Law Office Manager

Hiring & firing

Checklist: When a staffer departs

When a staff member leaves the law office, it’s important to ensure a smooth and secure transition. This checklist will help you cover all the necessary steps for offboarding a departing staff member, whether they are leaving voluntarily or due to termination. 1. Documentation and Communication Collect Resignation Letter or Termination Notice Ensure that the resignation … [Read more...] about Checklist: When a staffer departs

Manager, Brace Yourself: The January Resignation Rush Is Coming

 By Lynne Curry “My job’s been a pressure cooker of rush projects, travel and late-night emails for the last two years. The final straw came on Christmas. My boss decided I’d be the one to cover any calls, as everyone else was married. After that, it wasn’t a difficult decision. I’m trading my corporate paycheck for peace of mind and evenings and weekends off. My new job … [Read more...] about Manager, Brace Yourself: The January Resignation Rush Is Coming

HR Update: Employers Deploy the Perk Police

By Lynne Curry Question: My employer fired me this morning for an “offense” so minor it’s laughable—especially since dozens of other employees do the same thing. Here’s what happened. My employer issues meal vouchers employees can use if they have pizza or sandwiches delivered to them at their desks when they’re working through lunch or into the evening. Since I … [Read more...] about HR Update: Employers Deploy the Perk Police

Staff Shortages: Does No One Want to Work Anymore?

By Lynne Curry Mia didn’t expect her nursing shift to stretch to 16 hours without a break. Yet, there she stood, an empty coffee cup in hand, an exhausted. With every bed filled, she rushed from one patient to another, handling everything from IVs to emergencies — duties she’d normally share with others. “I’m doing the work of two, sometimes three nurses. But we’re … [Read more...] about Staff Shortages: Does No One Want to Work Anymore?

Hiring inequities remain for law school graduates of color

NALP has released the 50th consecutive edition of its Jobs & JDs: Employment and Salaries of New Law Graduates — Class of 2023 report, available on NALP's bookstore. Jobs & JDs is NALP's hallmark annual research report that presents a comprehensive analysis on the types of employment and salaries obtained by recent graduates, with data on approximately 98% of the Class … [Read more...] about Hiring inequities remain for law school graduates of color

Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding a records manager

Hiring a records manager for your law office is a critical task. A good records manager ensures your firm’s sensitive legal documents are properly organized, stored, and compliant with all regulatory requirements. From maintaining digital archives to overseeing physical files, the role demands precision and confidentiality. Here’s how to effectively recruit, hire, and onboard … [Read more...] about Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding a records manager

Stay on top of these key HR issues in your law office

Top HR issues in a law office often revolve around the unique challenges of managing a professional, high-pressure environment. Here are some of the most common HR concerns law office managers face and how to stay on top of them: Recruitment and Retention of Talent Challenge: Attracting and retaining skilled attorneys, paralegals, and support staff is crucial but … [Read more...] about Stay on top of these key HR issues in your law office

How to hire a great receptionist

Hire a receptionist and hire the manager of first and lasting impressions. The receptionist position is a marketing position. Before callers ever talk to an attorney, they form an opinion of the firm through their contact with the front desk. Yet most firms view the position as one that doesn't need a lot of intellectual skills and hire a receptionist without looking for the … [Read more...] about How to hire a great receptionist

HR scenario: How do I handle ‘quiet vacationing’?

By Lynne Curry Question: I’m a small business owner and trust my employees. The majority are great. In the past two years, I’ve actively sought ways to reward them for hard work and keep them motivated. When our amazing summer began in May, I shortened our work week to four days for as long as summer lasted, giving every employee a guilt-free Friday off. I manage … [Read more...] about HR scenario: How do I handle ‘quiet vacationing’?