As the summer winds down and the pace picks up, September is the perfect time to dive into projects that will set your law office up for success in the months ahead. Here are seven key projects to focus on that will help you streamline operations, boost efficiency, and ensure that your team is prepared for the busy fall season. 1. Review and Update Case Management … [Read more...] about 7 projects to tackle in September
Managing the office
HR scenario: How do I handle ‘quiet vacationing’?
By Lynne Curry Question: I’m a small business owner and trust my employees. The majority are great. In the past two years, I’ve actively sought ways to reward them for hard work and keep them motivated. When our amazing summer began in May, I shortened our work week to four days for as long as summer lasted, giving every employee a guilt-free Friday off. I manage … [Read more...] about HR scenario: How do I handle ‘quiet vacationing’?
Get a move on: Tips for relocating your office
Moving a law office can feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right planning, it doesn't have to be. Whether you're expanding to a bigger space or relocating for a fresh start, a smooth transition is all about the details. Here’s a guide to help you plan your move efficiently and keep your practice running seamlessly. Start Early The key to a successful move is … [Read more...] about Get a move on: Tips for relocating your office
Personal client attention doubles the money-making referrals
When a North Carolina office realized its referrals from clients were dwindling, it responded by setting up a plan to ensure maximum personal contact with the clients. Within the first year the plan was in place, the personal injury firm doubled its referrals. The focus was placed on communications, fast response to calls, maintaining contact throughout the year and keeping … [Read more...] about Personal client attention doubles the money-making referrals
Getting ahead: Tasks to tackle in the last two weeks of August
As a law office manager, you know that September often brings a surge of activity. Whether it’s new cases, court dates, or the ramping up of ongoing projects, the post-summer period can be intense. That’s why the last two weeks of August are the perfect time to focus on tasks that will set your office up for success in the months ahead. Here are some key jobs to consider … [Read more...] about Getting ahead: Tasks to tackle in the last two weeks of August
How to prioritize law firm management tasks
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio What's the most important task you have to tackle today? Do you have so many you can't decide which to address first? In law firms, priorities change from day to day and even moment to moment. The truth of the matter is that there are often competing priorities. And unless there is an obvious crisis, it's sometimes not that easy to decide which … [Read more...] about How to prioritize law firm management tasks
You’ll soon say goodbye to summer temps
You'll soon be saying goodbye to your summer temps they head back to school and your regular staffers return from vacations. Here are some things you can do to ensure a smooth transition and maintain office efficiency: 1. Conduct an Exit Interview An exit interview can provide valuable feedback on the temp's experience in your office. Ask about what worked well and any … [Read more...] about You’ll soon say goodbye to summer temps
How to get good stuff about the office during an exit interview
An exit interview should bring to light far more than what is good and bad about the office. It should give insight into what's really going on and produce ideas for making improvements. There's an art to exit interviewing. It's a matter of getting the staffer to talk and asking the questions that will keep them talking. A smile at the start Start by setting a positive … [Read more...] about How to get good stuff about the office during an exit interview
Model Policy: Employee resignation
Establishing a formal policy for employee resignation will help ensure that staff transitions go smoothly; the firm treats employees fairly and consistently; and legal requirements are followed. … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Employee resignation
6 realities about client billing and how to address them
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Nothing strikes a nerve with clients more than having to pay legal fees. I am not sure why, but some clients think it is acceptable to expect their lawyers to work for free, something they don't expect anyone else to do. In today's economy, clients are looking for reduced legal fees and results. Value billing and flat fee billing structures are … [Read more...] about 6 realities about client billing and how to address them