Law Office Manager

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Dealing with Mean Girls and Mood Leeches

 By Lynne Curry A coaching client collapsed into the chair across from my desk, her face telegraphing defeat. “I barely survived a lunch break with Paula from Payroll.” “Lexy, what happened?” I asked. “Paula looked at my quinoa bowl and said, ‘So, you’re dieting—Is it working?’ Then she asked, ‘Are you still doing the dating apps? What’s it been, a year?’” A few … [Read more...] about Dealing with Mean Girls and Mood Leeches

You should learn your way around office politics

By Lynne Curry Question: I like my new job, my supervisor, and my coworkers, except for a woman I’ve nicknamed “the queen.” The problem began as soon as my first all-hands meeting ended. Several of my coworkers invited me to have drinks with them after work. The queen overhead because she and I were heading into a pre-planned meeting that lasted until the end of the … [Read more...] about You should learn your way around office politics

7 Ways to Manage the Midnight Pings

You’re brushing your teeth. Your phone buzzes. It’s your boss. You’re making dinner. Ping. Still your boss.You’re in bed, face mask on, finally relaxed. Ding. Guess who? If your boss seems to believe that email has no off-switch, you’re not alone. In today’s hyper-connected world, the line between “at work” and “off-duty” can blur fast—especially when the … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Manage the Midnight Pings

8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager

A manager can have great knowledge and great skills, but without credibility with both attorneys and staff, don't expect success. What is credibility? It can be defined as "what we do and how we do it that causes others to respect and believe us." The "what-we-do" is the tangible things—the work and its results. The "how-we-do-it" is the behavior that demonstrates a person's … [Read more...] about 8 proven ways to totally destroy your credibility as a manager

Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?

By Lynne Curry Question: When our newly hired general manager pulled me into his office this morning, he asked me to fire a staff member, an individual I know well and who’s always impressed me as a hard worker. I run our company’s HR department. I asked, “Could you give me the details, so I can create a solid case for our file?” The GM, a fifty-something white man … [Read more...] about Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?

Reconnecting with Purpose: How to Invite Someone from the Past into Your Career Network

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

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)

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