Your long-awaited and well-deserved summer vacation is approaching. Is your staff prepared to run the office smoothly in your absence? Use this list to see if you have the bases covered. Vacation Preparation Checklist for Law Office Administrators Delegate Responsibilities: Assign the paralegal to handle client intake and initial case assessments during your … [Read more...] about Checklist: Before you leave on vacation
Client relations
Model Retainer Agreement
Why you need this Model Retainer Agreement: Many clients don't like to pay their legal bills and without having measures in place to ensure payments, law firms can run into huge headaches. One best practice is to lay out your billing arrangements and hourly fees charged by partners, associates, and paralegals in your retainer agreement. How this Model Retainer Agreement helps … [Read more...] about Model Retainer Agreement
Notice to Client of Increase in Hourly Rate
Why you need this Model Notice to Client: Clients should be notified in writing of any fee increases 30 days in advance. This protects both the firm and the client. Informing your client of what to expect and when to expect it will help your client prepare for the extra expense. How this Model Notice to Client helps you: The Notice needs to be clear, brief, and readable. … [Read more...] about Notice to Client of Increase in Hourly Rate
Model Billing Statement
Why you need this Model Billing Statement: Many clients don't like to pay their legal bills and without having measures in place to ensure payments, law firms can run into huge headaches. One best practice is to ensure that your billing statement clearly outlines what services your clients are receiving for their money. How this Model Billing Statement helps you: Use this … [Read more...] about Model Billing Statement
How to create a welcoming workspace with office design and ergonomics
As a law office manager, you understand the significance of creating an environment that fosters productivity, comfort, and professionalism. The design and ergonomics of your law firm's workspace play a crucial role in enhancing employee satisfaction, promoting collaboration, and leaving a positive impression on clients. 1. Strike a balance between functionality and … [Read more...] about How to create a welcoming workspace with office design and ergonomics
9 tips for getting your lawyers onto the speaking circuit
One effective way to showcase your firm's expertise, build brand recognition, and enhance professional development is by encouraging your lawyers to participate in conferences and web events as speakers. By leveraging these platforms, your attorneys can make a significant impact, both individually and collectively. Consider these benefits that arise from encouraging your … [Read more...] about 9 tips for getting your lawyers onto the speaking circuit
TOOL: Model Notice and Waiver of Conflict of Interest
Why you need this model Notice: This model Notice will help your efforts to protect your practice from the risk of violating conflict of interest rules. How this model Notice helps you: If a potential conflict of interest exists, but the parties still want the firm to represent their legal interests, have all parties sign a Waiver of Conflict of Interest, acknowledging the … [Read more...] about TOOL: Model Notice and Waiver of Conflict of Interest
To-Dos: Your March office checklist
March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. That's outside, where winter storms give way to springtime calm. Inside, there can also be a whirlwind of activity, especially if you're tackling office-wide organizational and spring-cleaning projects. If this is the month you strive to bring order to the firm, here are some tasks you can tackle. The office: 1. … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your March office checklist
5 ways to make a great first impression
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So it's important to consider what judgment calls your clients are making about your firm's efficiency and professionalism based on their first impression. Balancing a client's perception of your firm's success, and therefore its competency, can be a double-edged … [Read more...] about 5 ways to make a great first impression
5 ways to keep the referrals rolling in
Referrals can be a powerful source of new clients, and they can help you build a strong reputation in your community. Here are some tips on how to get referrals for your law firm: Provide excellent service The first step to getting referrals is to provide excellent service to your current clients. When clients are happy with the service they receive from your firm, they … [Read more...] about 5 ways to keep the referrals rolling in