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
Managing staff
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
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
Oversharing: Can You Please Curb Your TMI?
By Lynne Curry When “Heather” met with her boss to request a week of personal leave, she didn’t intend to spill her deepest secrets. But Heather needed someone to understand—the sleepless nights, the gut-wrenching choice, the unbearable fear of raising a child with birth defects. Her boss listened without judgment. Still, in the days that followed, Heather couldn’t … [Read more...] about Oversharing: Can You Please Curb Your TMI?
Managing policies, technology, and support systems for remote and hybrid work
The world of work has undergone a significant transformation, and like many, your law office is probably embracing remote and hybrid work models. As the person who keeps everything running smoothly, you play a crucial role in making this transition successful. Let's talk about how you can effectively implement and manage the necessary policies, technology, and support systems … [Read more...] about Managing policies, technology, and support systems for remote and hybrid work
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