Payroll is one of those tasks that feels deceptively simple—until you’re the one responsible for it. It’s high-stakes, time-sensitive, and leaves no room for error. The decision to manage it internally or hire an outside provider deserves serious consideration. There’s no universal answer. The best option depends on your firm’s size, budget, staffing, and appetite for risk. … [Read more...] about Payroll Part 1: In-House or Outsource
Compliance
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
Technology and equipment maintenance checklist for a law office
Maintaining your law office's technology and equipment is crucial for ensuring smooth operations and minimizing downtime. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you stay on top of regular maintenance tasks. Daily Tasks Check Server Uptime and Functionality Ensure the server is running without errors. Monitor server load and performance. … [Read more...] about Technology and equipment maintenance checklist for a law office
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
Stay Ahead of Trouble: Safeguard Your Clients and Your Practice
Client Compliance and Risk Management Audit ChecklistEven the most meticulous law office can overlook a weak spot in compliance or risk management—and those blind spots can turn into major liabilities. This checklist helps you take a clear-eyed look at how well your firm is protecting client data, upholding professional standards, and managing risk. Whether it’s regulatory … [Read more...] about Stay Ahead of Trouble: Safeguard Your Clients and Your Practice
Want to Work Smarter, Not Harder? AI Can Help You Do Just That
Artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech wizards and big law firms anymore—it’s quickly becoming a must-have tool in legal administration. Whether you're juggling scheduling, document management, billing, or legal research support, AI can help you streamline the busywork and free up time for higher-value tasks. And the best part? You don’t need a tech background to get … [Read more...] about Want to Work Smarter, Not Harder? AI Can Help You Do Just That
Administrator a key player in firm’s ethics and integrity
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
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 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