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
Managing the office
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
4 steps to take immediately when a workplace romance blossoms in your office
To meet that one special guy or gal. . . . it's the stuff dreams are made of. But when that love connection takes place within a workplace, it can be an employer's worst nightmare. Couples that live happily ever after are manageable. But when a workplace romance ends in breakup, it usually creates big problems at work. This hasn't changed in the era of remote work; studies have … [Read more...] about 4 steps to take immediately when a workplace romance blossoms in your office
5 proven ways to delegate work and set the staffer up for success on the task
Being a successful administrator calls for an investment. It is the investment of time and patience to train staff to take on delegated tasks and do the work satisfactorily. The payoff is big. Besides ending the frustration of having to do much of the busy work, it allows the administrator to excel in managing the firm. It is the key to professional productivity and … [Read more...] about 5 proven ways to delegate work and set the staffer up for success on the task
How to ask the partners for an evaluation
A formal performance evaluation is an opportunity for you to showcase your hard work and accomplishments, as well as a chance to identify any discrepancies in expectations. Ask the partners these four questions to establish the evaluation criteria and then start a diary to record your achievements. To assure continuing success at the job, the new administrator should make … [Read more...] about How to ask the partners for an evaluation
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
7 basic steps for a successful law office move
Law offices are upsizing, downsizing and merging in response to economic ups and downs and other changes in the legal landscape. If your office is going to change its location or shuffle around in its current location this year, you're wise to start panning now. Moving a law office can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with careful planning and organization, it can … [Read more...] about 7 basic steps for a successful law office move
9 time-saving tips for busy law office administrators
Law office administrators are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a law firm, which can be a complex and time-consuming task. In order to be effective, it is important for law office administrators to find ways to save time and streamline their work processes. Here are some tips and strategies for doing just that: Automate as much as possible: Technology … [Read more...] about 9 time-saving tips for busy law office administrators
5 ways to make a great first impression
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So it's important to consider what judgment calls your clients are making about your firm's efficiency and professionalism based on their first impression. Balancing a client's perception of your firm's success, and therefore its competency, can be a double-edged … [Read more...] about 5 ways to make a great first impression
How to keep the office in business-as-usual shape after any kind of disaster
How disaster-prepared is the business side of your office? Although large organizations often have good disaster preparedness programs, small to mid-sized offices usually don't. And sadly, because they usually have only one location, they are the ones who suffer most when business is interrupted. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for a disaster and get your … [Read more...] about How to keep the office in business-as-usual shape after any kind of disaster