Reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while can feel a little awkward—but when done with authenticity and a clear sense of purpose, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a former colleague, mentor, or someone you crossed paths with years ago at a conference, reviving an old connection can open new doors and enrich your professional network. As an office … [Read more...] about Reconnecting with Purpose: How to Invite Someone from the Past into Your Career Network
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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)
Is AI Pushing You Into a Career Change?
By Lynne Curry Tish spent fifteen years as a legal assistant. She’d honed her skills and mastered the ins and outs of case files and court scheduling. She knew the quirks of each of her senior partners. A year ago new software rolled in—AI tools that scanned thousands of pages of case law in seconds, summarized legal documents with eerie precision, and auto-generated … [Read more...] about Is AI Pushing You Into a Career Change?
Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
April is the perfect time to get ahead of the summer scramble by nailing down everyone’s vacation plans. As an office manager, you know that warm weather brings sunshine, sandals—and a flurry of PTO requests that can leave you short-staffed if you’re not careful. The earlier you start organizing summer schedules, the smoother the season will be for everyone. Here’s how to … [Read more...] about Time to Talk Time Off: Getting Summer Vacations on the Calendar
The Benefit of a Wind-Down Ritual
By Camille Stell Transitioning from work to home was never something I had to think about. In the before (pandemic) times, I stepped away from work by getting in my car for an hour commute. I thought about my day, but I also began to naturally transition away from my work mindset. I listened to music or a podcast, I ran errands, or thought about meal planning, and by the … [Read more...] about The Benefit of a Wind-Down Ritual
The Power of Good Habits for Office Managers
Your role demands a unique blend of organization, leadership, and adaptability. The ability to develop and maintain good habits can be a game-changer in managing your workload, reducing stress, and boosting your effectiveness. Drawing insights from popular books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, this article explores the power of habits and practical steps for building … [Read more...] about The Power of Good Habits for Office Managers
Top 10 Essential Skills Every Law Office Manager Needs to Succeed
You play a pivotal role in keeping your firm running smoothly. Whether you're juggling case schedules, overseeing staff, or ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulations, your skill set is the backbone of the office. The expectations are higher than ever, and honing these 10 essential skills can set you apart and ensure your success. 1. Technology Proficiency Legal … [Read more...] about Top 10 Essential Skills Every Law Office Manager Needs to Succeed
Micro-Retirement: Taking a Time-Out During Your Career
By Lynne Curry Are you craving a new adventure? Has your once-steady career momentum fizzled—or worse, have you burnt out? Does the thought of grinding away another 10, 20, or 30years until retirement leave you feeling drained? If so, you’re not alone. Dana Saerstein, 31, decided she’d had enough. “If I keep working myself to the bone until I’m 60, I might never … [Read more...] about Micro-Retirement: Taking a Time-Out During Your Career
17 productivity tips for law office managers
In the fast-paced world of law, juggling administrative tasks can be a daunting challenge. But don't worry—by prioritizing your daily tasks, organizing your workspace, and leveraging the right tools and strategies, you can turn chaos into order and boost your productivity. Let's dive into practical tips to help you manage your workload effectively and keep your law office … [Read more...] about 17 productivity tips for law office managers
To make a point, use the body language that supports your words
Few managers realize that successful communication depends heavily on body language. When people don't get the response they expect, they need to understand that their bodies aren't sending the messages they think they're conveying. Much of the message that gets picked up in a conversation comes from motions and gestures. And it works both ways. A manager has to know body … [Read more...] about To make a point, use the body language that supports your words