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
Managing the office
The 6 Essentials to Include in your Business Continuity Plan to Help Your Firm Survive a Disaster
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio The first thing you might be wondering is why do I need a business continuity plan? With technology being what it is today, I bet every lawyer and law firm think they have a "business continuity plan" in place already. A business continuity or contingency plan will allow a law firm to have daily access to client information, financial … [Read more...] about The 6 Essentials to Include in your Business Continuity Plan to Help Your Firm Survive a Disaster
Getting Your Head Back in the Game After Vacation
As a dedicated law office administrator, taking time off for vacation is essential for personal well-being and professional growth. However, stepping back into your role after a break can be daunting due to the unique responsibilities and intricacies of the position. To ensure a seamless reintegration and effective prioritization of tasks, here are specific and tailored tips … [Read more...] about Getting Your Head Back in the Game After Vacation
Protect Your Firm from Ethical Risks with an Effective Conflict Checking Process
Conflict checking is a crucial process for a law office manager, ensuring that the firm avoids any conflicts of interest that could jeopardize client trust or violate legal ethics. Here’s a breakdown of how to manage the conflict checking process efficiently: 1. Understand the Importance of Conflict Checking Conflict checks help ensure that the law firm … [Read more...] about Protect Your Firm from Ethical Risks with an Effective Conflict Checking Process
When the Partners Don’t Agree: Staying Neutral Without Getting Stuck
Tips for handling conflict among firm leadership without getting pulled into the middle Conflicting personalities and competing priorities between law firm partners can create tension that trickles down to you. One wants to hire more staff, another wants to tighten the budget. One is pushing for a new case management system, another insists the current one is fine. Meanwhile, … [Read more...] about When the Partners Don’t Agree: Staying Neutral Without Getting Stuck
6 Realities About Client Billing and How to Address Them
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Nothing strikes a nerve with clients more than having to pay legal fees. I am not sure why, but some clients think it is acceptable to expect their lawyers to work for free, something they don't expect anyone else to do. In today's economy, clients are looking for reduced legal fees and results. Value billing and flat fee billing structures are … [Read more...] about 6 Realities About Client Billing and How to Address Them
Why Every Office Manager Should Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
You’re the hub of activity and the go-to problem solver when you are an office manager. You’ve probably answered the same questions more times than you can count or had to troubleshoot chaos when key team members were out of the office. These scenarios—and many more—underscore the critical need for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in your office. SOPs might not sound … [Read more...] about Why Every Office Manager Should Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Checklist: Before you leave on vacation
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
July Is a Great Month to… Tackle What Gets Overlooked the Rest of the Year
Let’s be honest—law office life moves at lightning speed most of the year. There are deadlines to meet, clients to serve, and a constant shuffle of priorities. But July? July is different. The courts slow down, partners take vacations, and the calendar loosens just enough to give you some breathing room. That makes this the perfect month to catch up on the things that always … [Read more...] about July Is a Great Month to… Tackle What Gets Overlooked the Rest of the Year
What Your Parking Lot Says About Your Law Office—And Why Clients Notice
Your law office might pride itself on professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail. But before your receptionist greets a single client, before any papers are signed or any legal advice is given, your parking lot has already made an impression. It may not be glamorous, but a law office’s parking lot is often the first and last thing clients experience. And … [Read more...] about What Your Parking Lot Says About Your Law Office—And Why Clients Notice