Bringing in a new associate right out of school requires far more than new business cards and letterhead. Starting the practice of law "is an overwhelming thing for young attorneys," says law firm management consultant Allison C. Hill of Nashville, TN. To perform well, they need extensive help with the nonlegal aspects of the job. She outlines some of the orientation points … [Read more...] about How to improve orientation for your new associates
General
Should you outsource your IT department?
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?
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
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
Failsafe solutions to 3 irritating staff behavior problems
Dealing with unacceptable staff behavior is for most managers the hardest part of the job. Here is a no-fail formula that works in all situations and instructions for how to apply it to three of the most annoying types of people. 1 The ultra-sensitive staffer who can't take criticism 2 The staffer who brings personal problems to work and tells everybody about them. 3 … [Read more...] about Failsafe solutions to 3 irritating staff behavior problems
On Better Communication
Do you freeze up when asked to write something for work? Don't worry. Whether you're writing a letter to a client or a blog for the company website, there are a few simple steps you can take to produce clear and coherent copy. A lot of people freeze when they have to write something. They get afraid they won't know what to say or how to say it. But they do know that. They … [Read more...] about On Better Communication
Ensure success in your new job as administrator
As soon as you've accepted the position of law firm administrator, you need to establish expectations – what is expected of you and what you expect of others. Once those parameters are clear, you can implement any necessary changes with authority and confidence. Walking into a new job as administrator? It's hard for a newcomer administrator to know where to begin work, what … [Read more...] about Ensure success in your new job as administrator
Personal touch helps win highly profitable corporate clients
It's a first-class presentation, but the corporate business goes to another firm. What happened? The big balloon deflator is that most corporations have their hiring decisions made long before the beauty contest. The winner is almost always the firm that has developed a relationship with the company beforehand, and the selection process is naught but a friendly formality. … [Read more...] about Personal touch helps win highly profitable corporate clients
Marketing your practice: How to attract more clients by positioning your attorneys as “thought leaders”
The attorneys in your practice are more than knowledgeable; they are thought leaders in the legal field. So why not share their expertise, and market the practice in the process? Seeking information People actively seek legal information. Indeed, legal websites are highly popular, books offering legal advice sell well, and television shows like "Law & Order" have found new … [Read more...] about Marketing your practice: How to attract more clients by positioning your attorneys as “thought leaders”