As we near the end of the second quarter, it's a good time to see if the firm, staff, and you are all on track with respect to the goals you set in January or if any course corrections are needed. Here are a few areas you can address. 1. Check the budget. Review the budget to see if and where alterations are needed. Are the goals still appropriate? Are employees making good … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your June office checklist
Tool Box
Model Policy: Office Room Temperature
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for maintaining a comfortable and productive work environment for all staff and clients by regulating the temperature in the law office. By implementing this office temperature policy, the law office aims to maintain a comfortable and productive work environment for all staff and clients. Consistent communication, … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Office Room Temperature
To-Dos: Your May office checklist
It can be difficult to focus on work this month. May is when many of us come down with spring fever, yearning to get outside in the garden or the golf course. So this month's checklist is a nice balance of business and pleasure. 1. Start planning coverages for summer vacations. Many firms do not use temporary legal assistants or secretaries anymore. With stepped up … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your May office checklist
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
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
Model Form: Applause Sheet
Why you need this model Applause Sheet: This is a quick and easy way to help develop and maintain positive relationships among the people in your office. How this model Applause Sheet helps you: Using this form at your regular staff meetings may not only end negative attitudes among staff, it might also help keep a positive attitude going indefinitely. How to use this model … [Read more...] about Model Form: Applause Sheet
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
Spelling bee: Top 100 misspelled words in the legal industry
So you think you can spell? Test your skill on these 100 most commonly misspelled words in the legal industry: Accommodate Acquiesce Adjudicate Admissibility Adverse Affidavit Aggregate Aggravate Allege Amicable Appellant Appraise Arraignment Assent Attainder A lot Benefit Calendar Certificate Consider Counsel … [Read more...] about Spelling bee: Top 100 misspelled words in the legal industry