As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time for law office administrators to take stock of compliance practices and ensure the firm is on solid ground heading into the new year. From trust accounting to CLE compliance, a thorough review can help identify any overlooked details, maintain regulatory standards, and set a strong foundation for the months ahead. Use this … [Read more...] about End-of-Year Compliance Review Checklist
Purchasing & leasing
Why Legal Dictation Software Might Be Your Law Firm’s New Best Friend
If you're juggling too many tasks as a law office manager—or watching your attorneys type away like it's 1998—you might want to take a look at legal dictation software. While it might sound like a throwback to cassette tapes and foot pedals, today’s dictation tools are sophisticated, cloud-based, and tailored specifically for the legal profession. And when used right, they can … [Read more...] about Why Legal Dictation Software Might Be Your Law Firm’s New Best Friend
How to Organize Workflow for Paperless Document Management
Transitioning to a paperless document management workflow can significantly enhance the efficiency, security, and environmental footprint of your law firm. With advancements in technology, creating a paperless office is more feasible and beneficial than ever. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a paperless document management workflow for your law firm. 1. Assess … [Read more...] about How to Organize Workflow for Paperless Document Management
Mid-November Checklist for Your Holiday Staff Party
Hosting a staff party is a great way to celebrate achievements, recognize hard work, and strengthen bonds among team members in a law office. For a law office administrator, mid-November is an ideal time to make sure all plans are on track and that no detail is overlooked. This checklist is tailored to help you organize every aspect of the event, from finalizing the guest list … [Read more...] about Mid-November Checklist for Your Holiday Staff Party
How I Outsmart My To-Do List (with a Little Help from Tech)
By Camille Stell In the fast-paced world of small law firms, wearing multiple hats is the norm. Whether you're a paralegal juggling deadlines and client correspondence or an office manager coordinating calendars and compliance, staying organized and efficient is key. As someone who consults with law firms every day, I’ve discovered two tech tools that have transformed my … [Read more...] about How I Outsmart My To-Do List (with a Little Help from Tech)
Shifting Towards Alternative Fee Arrangements
Navigating the complexities of billing and financial management in a law office can be challenging, particularly with the shift towards alternative fee arrangements. As a law office manager, you're at the helm of ensuring that the financial aspects of the practice run smoothly, from billing and collections to overall financial planning. First, let's talk about … [Read more...] about Shifting Towards Alternative Fee Arrangements
4 Top Trends to Keep on Your Radar
As a law office manager, you’re likely already juggling various tasks and responsibilities. But emerging trends could impact your office’s operations, security, staffing, and client relationships. Staying informed about these developments will help you proactively manage challenges and guide your team through changes. 1. AI and Automation: Adapting to New … [Read more...] about 4 Top Trends to Keep on Your Radar
In-House or Outsource
Payroll is one of those tasks that feels deceptively simple—until you’re the one responsible for it. It’s high-stakes, time-sensitive, and leaves no room for error. The decision to manage it internally or hire an outside provider deserves serious consideration. There’s no universal answer. The best option depends on your firm’s size, budget, staffing, and appetite for risk. … [Read more...] about In-House or Outsource
Running a Small Office Without Running Yourself Ragged
When you manage a small law office, you're not just "the office manager"—you're often the receptionist, the billing coordinator, the IT support, the HR department, and the go-to problem solver. With just a couple other administrative staffers around you, it's all about smart juggling, creative teamwork, and knowing how to lead while getting your own work done. First, get … [Read more...] about Running a Small Office Without Running Yourself Ragged
July Is a Great Month to… Tackle What Gets Overlooked the Rest of the Year
Let’s be honest—law office life moves at lightning speed most of the year. There are deadlines to meet, clients to serve, and a constant shuffle of priorities. But July? July is different. The courts slow down, partners take vacations, and the calendar loosens just enough to give you some breathing room. That makes this the perfect month to catch up on the things that always … [Read more...] about July Is a Great Month to… Tackle What Gets Overlooked the Rest of the Year