January marks the start of a new year, bringing opportunities to review, plan, and set your law office up for success. It’s the ideal time to address lingering tasks from the previous year while laying the groundwork for a productive and efficient year ahead. Here’s a detailed to-do list tailored to the needs of a busy law office manager. 1. Year-End Wrap-Up Ensure … [Read more...] about January To-Do List for a Busy Law Office Manager
Managing the 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
Why Legal Dictation Software Might Be Your Law Firm’s New Best Friend
If you're juggling too many tasks as a law office manager—or watching your attorneys type away like it's 1998—you might want to take a look at legal dictation software. While it might sound like a throwback to cassette tapes and foot pedals, today’s dictation tools are sophisticated, cloud-based, and tailored specifically for the legal profession. And when used right, they can … [Read more...] about Why Legal Dictation Software Might Be Your Law Firm’s New Best Friend
8 Proven Ways to Totally Destroy Your Credibility as a Manager
A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both attorneys and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things—the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 Proven Ways to Totally Destroy Your Credibility as a Manager
Mastering the Small Law Office: Your Essential Cheat Sheet
Running a small law office means wearing a lot of hats — often at the same time. It’s a balancing act of managing tasks, supporting your team, keeping clients happy, and somehow finding time to breathe. This cheat sheet is your go-to guide for making it all run smoother. Whether you're a seasoned office manager or stepping into the role for the first time, these quick tips and … [Read more...] about Mastering the Small Law Office: Your Essential Cheat Sheet
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
How Attorneys and Staff Can Improve Timekeeping Habits to Avoid Lost Revenue
Accurate time tracking is the foundation of a profitable law firm. Yet, many firms lose thousands—if not millions—of dollars each year due to untracked or underreported billable time. Poor timekeeping habits, delayed entries, and inefficient processes can eat away at revenue without anyone noticing. As a law office manager, you can help attorneys and staff develop better time … [Read more...] about How Attorneys and Staff Can Improve Timekeeping Habits to Avoid Lost Revenue
How to Hire a Great Receptionist
Hire a receptionist and hire the manager of first and lasting impressions. The receptionist position is a marketing position. Before callers ever talk to an attorney, they form an opinion of the firm through their contact with the front desk. Yet most firms view the position as one that doesn't need a lot of intellectual skills and hire a receptionist without looking for the … [Read more...] about How to Hire a Great Receptionist
How I Outsmart My To-Do List (with a Little Help from Tech)
By Camille Stell In the fast-paced world of small law firms, wearing multiple hats is the norm. Whether you're a paralegal juggling deadlines and client correspondence or an office manager coordinating calendars and compliance, staying organized and efficient is key. As someone who consults with law firms every day, I’ve discovered two tech tools that have transformed my … [Read more...] about How I Outsmart My To-Do List (with a Little Help from Tech)
Spreadsheet Savvy is Vital to Law Office Administration
In the dynamic landscape of legal administration, adept management of data and information is paramount. Law office managers serve as the backbone of law firms, ensuring smooth operations, client satisfaction, and adherence to regulatory requirements. Amidst the myriad responsibilities they shoulder, proficiency in utilizing spreadsheets emerges as a cornerstone skill, … [Read more...] about Spreadsheet Savvy is Vital to Law Office Administration