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
Managing the office
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
Tick those unpleasant tasks off your to-do list
Avoiding something unpleasant is the main reason people procrastinate. Try one of these four approaches when you face an unpleasant task: Do it. There’s an adrenaline rush from knowing you’ve completed an unpleasant task. Finishing something you’ve been putting off will energize you for the rest of the day. Don’t do it yet. If you’re not sure what to do, putting off … [Read more...] about Tick those unpleasant tasks off your to-do list
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
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
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?
Never Miss a Call: How a Virtual Receptionist Can Transform Your Law Office
Running a law office means managing a constant flow of client calls, appointment scheduling, and case-related inquiries—all while keeping your team focused on legal work. If ringing phones are pulling your staff away from important tasks or you’re worried about missing a potential client’s call, a virtual receptionist could be the solution you need. A virtual receptionist is a … [Read more...] about Never Miss a Call: How a Virtual Receptionist Can Transform Your Law Office
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
Checklist: When a staffer departs
When a staff member leaves the law office, it’s important to ensure a smooth and secure transition. This checklist will help you cover all the necessary steps for offboarding a departing staff member, whether they are leaving voluntarily or due to termination. 1. Documentation and Communication Collect Resignation Letter or Termination Notice Ensure that the resignation … [Read more...] about Checklist: When a staffer departs