Small businesses, including legal practices, often try to get by without formal job descriptions. The thinking is the manager knows what each position requires, and she or he can share this information with job candidates and new hires. Another argument is that because job tasks tend to change, job descriptions quickly become outdated. Neither of these arguments takes … [Read more...] about 6 ways formal job descriptions benefit your law office
Hiring
How to write a job description
Writing a job description for a job in a law office requires careful consideration of the role's responsibilities, qualifications, and the overall culture of the office. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective job description: 1. Job Title: Choose a clear and concise job title that accurately reflects the position. For example, "Legal Assistant," … [Read more...] about How to write a job description
Offering AI Upskilling as a Job Benefit: A Smart Move for Office Managers
Office managers are always thinking about how to support the team, boost productivity, and stay competitive in a changing workplace. One way to do all three? Offer AI upskilling as an employee benefit. You’ve probably heard plenty of buzz about artificial intelligence transforming industries—but the practical question is: how can your team keep up? The answer might be simpler … [Read more...] about Offering AI Upskilling as a Job Benefit: A Smart Move for Office Managers
Covering Cases and Crises: How Temp Staff Keep Your Law Office Moving
Staffing a law office comes with its challenges—tight deadlines, fluctuating caseloads, and unexpected absences can create gaps that need to be filled quickly. That’s where temporary and contract employees can play a vital role. Whether you’re covering for an employee on leave, managing a sudden influx of cases, or handling a special project, temp staff can provide the … [Read more...] about Covering Cases and Crises: How Temp Staff Keep Your Law Office Moving
To-Dos: Your May office checklist
It can be difficult to focus on work this month. May is when many of us come down with spring fever, yearning to get outside in the garden or the golf course. So this month's checklist is a nice balance of business and pleasure. 1. Start planning coverages for summer vacations. Many firms do not use temporary legal assistants or secretaries anymore. With stepped up … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your May office checklist
Summer Associate Recruiting Shifts Away from On-Campus Interviews
For the first time in decades, law firms are no longer primarily utilizing on-campus interviewing (OCI) to recruit students. The historic shift in recruiting is identified by NALP in its Perspectives on 2024 Law Student Recruiting annual report. As alternative methods like direct application and early interview programs (EIP) gained traction, the recruiting cycle moved earlier … [Read more...] about Summer Associate Recruiting Shifts Away from On-Campus Interviews
Law Firm Lateral Hiring Expands in 2024, Fueled by Associate Recruitment
Recuitment of associates drove an expansion in lateral hiring for law firms last year. Following a two-year market downturn, lateral hiring bounced back in 2024, with hiring growing nearly 14% overall and lateral associate hiring rising by almost 25%, according 2024 Lateral Hiring Survey just released by NALP. Partner lateral hiring increased by a modest 2%, while the hiring of … [Read more...] about Law Firm Lateral Hiring Expands in 2024, Fueled by Associate Recruitment
10 Red Flags You Can’t Ignore in Job Candidates
Hiring the right staff for your law office is critical—not just for productivity, but for maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and the smooth operation of your firm. While a strong resume and a confident interview can be promising, certain red flags during the hiring process might signal trouble ahead. Here’s what to watch for to ensure you’re bringing the right people … [Read more...] about 10 Red Flags You Can’t Ignore in Job Candidates
7 Ways to Attract Top Legal Administrative Talent in a Tight Job Market
Hiring top legal administrative talent has become more challenging than ever. With increased competition, law firms must refine their hiring strategies to attract and retain the best administrative professionals. As a law office manager, you play a crucial role in ensuring your firm stands out in a competitive job market. Here’s how you can secure top-tier legal administrative … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Attract Top Legal Administrative Talent in a Tight Job Market
Job Security Is Dead; Reset Your Workplace with Radical Transparency
By Lynne Curry Job security is dead for four out of every five U.S. employees. U.S. According to a December 2024 survey of 1,115 U.S. employees: 92% fear a recession in 2025. 81% worry about losing their jobs. 76% expect layoffs to rise. 63% foresee more business closures than in 2024. 57% think finding a job will be harder. 52% anticipate … [Read more...] about Job Security Is Dead; Reset Your Workplace with Radical Transparency