Law Office Manager

Compliance

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

End-of-Year Compliance Review Checklist

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

Get Ready for the 8 Top Compliance Challenges Coming in 2025

With new regulations, evolving technology, and increased scrutiny from both clients and regulators, 2025 is poised to bring a fresh set of hurdles for you to navigate. Being proactive and prepared can save your firm from potential pitfalls. Let’s explore the eight top compliance challenges on the horizon and how you can tackle them effectively. 1. … [Read more...] about Get Ready for the 8 Top Compliance Challenges Coming in 2025