Congratulations on making it through 2022! We hope it was a successful and satisfying year for you and your firm and that you take some time this month to celebrate your accomplishments. Of course, the work never stops, so here are some reminders for this month. Start thinking about the firm's taxes. Are there any bills you can pay this year to offset any unexpected income … [Read more...] about TO-DOs: Your December office checklist
Managing the office
7 steps you can take now to improve next year’s bottom line
Year-end is a great time to evaluate the firm's finances and make a plan to improve next year's bottom line. Even if the year went well, there are always improvements to be made and areas that can be trimmed without impacting employees or the service they provide to clients. Here are 7 steps you can take now to improve next year's bottom line. 1. Evaluate your advertising … [Read more...] about 7 steps you can take now to improve next year’s bottom line
Reduce your risk of malpractice claims with a centralized calendar system
At one time, the word "deadline" referred to a marked section of a prison yard that, if breached by a prisoner, would result in that prisoner being shot. Today, the word refers to a time limit that, if breached, doesn't usually result in gunfire, but still has serious consequences. What's the problem? Failure to meet a deadline, such as a statute of limitations, and other … [Read more...] about Reduce your risk of malpractice claims with a centralized calendar system
Onboarding: How to make your new hire’s first day a success
The first day of working in a law firm can intimidate anyone, whether you're a new receptionist or a new associate. It doesn't matter how friendly your new co-workers are or how qualified you are for the job, it's still uncomfortable. You're stepping into a finely tuned machine and you need to get in sync with the moving parts, momentum, and direction. Fast. And how well you … [Read more...] about Onboarding: How to make your new hire’s first day a success
Surveys find employees are shopping at work on Cyber Monday, but most will try to hide it
Take a look around at your office right now. Are your colleagues actually banging out a report or are they bargain hunting? According to a survey of North American workers by staffing firm Robert Half Technology, there's a good chance it's the latter. Nearly half (49 percent) of respondents said they typically shop while in the office on Cyber Monday. And bosses may be the … [Read more...] about Surveys find employees are shopping at work on Cyber Monday, but most will try to hide it
Public image counts just as much as legal quality: 7 good rules
It takes more than good lawyering to make a practice a success. Just as important is a good public image. Here Trey Ryder, a legal marketing consultant in Payson, AZ, gives seven ways to make the firm look good. Rule #1: Pay up! Few people know much at all about the law firms in their community, Ryder says. They don't know the good from the bad. But what does get around … [Read more...] about Public image counts just as much as legal quality: 7 good rules
Here are four good ways to get your work done and enjoy a long weekend
Many managers will agree that the most difficult part of their job is finding time to get all the work done. And, while everyone loves a long weekend, it's hard to make up for that lost workday. So here are four good time management recommendations from workflow advisor Jason Womack of Ojai, CA, author of Your Best Just Got Better: Work Smarter, Think Bigger, Make More. These … [Read more...] about Here are four good ways to get your work done and enjoy a long weekend
Boost quarterly profits with this proven 6-pronged cost cutting plan
Every now and then, office administrators are forced to look for new ways to cut expenses. There are lots of dollars waiting to be saved, but many of them are in places so conspicuous they get overlooked. Go for the obvious. To save the firm money, begin with increasing staff productivity and continue on to reclaiming lost office supplies and capping what the firm pays for … [Read more...] about Boost quarterly profits with this proven 6-pronged cost cutting plan
TO-DOs: Your November office checklist
There's a lot happening this month—everything from Thanksgiving to budget preparations. Here are a few things you should address this month. Make your reservations. If you are planning a holiday party and haven't yet booked a venue, don't wait any longer. Certain restaurants get booked up quickly, especially if your firm wants to do a holiday luncheon instead of a dinner. … [Read more...] about TO-DOs: Your November office checklist
How to maximize your receptionist’s time
Does your receptionist seem bored? Have her co-workers complained that she seems to have little to do and spends most of her time surfing the Internet? Before assigning new duties to your receptionist, there are a few things you should consider first. How much extra work the receptionist can take on depends on how busy the desk is, says Ellen Freedman, CLM, of Freedman … [Read more...] about How to maximize your receptionist’s time