By Lynne Curry Are you heading into a job interview; meeting a new boss; pitching to potential investors, or stepping into another situation in which you need to impress—but don’t want to sound arrogant or conceited? Consider humorbragging—a strategy which you use self-deprecating humor, self-awareness and vivid storytelling while crediting yourself with traits like … [Read more...] about Humorbragging: Where Charm Meets Confidence
Managing staff
How to Negotiate with Employment Agencies
Working with employment agencies is often part of the hiring process when you're responsible for staffing a law office. Whether you're bringing on temporary help or searching for permanent team members, negotiating well with agencies is key to finding the right people at the right price. This guide will help you approach those conversations with confidence and strategy. 1. … [Read more...] about How to Negotiate with Employment Agencies
6 Realities About Client Billing and How to Address Them
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Nothing strikes a nerve with clients more than having to pay legal fees. I am not sure why, but some clients think it is acceptable to expect their lawyers to work for free, something they don't expect anyone else to do. In today's economy, clients are looking for reduced legal fees and results. Value billing and flat fee billing structures are … [Read more...] about 6 Realities About Client Billing and How to Address Them
The Heroine with a Headcount: Handling the Disruption Diva
By Lynne Curry Question: We thought we’d hit the jackpot when we hired “Sonali.” She possessed all the right skills, and her interview dazzled. My manager said, “I love her fresh thinking. Keep her happy; we need her.” The trouble surfaced in week three. Sonali pinged me on Slack. “FYI—our ticket system’s outdated. I built a new one in Notion. Should triple … [Read more...] about The Heroine with a Headcount: Handling the Disruption Diva
How to Help Your Staff Become More Financially Literate
In a law office, financial literacy among staff is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and ensuring the firm’s financial health. When staff understand financial principles, they can contribute to better budget management, more accurate billing, and overall operational efficiency. Here’s how you can help your law office staff become more financially literate: 1. … [Read more...] about How to Help Your Staff Become More Financially Literate
Running a Small Office Without Running Yourself Ragged
When you manage a small law office, you're not just "the office manager"—you're often the receptionist, the billing coordinator, the IT support, the HR department, and the go-to problem solver. With just a couple other administrative staffers around you, it's all about smart juggling, creative teamwork, and knowing how to lead while getting your own work done. First, get … [Read more...] about Running a Small Office Without Running Yourself Ragged
Law Firm Culture: What It Is—and Why It Matters More Than You Think
Law firm culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the day-to-day environment your attorneys, staff, and clients experience. It's how people interact, how work gets done, and how success is defined and celebrated. And as a law office administrator, you have more influence over it than you might realize. Let’s look at what makes culture bad, what makes it great, and how you can help … [Read more...] about Law Firm Culture: What It Is—and Why It Matters More Than You Think
July Is a Great Month to… Tackle What Gets Overlooked the Rest of the Year
Let’s be honest—law office life moves at lightning speed most of the year. There are deadlines to meet, clients to serve, and a constant shuffle of priorities. But July? July is different. The courts slow down, partners take vacations, and the calendar loosens just enough to give you some breathing room. That makes this the perfect month to catch up on the things that always … [Read more...] about July Is a Great Month to… Tackle What Gets Overlooked the Rest of the Year
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
How to Delegate Without Micromanaging
If you’ve ever handed off a task only to feel your fingers twitching with the urge to take it back, you’re not alone. Delegation can be tricky, especially when you’re used to being in control or when the stakes feel high. But there’s a sweet spot between giving your team freedom and staying in the loop—and that’s where the magic of good supervision happens. Here’s how to … [Read more...] about How to Delegate Without Micromanaging