April is the perfect time to get ahead of the summer scramble by nailing down everyone’s vacation plans. As an office manager, you know that warm weather brings sunshine, sandals—and a flurry of PTO requests that can leave you short-staffed if you’re not careful. The earlier you start organizing summer schedules, the smoother the season will be for everyone. Here’s how to … [Read more...] about Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
Managing staff
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
Top 10 Essential Skills Every Law Office Manager Needs to Succeed
You play a pivotal role in keeping your firm running smoothly. Whether you're juggling case schedules, overseeing staff, or ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations, your skill set is the backbone of the office. The expectations are higher than ever, and honing these 10 essential skills can set you apart and ensure your success. 1. Technology Proficiency Legal … [Read more...] about Top 10 Essential Skills Every Law Office Manager Needs to Succeed
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
To make a point, use the body language that supports your words
Few managers realize that successful communication depends heavily on body language. When people don't get the response they expect, they need to understand that their bodies aren't sending the messages they think they're conveying. Much of the message that gets picked up in a conversation comes from motions and gestures. And it works both ways. A manager has to know body … [Read more...] about To make a point, use the body language that supports your words
How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Managing staff schedules in a law office can feel like an endless game of chess—one where the rules keep changing and the pieces sometimes disappear. Between court dates, client meetings, vacations, and last-minute emergencies, keeping everyone’s schedule aligned can be a serious challenge. But with the right strategies, you can keep things running smoothly without pulling your … [Read more...] about How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Seize Control of Your Workday
Your to-do list is long, your inbox is overflowing, and everyone seems to need something from you—right now. As a law office administrator, your day can feel like a nonstop whirlwind of requests, interruptions, and unexpected fires to put out. But instead of letting the day control you, it’s time to take control of your day. With a few key strategies, you can stay organized, … [Read more...] about Seize Control of Your Workday
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
Personalize incentives to enhance motivation for law office staff
In a law office where deadlines loom large and client needs demand attention, fostering motivation and engagement among staff members is crucial. While traditional incentives like Starbucks cards or Amazon gift certificates have their place, law office administrators can elevate employee morale and productivity by embracing a more personalized approach to recognition and … [Read more...] about Personalize incentives to enhance motivation for law office staff
Cost-cutting strategies for law firms
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio After much resistance, kicking and screaming, lawyers are finally facing the reality that the business of practicing law is separate from the practice of law. What exactly does this mean? It means that a law practice is a business and from a management standpoint it needs to be run like a business or the practice will fail. We all know that the … [Read more...] about Cost-cutting strategies for law firms