Lynne Curry Question: When our newly hired general manager pulled me into his office this morning, he asked me to fire a staff member, an individual I know well and who’s always impressed me as a hard worker. I run our company’s HR department. I asked, “Could you give me the details, so I can create a solid case for our file?” The GM, a fifty-something white man … [Read more...] about Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?
Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
By Lynne Curry As employers push forward with their return-to-office (RTO) policies, many unknowingly step into legal minefield. The shift back to in-person work presents a host of challenges—especially for employers balancing productivity with legal obligations. Whether it’s handling accommodation requests, avoiding discrimination claims, or ensuring compliance with … [Read more...] about Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
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
Your April To-Do List for a Smooth-Running Law Office
As the second quarter of the year begins, April presents the perfect opportunity to refresh your law office’s operations, tie up loose ends from the first quarter, and get ahead of upcoming projects. Tax deadlines, compliance checks, and office efficiency improvements should all be on your radar this month. Use this to-do list to stay proactive and ensure your law office is in … [Read more...] about Your April To-Do List for a Smooth-Running Law Office
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
Billing for Paralegal and Support Staff Work: What’s Permissible?
Billing for paralegal and support staff work can be a valuable way to maximize a law firm’s revenue—when done correctly. However, improper billing practices can lead to client disputes, ethical violations, and even disciplinary action. As a law office manager, you play a key role in ensuring that your firm’s billing for non-attorney work is both ethical and compliant with … [Read more...] about Billing for Paralegal and Support Staff Work: What’s Permissible?
Unlocking Profitability: How Streamlining Administrative Work Frees Up More Billable Hours
You know the drill—attorneys are constantly juggling client work, legal research, and court deadlines, but behind the scenes, a mountain of administrative tasks eats away at their billable hours. As a law office manager, one of your biggest opportunities to increase profitability is streamlining these non-billable tasks so attorneys can focus on what they do best: practicing … [Read more...] about Unlocking Profitability: How Streamlining Administrative Work Frees Up More Billable Hours
Law Office Data Security and Privacy Audit Checklist
As legal practices handle sensitive client information, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of this data is paramount. A comprehensive audit of data security and privacy practices helps identify vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and implement best practices to safeguard information. Use this checklist as a guide to … [Read more...] about Law Office Data Security and Privacy Audit Checklist
Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees
Dealing with moonlighting employees can be a delicate situation for an office manager. Moonlighting refers to employees holding a second job or pursuing other sources of income outside of their primary employment. While moonlighting itself might not be inherently negative, it can potentially impact an employee’s performance and commitment to their primary job. Here’s how an … [Read more...] about Second job or side hustle: How to work with moonlighting employees