By Liz Miller bio The “broken windows” theory is that a building with broken windows is evidence of abandonment, neglect of the property and a lack of respect for the law. In its simplest form, the “broken windows” is the beginning of the decline of a neighborhood which begins to deteriorate. It starts with “broken windows” and then leads to graffiti, trash, abandoned vehicle, … [Read more...] about How the “broken windows” theory applies to your law business
Managing the office
How to set a plan for associate development that actually works
One area no firm can afford to ignore is associate business development. The firm's future depends on how well the younger attorneys are developed and cultivated. This is the next generation of the firm. They have to learn how to generate business or the firm isn't going to survive. Here are four elements for an effective business development program for associates: 1 … [Read more...] about How to set a plan for associate development that actually works
How to delegate better
Boost staff performance by communicating more clearly Not pleased with what staff are doing? It may not be their fault. Look at the directions they are getting—from the manager. Whenever a staffer who is capable of doing a job doesn't get that job right, chances are it's because the manager didn't explain what needed to be done. A manager should assign projects via a written … [Read more...] about How to delegate better
The importance of recognizing your employees’ hard work
Happy Administrative Professionals Week! What have you got planned to acknowledge your hard-working support staff? If you've decided to do nothing this year, you may want to rethink that. According to a survey conducted by staffing firm OfficeTeam, two-thirds (66 percent) of workers surveyed said they'd likely leave their job if they didn't feel appreciated. In contrast, just … [Read more...] about The importance of recognizing your employees’ hard work
4 bad financial habits that may increase your policy premiums and your malpractice risk
Ineffective billing and collections practices affect more than the bottom line. They ultimately may determine what the firm has to pay for malpractice coverage. To an underwriter, poor financial habits are just like poor legal habits—they spell high risk for malpractice claims, says Dan Knise, president and CEO of Ames & Gough, a McClean, VA, specialty insurance broker. If … [Read more...] about 4 bad financial habits that may increase your policy premiums and your malpractice risk
How to let clients know you take their work seriously, without saying a word
As the saying goes, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression." What's the first impression your clients get when they walk into your office? Does it instill confidence that they made the right choice in hiring your firm? Clients lose faith in an office when they see clutter and dusty plastic plants and dirt in the corners. A likely reaction is, "This office … [Read more...] about How to let clients know you take their work seriously, without saying a word
How in the world can anybody stop gossip?
Question: How can a manager effectively put the squelch on office gossip? Answer: Gossip is an issue for almost all managers, and for some it's a plague. It's childish, it's negative, it's damaging to productivity, and it won't stop until the manager does something about it. Over the years, LOM has addressed the problem many times, and what all management experts say is that … [Read more...] about How in the world can anybody stop gossip?
8 pitfalls of letting law firm employees work from home
Contrary to what you might have heard in HR circles, refusing to let employees work from home will not make your law firm a dinosaur that nobody will ever want to work for. In fact, it will put you in the same position as the nearly 65 percent of employers that don't allow telecommuting. But telecommuting does offer significant business advantages. And to the extent you're … [Read more...] about 8 pitfalls of letting law firm employees work from home
Want to jump ahead of the competition? Get everybody aiming for the same thing
No matter what the business, the winning players are always organizations with a motivated and productive workforce. And what maintains motivation and productivity is goals—plus mentoring, coaching, and training to help everybody achieve them. Workable goals admittedly take thought, planning, and a lot of follow-up, says business development and management consultant John … [Read more...] about Want to jump ahead of the competition? Get everybody aiming for the same thing
Keep your accounts receivable young
Collection work is something that can't wait, because a dollar of receivables doesn't stay a dollar for long. The dollar the office bills this month will be worth only 50 cents six months from now. In a year, it will be worth no more than 23 cents and probably more in the range of 19 to 20 cents. After two years, a 5-cent recovery is about the best any office can expect. Much … [Read more...] about Keep your accounts receivable young