By Brenda A. Barnes bio Year-end can be a pretty hectic time for many of us. As a business owner though, this is an ideal time to work on positioning your firm for a prosperous new year. Here are four important tasks you can start on now to ensure a successful 2024: 1. Think about strategic planning. Evaluate your firm's successes as well as areas that need … [Read more...] about Four tasks to start now to ensure a successful 2024
Increasing profits
The art of delegating to increase firm revenues
By Elizabeth Miller Law firms are unique in that unlike most other businesses which sell a product, lawyers sell time. Their time is, for a better description, “their stock in trade”. Based on this concept, to be profitable and generate sufficient revenues to carry the firm, lawyers should be spending their valuable time doing client billable work. The exception to this are … [Read more...] about The art of delegating to increase firm revenues
Business origination: Know where the work comes from
By Brenda Barnes Businesses thrive only when they have sales—and lots of them. To increase top-line revenue, firms must continually generate new business. In professional service firms, sales, or business development, is generally referred to as business origination. Whether or not your firm tracks originated business or compensates attorneys for new business, it is vital to … [Read more...] about Business origination: Know where the work comes from
6 essential tips for law office administrators to attract more clients
As a law office administrator, one of your key responsibilities is to ensure the growth and success of your firm. A crucial aspect of achieving this goal is consistently attracting new clients. In an increasingly competitive legal landscape, it's essential to employ effective strategies that can help your law office stand out. Consider these tips to help you gain more clients … [Read more...] about 6 essential tips for law office administrators to attract more clients
Scheduling payments can boost collections
One of your most important tasks is managing the financial health of your law firm. You know that collecting payments from clients can be a challenging and time-consuming process. However, with the right strategy, you can improve your collections and ensure your firm is getting paid in a timely manner. One effective strategy for improving collections is scheduling client … [Read more...] about Scheduling payments can boost collections
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
Should a lawyer do administrative tasks to save money?
By Elizabeth M. Miller Should a lawyer do administrative tasks to save money? Of course, the answer is no. Struggling business owners will spend time to save money, whereas successful business owners will spend money to save time. Because you can always get more money—you cannot get more time. So, you need to ensure the work you spend your time on makes the biggest … [Read more...] about Should a lawyer do administrative tasks to save money?
Is it a recession or not? The answer may surprise you
By Lynne Curry My in-box filled with questions after I posted a Recession Fears Loom blog. Readers asked how I made sense of the different views voiced by economists and politicians. As a law office manager with responsibilities around staffing and profitability, you are probably watching to see which way the economy goes. Here’s the background, and my answer to “are we … [Read more...] about Is it a recession or not? The answer may surprise you
12 MORE marketing secrets of superstar lawyers
By Trey Ryder #13: They provide client service beyond compare. They return phone calls quickly. They work day and night to finish projects. They have backup plans for their backup plans. They err on the side of caution. They hire a bright, responsive support staff. And they always go the extra mile. Whatever it takes, they get the job done. And the superstar’s staff is equally … [Read more...] about 12 MORE marketing secrets of superstar lawyers
Public service attorney pay grows but still below private sector
According to new research from NALP, salaries for public service attorneys have risen since 2018, particularly for attorneys working in civil legal services and public interest organizations. The results from the NALP/PSJD 2022 Public Service Attorney Salary Survey show that the median entry-level salaries for civil legal services and public interest organizations increased by … [Read more...] about Public service attorney pay grows but still below private sector