Law Office Manager

Managing the office

3 quick training tips

Here are three quick applications of new research in the field of learning sciences on how to instill deeper learning in trainees: Present a problem and ask your trainees to try to solve the problem first before providing the solution. Ask trainees to explain how they will use their new skills. This requires them to consider the training in the context of their work and … [Read more...] about 3 quick training tips

Model Policy: Employee computer use and social networking

Why you need this policy: The law governing your right to discipline employees for the things they say on blogs and social networks is still in its infancy stages. But even from the early cases, it has become clear that online conversations are not simply private matters. There's a big difference between bad mouthing a company, supervisor or colleague to a friend in a bar over … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Employee computer use and social networking

How to sift through and solve staff complaints

This month’s idea comes from a consultant who is also a former medical practice manager. It’s a short and easy way to handle one staffer’s complaint about another. The starting point is to sift through the complaints to identify which ones warrant the manager’s attention and which ones staff should deal with on their own, says Cindy Fondren Muise of Peyton, CO. As a manager, … [Read more...] about How to sift through and solve staff complaints

Critical Mass—Not Just for Physics Anymore

By Steve M. Cohen  bio While most of us have a limited understanding of physics, we have an idea of what "critical mass" means. But just in case you need a refresher: When you reach a sufficient and/or necessary level of something to effect something else, you have critical mass. For our purposes, forget the physical aspect and think about your organization. Do you … [Read more...] about Critical Mass—Not Just for Physics Anymore

Raffle gets staffers to monthly 8 a.m. meeting

A raffle for prizes gets each monthly meeting off to a fun start for the staff at a Finger Lakes, NY, professional office. Director of operations Eileen Szanyi says the draws are designed to increase attendance at the 8 a.m. meetings. “Those attending put their names into a basket for the month’s prizes,” she explains. “The gifts don’t have to be costly. One prize is always … [Read more...] about Raffle gets staffers to monthly 8 a.m. meeting

Due process safety net is complex, but not impossible

For many, summer is baseball season or, increasingly, soccer season. But in your workplace, you will also find team sports that can impact your bottom line or organizational effectiveness. Rules of the game If "players" in your organization are not playing ball the way they should, it's also a three-strike situation (or a red card, if you prefer soccer). What's important for … [Read more...] about Due process safety net is complex, but not impossible

Use a standard calendar entry format firm-wide

Once you've established a policy that all calendar events are to be entered into your centralized calendar system, go one step further and create a standard entry format. After all, there's no point having a calendar that everyone can access if only a handful of people can understand the entries. Here's one format you can implement: [Professional's initials] – [Case]: [Manner … [Read more...] about Use a standard calendar entry format firm-wide

How to get maximum impact from business cards, brochures and other printed advertising

How your law practice presents itself is extremely important – and while you might not think much about marketing, a little attention to it can go a long way toward creating a favorable impression. Why go there? Printed marketing material not only helps convey an image, or what marketers call brand identity, it allows for sharing information. What's more, printed material is … [Read more...] about How to get maximum impact from business cards, brochures and other printed advertising