It can be difficult to focus on work this month. May is when many of us come down with spring fever, yearning to get outside in the garden or the golf course. So this month's checklist is a nice balance of business and pleasure. 1. Start planning coverages for summer vacations. Many firms do not use temporary legal assistants or secretaries anymore. With stepped up … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your May office checklist
Managing the office
Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
April is the perfect time to get ahead of the summer scramble by nailing down everyone’s vacation plans. As an office manager, you know that warm weather brings sunshine, sandals—and a flurry of PTO requests that can leave you short-staffed if you’re not careful. The earlier you start organizing summer schedules, the smoother the season will be for everyone. Here’s how to … [Read more...] about Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
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
The Power of Good Habits for Office Managers
Your role demands a unique blend of organization, leadership, and adaptability. The ability to develop and maintain good habits can be a game-changer in managing your workload, reducing stress, and boosting your effectiveness. Drawing insights from popular books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, this article explores the power of habits and practical steps for building … [Read more...] about The Power of Good Habits for Office Managers
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
Your April To-Do List for a Smooth-Running Law Office
As the second quarter of the year begins, April presents the perfect opportunity to refresh your law office’s operations, tie up loose ends from the first quarter, and get ahead of upcoming projects. Tax deadlines, compliance checks, and office efficiency improvements should all be on your radar this month. Use this to-do list to stay proactive and ensure your law office is in … [Read more...] about Your April To-Do List for a Smooth-Running Law 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
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
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