By Lynne Curry Question: I was so stoked when the premier firm in my area of professional services hired me that I did something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I told my former manager what I thought of her. She ordered me to leave her company immediately. No problem, I had a new job to go to. I also had my entire future mapped out. I’d work for my new employer … [Read more...] about Non-compete agreements and deceiving your employer
Your career
Where do I go from here? Advancement opportunities for law office managers
As a dedicated law office manager, you play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of your firm. From overseeing administrative tasks to managing personnel and finances, your skills and expertise are invaluable. However, have you ever wondered what lies beyond your current position? Here's a look at career opportunities available for law office managers, highlighting … [Read more...] about Where do I go from here? Advancement opportunities for law office managers
5 reasons to turn down a promotion … and how to do so tactfully
Should you take a promotion if it is offered to you? Perhaps, but it might not be your best move. Consider these reasons to turn down a promotion and stay right where you are—successfully managing your law office. Loss of work-life balance: Consider whether the promotion would significantly impact your work-life balance. Assess if the increased responsibilities would … [Read more...] about 5 reasons to turn down a promotion … and how to do so tactfully
Mastering time blocking: A guide for law office administrator and managing partners
Introduction: As a law office manager, you play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the firm while overseeing multiple projects and tasks. To effectively manage the demands of a legal environment, implementing time blocking techniques can be highly beneficial. By strategically allocating your time, you can optimize productivity, streamline workflows, and … [Read more...] about Mastering time blocking: A guide for law office administrator and managing partners
Cultivate these 7 habits for success
As an office manager, you are responsible for the efficient operation of your workplace. Your role requires you to balance multiple tasks, manage diverse teams, and keep things organized. To become a highly effective office manager, you can take inspiration from Stephen Covey’s timeless book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Here are some tips based on Covey’s … [Read more...] about Cultivate these 7 habits for success
Snappy comebacks WHEN you need them
By Lynne Curry The snappy comeback you wish you’d had when “Jim” sniped at you in the meeting, and you sat frozen and speechless. The silencing comment you wish you’d given “Brenda” when you walked past the break room and you heard her dissing you. Why don’t those comebacks arrive when you need them? Here’s why… When you experience a verbal attack or another threat, your … [Read more...] about Snappy comebacks WHEN you need them
What happened to weekends?
By Lynne Curry If you’ve lost your weekends to work projects begging to be finished and annoying pop-up employer emails, you’re not alone. According to ActivTrak’s survey of 134,260 employees who worked for 900 separate organizations, employees work an average of 6.6 hours, almost a full work day, each weekend. If this fits you, consider these questions: Has your job taken … [Read more...] about What happened to weekends?
Try the Pomodoro technique to focus on big projects
As a busy office administrator, you are constantly juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities. It can be easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you are not making progress on anything. When you need to focus on a large project such as monthly financials, reviewing job applications, implementing new software or other jobs that take time and concentration, try closing your … [Read more...] about Try the Pomodoro technique to focus on big projects
Learn to recognize and avoid burnout
Law office management can be a stressful occupation as it involves financial and compliance responsibilities and balancing the needs of partners, associates, staff and clients in a fast-paced environment. Here are some tips for law office administrators on why they might suffer burnout, how to recognize it, and what they can do to prevent and deal with it. Understand the … [Read more...] about Learn to recognize and avoid burnout
7 classic tips for work-life balance
The line between work life and personal life is more blurred than ever for today’s office manager. But you need be able to turn off work and focus on family and other responsibilities, as well as recreation and taking care of your own well-being. Here are seven tips—classic but still valuable—for reclaiming your life beyond work. Set boundaries: It’s important to set clear … [Read more...] about 7 classic tips for work-life balance