Law Office Manager

Managing the office

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

How law firm managers can get a better night’s sleep

By Brenda Barnes  bio It's a common problem for law firm managers: lost sleep over those gnawing concerns about what they "don't know" about their practice and what they could be doing better. These are some of the top sleep deprivers affecting our clients: Growing the top line of business and keeping the competitive edge Making sure they have the right people in the … [Read more...] about How law firm managers can get a better night’s sleep

How to hire a great receptionist

Hire a receptionist and hire the manager of first and lasting impressions. The receptionist position is a marketing position. Before callers ever talk to an attorney, they form an opinion of the firm through their contact with the front desk. Yet most firms view the position as one that doesn't need a lot of intellectual skills and hire a receptionist without looking for the … [Read more...] about How to hire a great receptionist

7 projects to tackle in September

As the summer winds down and the pace picks up, September is the perfect time to dive into projects that will set your law office up for success in the months ahead. Here are seven key projects to focus on that will help you streamline operations, boost efficiency, and ensure that your team is prepared for the busy fall season. 1. Review and Update Case Management … [Read more...] about 7 projects to tackle in September

This is not a drill: Preparing for and responding to crises

Unexpected events can disrupt operations and jeopardize client relationships. Whether it's a natural disaster, a data breach, or a key staff member's sudden departure, the ability to respond effectively is crucial. As a law office manager, your role in crisis management is pivotal. Let's explore how to create a comprehensive crisis management plan, handle emergencies with … [Read more...] about This is not a drill: Preparing for and responding to crises

Get a move on: Tips for relocating your office

Moving a law office can feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right planning, it doesn't have to be. Whether you're expanding to a bigger space or relocating for a fresh start, a smooth transition is all about the details. Here’s a guide to help you plan your move efficiently and keep your practice running seamlessly. Start Early The key to a successful move is … [Read more...] about Get a move on: Tips for relocating your office

How to prioritize law firm management tasks

By Elizabeth M. Miller  bio What's the most important task you have to tackle today? Do you have so many you can't decide which to address first? In law firms, priorities change from day to day and even moment to moment. The truth of the matter is that there are often competing priorities. And unless there is an obvious crisis, it's sometimes not that easy to decide which … [Read more...] about How to prioritize law firm management tasks

6 ways formal job descriptions benefit your law office

Small businesses, including legal practices, often try to get by without formal job descriptions. The thinking is the manager knows what each position requires, and she or he can share this information with job candidates and new hires. Another argument is that because job tasks tend to change, job descriptions quickly become outdated. Neither of these arguments takes … [Read more...] about 6 ways formal job descriptions benefit your law office

How to get good stuff about the office during an exit interview

An exit interview should bring to light far more than what is good and bad about the office. It should give insight into what's really going on and produce ideas for making improvements. There's an art to exit interviewing. It's a matter of getting the staffer to talk and asking the questions that will keep them talking. A smile at the start Start by setting a positive … [Read more...] about How to get good stuff about the office during an exit interview