The law office administrator can have a significant impact on the professional development of your associates. By fostering a culture that encourages continuous learning, providing mentorship opportunities, and promoting growth, you can help build a stronger, more capable team. Here’s how you can play a pivotal role in supporting your associates’ professional development. 1. … [Read more...] about How you can support associates’ professional development
Working with lawyers
Questions a new administrator should ask the managing partner
Congratulations on your new position as the law office administrator, reporting directly to the managing partner. As you prepare for your first meeting with the managing partner, it's essential to ask the right questions to gain clarity on your role and responsibilities. Here are some questions to consider. What are the key priorities for the law office in the next six … [Read more...] about Questions a new administrator should ask the managing partner
Here’s how to hire or contract a courier/court runner
Hiring or contracting a courier or court runner is a crucial decision for a law office. These professionals play an essential role in ensuring that important legal documents, court filings, and deliveries are handled with efficiency and precision. Whether you choose to hire an employee or contract the role out, finding the right person is key. Here’s how you can recruit, … [Read more...] about Here’s how to hire or contract a courier/court runner
How and when to ask a client for a referral
A new client should be a planned event, not an accident. And the most productive way to get a continuing stream of planned events is to follow an established process for generating referrals. Referrals are the highest producing form of marketing. In fact studies have shown that as many as seven out of 10 referrals turn into new clients. By contrast, cold calls for … [Read more...] about How and when to ask a client for a referral
Case Management Audit Checklist
Objective: Ensure efficiency, compliance, and client satisfaction in the case management process. Use this checklist during regular audits to assess the effectiveness of case management practices and identify areas for improvement. 1. Case Load Distribution Workload Balance: Verify that cases are distributed equitably among attorneys to avoid … [Read more...] about Case Management Audit Checklist
Prove tech competency at your law firm
By Doug Striker Clients are increasingly asking law firms to prove tech competency before signing contracts for work. Why? Because they know that good tech skills translate into more efficient production, which translates into more bang for their buck. Simply put: Clients don’t want to pay high hourly rates if the people producing the work don’t know how to, say, format a … [Read more...] about Prove tech competency at your law firm
Enforce those billing and collection guidelines
Getting paid or not getting paid to a great extent depends on the firm’s billing and collection guidelines—and whether they are enforced. Without guidelines, the firm is asking for money loss. Billing is haphazard, collection work isn’t done regularly, personal clients aren’t always satisfied with their bills, and corporate clients may hold up payment or contest the … [Read more...] about Enforce those billing and collection guidelines
How to Manage Conflict Between Attorneys and Support Staff (Without Taking Sides)
You hear a paralegal venting to a coworker in the break room: "I can't work like this! He dumps last-minute filings on my desk and expects them done yesterday." Meanwhile, the attorney claims the assistant "just isn't responsive enough."Situations like this aren't unusual in a law office — but they can quickly escalate if not handled carefully. As the manager, you're often the … [Read more...] about How to Manage Conflict Between Attorneys and Support Staff (Without Taking Sides)
New Case Opening Checklist
Opening a new case properly sets the tone for the entire client experience and the case’s ultimate success. This checklist is designed to guide law office administrators through the critical internal steps needed to launch a new matter efficiently, securely, and in full compliance with office procedures. Completing each step ensures that attorneys and staff have everything they … [Read more...] about New Case Opening Checklist
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)