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
Managing the office
How to keep the office in business-as-usual shape after any kind of disaster
How disaster-prepared is the business side of your office? Although large organizations often have good disaster preparedness programs, small to mid-sized offices usually don't. And sadly, because they usually have only one location, they are the ones who suffer most when business is interrupted. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for a disaster and get your … [Read more...] about How to keep the office in business-as-usual shape after any kind of disaster
Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
Many managers will agree that the most difficult part of their job is finding time to get all the work done. And, while everyone loves a day off or a long weekend, it’s hard to make up for any lost workdays. So here are four good time management recommendations from workflow advisor Jason Womack, leadership speaker and author of “Your Best Just Got Better: Work Smarter, … [Read more...] about Happy Thanksgiving: Here are four good ways to get your work done before the long weekend
Employee morale and your firm’s productivity: 6 easy ways to boost both
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Employees' attitudes have changed over the years. Good, loyal employees want more than a paycheck and health benefits. Studies have shown that compensation does not even rate in the top 5 of what makes an employee happy with their job. I believe happy employees are productive employees and anyone who believes otherwise is overlooking the … [Read more...] about Employee morale and your firm’s productivity: 6 easy ways to boost both
Four tasks to start now to ensure a successful 2024
By Brenda A. Barnes bio Year-end can be a pretty hectic time for many of us. As a business owner though, this is an ideal time to work on positioning your firm for a prosperous new year. Here are four important tasks you can start on now to ensure a successful 2024: 1. Think about strategic planning. Evaluate your firm's successes as well as areas that need … [Read more...] about Four tasks to start now to ensure a successful 2024
Manage your law office’s holiday party liability risks
You may be hosting a big holiday party for your employees this December. And, like many law offices do, you may be serving liquor at that party. That's fine. Just make sure you understand what you're getting yourself into. Relax. We're not going to lecture you on the dangers of drinking and driving. No sense preaching to the choir. But what we can do to help you out is … [Read more...] about Manage your law office’s holiday party liability risks
Overloaded at work? Here’s what you should do
You have more work than you can handle—and no matter how hard you work, you can't seem to get ahead. In fact, it's gotten to the point that you're exhausted. Most days you don't even like your job anymore. If this sounds like you, it's time to make a change. And that change doesn't have to involve a new place of employment. Instead, it's time to assess your situation and … [Read more...] about Overloaded at work? Here’s what you should do
Points to make in your law firm parking policy
With convenience, safety and even prestige at stake, the law office parking lot can be the topic—and scene—of disputes. One way to keep things relatively civil is to establish a parking space policy. Here are some key points to cover in a policy. Space Allocation: Determine how parking spaces will be allocated within the firm's premises. Consider factors such as the total … [Read more...] about Points to make in your law firm parking policy
Model Tool: Candidate rejection letter, job application
Why you need this model tool: After you've made a hiring decision, you have an obligation to get back to the people who applied for the position but did not get the job. How this model tool helps you: It can be difficult to know what to say to an applicant who was not hired. How to use this model tool: This model tool is a letter that can be customized for your firm and … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Candidate rejection letter, job application
Model Tool: Catastrophic Leave Program
Rules regarding an employee’s right to various types of leave differ from state of state, but most of the rules require that a leave-sharing program be in writing. … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Catastrophic Leave Program