Why you need this form: Before accepting a new matter from an existing client, you should obtain as much information about the new case as possible. This process, known as "case screening," can help you avoid many potential problems. How this form helps you: The New Matter Intake Form will not only help you quickly identify whether or not the subject matter is within your area … [Read more...] about Model Tool: New matter intake form
Managing the office
Model Tool: New client intake form
Why you need this form: Before accepting a client, you should obtain as much information about both the client and the subject matter as possible. This process, known as "client screening" can help you avoid many potential problems. How this form helps you: The New Client Intake Form will not only help you quickly identify whether or not the subject matter is within your area … [Read more...] about Model Tool: New client intake form
How cultural differences complicate sexual harassment issues
By Steve M. Cohen bio You are probably tired of hearing about it, but some people never seem to understand that sexual harassment is not ok. "No" really does mean "no," and the workplace is not a singles' bar. Sexual harassment can also be a form of bullying or predatory behavior. In any form, sexual harassment is not acceptable and organizations that fail to deal with it make … [Read more...] about How cultural differences complicate sexual harassment issues
Georgia manager develops “how-to” manual that makes employee orientation easy
A Georgia administrator has set up an office manual that thoroughly trains every new staffer and attorney in every aspect of office operations. Having the business information in writing means newcomers don't interrupt other people or waste their own time asking about day-to-day things, says the administrator of the three-attorney, 13 staff firm. In a law firm, time is money, … [Read more...] about Georgia manager develops “how-to” manual that makes employee orientation easy
How to start your new hires off on the right foot
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen I'm often amazed at how many organizations start on the wrong foot with new employees. When you consider how much time you're going to invest in this person over the years, it's worth ensuring that you set the groundwork for success. And some of the most important steps begin even before the hiring. Both sides expect professionalism Even a normally … [Read more...] about How to start your new hires off on the right foot
7 Quick Tips from the 2014 ALA Conference
By Catherine Jones bio More than 1100 law office managers from 14 countries attended the Association of Legal Administrators' annual conference in Toronto, Ontario this year. The four-day conference spanned two floors of the conference centre, giving everyone plenty of room to comfortably explore. And there was a lot to explore. The ALA's "Legal … [Read more...] about 7 Quick Tips from the 2014 ALA Conference
Model Policy: Reduced schedule and flexible work arrangements
Why you need this policy: Once upon a time, the belief was that an individual could be an attorney or a primary caregiving parent but not both. Attitudes—and laws—have changed this thinking and opened the door to all kinds of flexible work arrangements allowing attorneys to balance their professional and parental obligations. How this policy helps you: Every law office needs a … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Reduced schedule and flexible work arrangements
Model Tool: 90-Day File Report Card
Why you need this tool: When your clients are satisfied with your work, they're more likely to refer you to friends and colleagues. And one proven way to enhance client satisfaction and increase referrals is to provide clients with maximum personal contact. How this tool helps you: A major complaint from clients is a lack of access to their lawyers. As you implement policies to … [Read more...] about Model Tool: 90-Day File Report Card
Model Tool: Space Planning Checklist
Why you need this checklist: Before embarking on an office redesign, you need to consider which layout best suits your teams' needs, as well as mind the practical matters, such as access to electrical outlets, etc. How this checklist helps you: This checklist will help guide you through the space planning process when it's time to redesign your workplace. How to use this … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Space Planning Checklist
Use long-term vendor contacts to win long-term savings
Regular meetings with the vendors have led to significant savings for a North Carolina firm. Tracy Cook, administrator with Gailor, Wallis Hunt, an eight-attorney firm in Raleigh, NC, started the meetings when she came to the firm several years ago. One of her first actions as administrator was to go through the vendor files to see which vendors had contracts or did regular … [Read more...] about Use long-term vendor contacts to win long-term savings