It's a question many law firm administrators face at some point, particularly when discussing workforce restructuring: Is it time to outsource our IT needs? It's not an easy decision to make and it's not the same answer for every firm. If your firm is currently having this discussion, let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of outsourcing, and what you need to consider … [Read more...] about Should you outsource your IT department?
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How to Identify, Evaluate & Purchase the Right Cloud-Based Software for Your Law Firm
Downloadable Files: Presentation Slides Presenter:Diane L. Camacho, President, CEO,DLC Consulting Services, LLC The identification, evaluation and purchase of cloud-based software is easily one of the most complex and challenging projects you'll confront as a law firm administrator. Whether it's a full A/R system, case management software, or basic word processing, these … [Read more...] about How to Identify, Evaluate & Purchase the Right Cloud-Based Software for Your Law Firm
Quick Tip: How to create a keyboard shortcut for a Word Style
By Doug Striker bio We all know that using styles to format a Word document leads to more stable documents and efficient editing. But, are you efficiently applying styles? You can use a keyboard shortcut for any style, including built-in styles such as Normal and Heading 1, 2, etc. Some styles already have their own shortcuts, but you can change them, if you … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: How to create a keyboard shortcut for a Word Style
Some not-so-difficult ways to increase revenue
Need a better bottom line? Don't go the way of most firms and start "stripping the heck out of the operating costs." The real dollars come from increasing revenue. And doing that is often more common sense than magic, says financial consultant Michael R. Marget, managing director of 4L Law Firm Services in Tampa. Get under the payment wire The first and easiest way to … [Read more...] about Some not-so-difficult ways to increase revenue
Missouri administrator tells how to move your office in just one weekend
A St. Louis administrator was able to complete an office move in just one weekend by dividing staff into teams and giving each one specific moving duties. The administrator of the nine-attorney, 23-staff office had been through a move before and had seen firsthand the difficulties. Mostly, she said, the hold-ups came because staff didn't know where to turn for questions. So … [Read more...] about Missouri administrator tells how to move your office in just one weekend
How to turn a bad annual review into a self-improvement action plan
We're all human. Anyone can get into situations that are less than successful. And anyone can meet with a bad job review. But the ship can be turned around, says Theresa Rose, a professional development consultant and speaker. It takes a positive response to the partners, a positive emotional attitude, and an ongoing effort to improve in the areas that matter to the … [Read more...] about How to turn a bad annual review into a self-improvement action plan
No, legal practice management software is not a requirement
By Diane L. Camacho, CLM bio We all want to become more organized, and it would be great if there were some sort of magic software that would allow us to organize our work and thoughts simply. Practice management software claims to be that magic. There must be hundreds of software solutions on the market for law firms. Developers see that we have a definite need to … [Read more...] about No, legal practice management software is not a requirement
Secrecy in the age of social media: six ways to keep sensitive practice information offline
You can be sure that most of your employees are active on social media. For younger ones, in fact, using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are as natural as breathing. According to James Pooley, author of "Secrets: Managing Information Assets in the Age of Cyberespionage," social media and the sharing culture it has sparked are very real threats to organizations. "The … [Read more...] about Secrecy in the age of social media: six ways to keep sensitive practice information offline
Use weekly financial reporting to keep partners aware of cash flow
A Vermont manager has found that running the financial reports weekly instead of monthly is an easy way for the partners to stay always aware and in control of what's going on. They see every penny that has come in and gone out. They know how each attorney and each practice area is faring. And they know when to expect extra expenses and what the taxes are likely to be. The … [Read more...] about Use weekly financial reporting to keep partners aware of cash flow
Outsourcing Legal Assistant and Paralegal Services
Downloadable Files: Presentation Slides Cost of Full-Time Staff vs. Virtual TIPS Brochure #7 Parasimple Presenters: Elizabeth Miller, MBAIndependent Law Firm Administrator Michele Quigley, BSOwner, Parasimple Law firms across America have been hit dead center by rising costs and continuing financial pressure to cut staffing support services. For many … [Read more...] about Outsourcing Legal Assistant and Paralegal Services