March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. That's outside, where winter storms give way to springtime calm. Inside, there can also be a whirlwind of activity, especially if you're tackling office-wide organizational and spring-cleaning projects. If this is the month you strive to bring order to the firm, here are some tasks you can tackle. The office: 1. … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your March office checklist
Increasing profits
16 ideas for marketing your law practice
Legal marketing should emphasize professionalism, credibility, and reliability. Your strategies should build trust with potential clients who are seeking legal assistance. Here are 16 marketing ideas: Specialized website: Create a professional website that highlights your practice areas, attorney profiles, testimonials, and contact information. Ensure the design is clean, … [Read more...] about 16 ideas for marketing your law practice
Keep your firm’s goals current
We traditionally set our firm's goals for the beginning of the year, but setting targets on a quarterly or on-going basis keeps these goals current and relevant. Goals provide crucial support in guiding year decisions through this year and the years ahead. Goals mean that instead of reacting to whatever happens, you’re proactively driving your firm to where you want to … [Read more...] about Keep your firm’s goals current
8 signs your firm needs an operations analysis
An operational analysis is an in-depth analysis of the firms's operations, or, put simply, getting somebody from outside to take a look at the inside. Most firms do that when they are facing problems, particularly financial problems, but it is better to do it before problems occur. Here is what the job entails, starting with the signs that it's time to get the review … [Read more...] about 8 signs your firm needs an operations analysis
5 law firm billing practices for better cash flow
By Brenda Barnes It’s probably not a big surprise that if your firm does not have sound billing and collection practices, your cash flow will suffer. It also probably goes without saying that when cash flow suffers so does partner compensation. How can you tighten this up? First and foremost, you need to have solid billing policies that are agreed upon and followed! … [Read more...] about 5 law firm billing practices for better cash flow
10 ways to balance budgeting and billing
Managing the financial aspects of a law office is a multifaceted challenge that requires a delicate balance between budgeting and billing. Here are 10 strategies to consider: 1. Establish clear budgets: Effective financial management starts with a well-defined budget. Work closely with the firm's partners or management to set clear and realistic budgetary goals. Consider … [Read more...] about 10 ways to balance budgeting and billing
How are your billing and collecting processes?
6 best practices that fit the bill Training some select clients to pay their bills on time might seem about as possible as herding cats. But if you start the training early, you might actually achieve the impossible. Here are a few tips shared by Ronald L. Seigneur, CPA/ABV/CFF, ASA, CVA, CGMA, of Seigneur Gustafson LLP. 1. Be selective According to Seigneur, your … [Read more...] about How are your billing and collecting processes?
Can every attorney in your office answer these 10 critical questions for 2024?
Want to see more profit in 2024? Get each attorney to draw up a practice plan for the year. A plan forces the attorneys to organize their work agenda by focusing on practice development, production, and self-improvement. What’s more, it ensures that everybody does work that furthers the firm’s goals, it keeps the marketing focused, and it keeps the collections in line. Use … [Read more...] about Can every attorney in your office answer these 10 critical questions for 2024?
5 ways to keep the referrals rolling in
Referrals can be a powerful source of new clients, and they can help you build a strong reputation in your community. Here are some tips on how to get referrals for your law firm: Provide excellent service The first step to getting referrals is to provide excellent service to your current clients. When clients are happy with the service they receive from your firm, they … [Read more...] about 5 ways to keep the referrals rolling in
4 directions to send your law firm marketing message
If you're looking to market your law practice, there are several techniques you can use to attract prospects, engage with them, and turn them into clients. To make the most of your marketing efforts, it's important to focus on the data first. The better you understand your potential clients' online and offline media behaviors and preferences, the better you can customize your … [Read more...] about 4 directions to send your law firm marketing message