How do you grow your firm and still maintain a close-knit team? Jason Pink, Administrator of Gianelli & Associates in Modesto, California, tells how their firm handled it. We're a small, but busy, 9-attorney law firm. When we outgrew the 6,500 square foot building we were in, we added an annex at the next door building. We moved three attorneys and a few staff over there. … [Read more...] about How one California law firm regained its corporate culture and improved business
Managing the office
Three weekly meetings to keep everybody updated
In its annual management performance review, an Illinois firm asked everybody, "What is the main thing that bothers you that could be improved?" Up and down the line, the answer was communication. The problem was not a new one. For almost 20 years, lack of communication had been a problem, says the administrator of the firm. Everyone felt it, from staff to partners. … [Read more...] about Three weekly meetings to keep everybody updated
3 bonus formulas that boost staff productivity
What bonuses should the office give, and how can it design the bonuses to increase productivity? As to the amount to give, a few consultants recommend setting aside as much as 17 per cent to 21 per cent of the monthly profits for staff bonuses. Most, however, recommend less. Whatever amount the office opts to allow, here are some ways to mete it out. Formula 1 The traditional … [Read more...] about 3 bonus formulas that boost staff productivity
Louisiana firm sets up four sure-pay systems
A Louisiana firm has added a handful of measures to its billing and collections work that, while simple, have generated significant benefit. There's a procedure to ensure the client contact information stays accurate, a soft-touch collections process, electronic client billing and paying, and a billing schedule that ensures a steady cash flow throughout the month. As a … [Read more...] about Louisiana firm sets up four sure-pay systems
How to deliver a great presentation on any topic
To grow in the job, a manager has to communicate ideas and visions and recommendations. And the presentation of them counts. "It doesn't matter how good the idea or how brilliant the insight, if it isn't well-articulated, it fails," says Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE, a San Francisco executive speech coach. Worse, the manager's career can fail right along with it. Here are the … [Read more...] about How to deliver a great presentation on any topic
How to investigate an employment-related complaint from a staffer
Got a complaint from an employee? Investigate it. If that complaint turns into a legal claim, part of the allegation of wrongdoing may well be that the office "didn't take it seriously and failed to investigate," says employment law attorney Ingrid Culp of Fredrikson & Byron in Minneapolis. The law doesn't require that an employer investigate a claim, she says. But it is … [Read more...] about How to investigate an employment-related complaint from a staffer
Wish you’d never said that? Here’s how to save the day and perhaps your job
When you're working in a high-stress environment, it's not uncommon for tempers to flare and words said that shouldn't be. It's unfortunate and, often, unprofessional. And it needs to be corrected as soon as possible. If you've directed an outburst at the boss or made a hurtful remark to your staff, damage control is in order. Mostly, that means an apology—either for what … [Read more...] about Wish you’d never said that? Here’s how to save the day and perhaps your job
Paying too much office rent? Try these 7 rent-cutters
Can the partners live with less space? After payroll, office space is the firm's second highest expense, in most cases eating up from 7% to 10% of the revenues. With the bite that big, every office needs to look for ways to cut the office cost. Here are some good ways to do just that. And along with them are some lease negotiation factors the firm can use. 1 The same … [Read more...] about Paying too much office rent? Try these 7 rent-cutters
9 ways your firm can avoid the downward spiral of debt
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio When it comes to debt, I believe that less is more. And it makes me shake my head when I hear about firms going into debt to finance their service business. Borrowing money to finance a law practice is opening the door to unending debt that will self-perpetuate as the borrowing and re-paying continues endlessly. There are always cash flow problems, … [Read more...] about 9 ways your firm can avoid the downward spiral of debt
How to detect a lie, especially when it comes from a job applicant
Lots of lying goes on in job interviews. Some management professionals estimate that as many as 70% of job applications carry some sort of misrepresentation. And business losses to fraud from dishonest applicants have been shown to be as high as $600 billion a year. Besides verifying the resume, the best way to separate fact from fiction is to know the signs of a lie, says … [Read more...] about How to detect a lie, especially when it comes from a job applicant