Law Office Manager

Managing staff

Dealing with Mean Girls and Mood Leeches

 By Lynne Curry A coaching client collapsed into the chair across from my desk, her face telegraphing defeat. “I barely survived a lunch break with Paula from Payroll.” “Lexy, what happened?” I asked. “Paula looked at my quinoa bowl and said, ‘So, you’re dieting—Is it working?’ Then she asked, ‘Are you still doing the dating apps? What’s it been, a year?’” A few … [Read more...] about Dealing with Mean Girls and Mood Leeches

Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think

It’s easy to get swept up in the to-do lists, reports, scheduling, and troubleshooting that fill an office manager’s day. You’re juggling a hundred moving pieces, and just getting through the day without a printer jam or a staff meltdown feels like a win. But amid the whirlwind, there’s one small habit that can make a big difference—for morale, for relationships, and even for … [Read more...] about Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think

10 Good Things to Work on in June: A To-Do List for Law Office Managers

June is a bit of a transitional month in many law offices. Court schedules might be lighter, attorneys may start planning summer vacations, and support staff might have more flexibility in their workload. For a law office manager, this makes June an ideal time to catch up, clean up, and plan ahead. Here are ten productive projects you can focus on this month to set the tone for … [Read more...] about 10 Good Things to Work on in June: A To-Do List for Law Office Managers

6 ways formal job descriptions benefit your law office

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 Another argument is that because job tasks tend to change, job descriptions quickly become outdated.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

How you can support associates’ professional development

The law office administrator can have a significant impact on the professional development of your associates. By fostering a culture that encourages continuous learning, providing mentorship opportunities, and promoting growth, you can help build a stronger, more capable team. Here’s how you can play a pivotal role in supporting your associates’ professional development. 1. … [Read more...] about How you can support associates’ professional development

Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding a records manager

Hiring a records manager for your law office is a critical task. A good records manager ensures your firm’s sensitive legal documents are properly organized, stored, and compliant with all regulatory requirements. From maintaining digital archives to overseeing physical files, the role demands precision and confidentiality. Here’s how to effectively recruit, hire, and onboard … [Read more...] about Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding a records manager

Using Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) Effectively with Staff

One of the toughest parts of your job is addressing underperformance. It’s never fun to have those difficult conversations, but when handled thoughtfully, they can be a real turning point—not just for the employee, but for your whole team. That’s where a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) comes in. Done right, a PIP isn’t a punishment—it’s a tool for clarity, accountability, … [Read more...] about Using Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) Effectively with Staff

8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager

A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both attorneys and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things—the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager

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?