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
Compliance
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
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
4 Top Trends to Keep on Your Radar
As a law office manager, you’re likely already juggling various tasks and responsibilities. But emerging trends could impact your office’s operations, security, staffing, and client relationships. Staying informed about these developments will help you proactively manage challenges and guide your team through changes. 1. AI and Automation: Adapting to New … [Read more...] about 4 Top Trends to Keep on Your Radar
Get Ready for Employment Law Updates Coming in 2025
Coming up in 2025, there are several important employment law changes that managers should be aware of: Overtime Pay Threshold Increase: The Department of Labor (DOL) is expected to increase the salary threshold for overtime pay eligibility. Starting in early 2025, employees earning under $58,656 per year (up from $35,568) may become eligible for overtime pay under … [Read more...] about Get Ready for Employment Law Updates Coming in 2025
HR question: Political gear at work
By Lynne Curry Question: Our problems started in September. Four guys in the warehouse started wearing Camo “Make American Great Again” hats. Two weeks later, they installed in a handmade sign inside the warehouse door that said, “This is Trump Country.” It didn’t bother anyone, or so we thought. But apparently it did. Ten days later, two women in the accounting … [Read more...] about HR question: Political gear at work
Protect your firm from ethical risks with an effective conflict checking process
Conflict checking is a crucial process for a law office manager, ensuring that the firm avoids any conflicts of interest that could jeopardize client trust or violate legal ethics. Here’s a breakdown of how to manage the conflict checking process efficiently: 1. Understand the Importance of Conflict Checking Conflict checks help ensure that the law firm … [Read more...] about Protect your firm from ethical risks with an effective conflict checking process