1. Reduce the interruptions. During busy times, move the chair around so the back is to the door. People hesitate to interrupt when they can't make immediate eye contact with the administrator. Stand up when people come on and stay standing. As long as the administrator is standing, the visitor won't start up a long conversation. Put a few books in the visitor's chair so … [Read more...] about 16 quick ideas to make you a better manager
General
Clark Wilson’s branding by design
When you have 76 lawyers and 136 support staff using 47,000 square feet over three floors of space, a complete makeover is no small feat. And it's usually a project that, once finished, you're happy to put out of your mind forever. But Carina Bittel, Director of Administration for Clark Wilson LLP, in Vancouver, BC, loves to talk about her firm's recent renovation. "I don't … [Read more...] about Clark Wilson’s branding by design
Some like it hot
Editor's picks: How to tame two staffers at war: Keep it civil and focus on the business Warm weather work attire 17 benefits that employees like and the firm can afford … [Read more...] about Some like it hot
The importance of backing-up your work
Is this part of your business continuity plan? Editor's picks: How to keep the office in business-as-usual shape after any kind of disaster The 5 disasters that run law firms into the ground The link between technology and your firm's continued success … [Read more...] about The importance of backing-up your work
7 tips to stay classy at the practice holiday party
'Tis the season to socialize with attorneys and other legal professionals from your practice, as well as coworkers and staff. Here's how to have fun while keeping it professional. 1 Prepare for the party It doesn't matter whether your employer is holding this year's holiday party at the office or offsite. Nor does it matter if it takes place at lunchtime or after hours. It's … [Read more...] about 7 tips to stay classy at the practice holiday party
A self evaluation plus a quiz on the handbook
A New Jersey office has increased staff morale as well as performance with an online self evaluation survey. And along with that, it’s working to ensure all the staff know all the rules by setting up an online handbook quiz. First, the self-evaluation survey Michele Adams, office manager for Powers Kirn in Moorestown, NJ, began the self evaluation surveying a few months after … [Read more...] about A self evaluation plus a quiz on the handbook
Hold an open house and keep clients happy and referrals flowing
An open house can be effective for maintaining existing clients and keeping the referral sources sending the referrals. It makes people feel at home and get a feel for what the firm does. But an open house takes marketing skill. Success depends on where it's held, the hellos and goodbyes, the food and even what everyone wears. The when and where of it all The day: The … [Read more...] about Hold an open house and keep clients happy and referrals flowing
Onboarding gone wrong
Editor's picks: Six ways to keep or lose a good hire 8 proven strategies for managing people better New hires not working out? … [Read more...] about Onboarding gone wrong
Why you should include staff at your annual firm retreat this year
While most firms hold an annual retreat for the attorneys, one California firm has expanded the retreat concept to include staff and spouses. According to the administrator, including staff and spouses at the firm’s annual retreat builds a bond between attorneys and staff and creates a positive attitude toward the firm’s goals and values, generating enthusiasm and new … [Read more...] about Why you should include staff at your annual firm retreat this year
Six ways to reach the highest possible prosperity
It's the bottom line that counts. That's the firm's profitability. And maximizing it calls for more than bringing in new business. The keys are several—a plan to follow, a strong managing partner to enforce it, a shrewd client acceptance process, partner compensation that rewards cash in hand, lots of leveraging, and culling out the deadwood clients. Those items are outlined … [Read more...] about Six ways to reach the highest possible prosperity