Communicating via email saves time. Yes or no? If you're feeling overwhelmed by your inbox, your answer is likely to be no. The sheer volume makes it difficult to manage email which, despite the proliferation of other technologies such as social media and text messaging, continues to invade your electronic workspace daily. Today's office worker sends or receives an … [Read more...] about 8 work-saving email tips for busy office managers
Working with lawyers
How to handle the Christmas bonus
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Do you know the Christmas movie classic National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Chevy Chase plays Clark Griswold, a corporate grunt who is so sure he will get a Christmas bonus that he puts down a non-refundable deposit on an in-ground swimming pool for his family. However, Griswold discovers on Christmas Eve—when his bonus arrives a few days later … [Read more...] about How to handle the Christmas bonus
10 rules for getting good press and new clients along with it
To get new business, your law firm has to be the first place the client calls. To make the call, the client has to know your firm's name. To know your firm's name, the client has to see it over and over in the media. Media coverage is good free marketing, says Pam Lontos, president of Pam Lontos Consulting in Orlando. But to be of any value, it has to be repeated. "Because … [Read more...] about 10 rules for getting good press and new clients along with it
Holiday gift-giving guide: office edition
To gift or not to gift at work? That is the question many employees ask during the holiday season. In a survey from staffing firm Accountemps, the majority of human resources (HR) managers said it is acceptable for employees and managers to exchange presents in the office. Sixty-three percent of respondents noted it's appropriate for supervisors to give their staff a holiday … [Read more...] about Holiday gift-giving guide: office edition
5 trust account errors that will get a firm in trouble
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio There have been recent reports of law firm trust accounts being involved in money laundering. Maintaining and managing a trust account is regulated by local bar rules. The main reason for this is that the funds do not belong to the firm. Trust monies are client funds deposited with a law firm intended to be used for the benefit of the client. I … [Read more...] about 5 trust account errors that will get a firm in trouble
Law firms promote more women to partnership in 2016
The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance recently announced that the percentage of women promoted to partnership in 2016 in the U.S. offices of many of the nation's largest law firms has reached a five-year high of 37.3 percent. This number has steadily increased from 33 percent in 2012, aside from a one-year dip to 32 percent in 2014, and is up nearly 3 percentage points from … [Read more...] about Law firms promote more women to partnership in 2016
A self evaluation plus a quiz on the handbook
A New Jersey office has increased staff morale as well as performance with an online self evaluation survey. And along with that, it’s working to ensure all the staff know all the rules by setting up an online handbook quiz. First, the self-evaluation survey Michele Adams, office manager for Powers Kirn in Moorestown, NJ, began the self evaluation surveying a few months after … [Read more...] about A self evaluation plus a quiz on the handbook
Hold an open house and keep clients happy and referrals flowing
An open house can be effective for maintaining existing clients and keeping the referral sources sending the referrals. It makes people feel at home and get a feel for what the firm does. But an open house takes marketing skill. Success depends on where it's held, the hellos and goodbyes, the food and even what everyone wears. The when and where of it all The day: The … [Read more...] about Hold an open house and keep clients happy and referrals flowing
Should you put a lid on political talk in the office?
The current presidential campaign is certainly intriguing. Who doesn't have an opinion about a recent rally, debate, or OpEd? No doubt your staff members do. But do you want them to voice these opinions at the office? With political sentiments high—and getting higher—one issue that managers face is how to keep the discussions between staff members from becoming heated to the … [Read more...] about Should you put a lid on political talk in the office?
Model Client Engagement Letter
Why you need this Model Engagement Letter: An engagement letter is protection—for both the firm and the client. It prevents argument on what the firm is expected to do for the client and what the client is expected to do for the firm. So it needs to be clear, brief, and readable. How this Model Engagement Letter helps you: Use this Model Engagement Letter to educate your … [Read more...] about Model Client Engagement Letter