The competition for clients is fierce and law firms are marketing heavily, says marketing expert Shawn McNalis. That means a firm has to make itself stand out among a deluge of marketing messages and try for "top-of-mind awareness." Surprisingly, that can be done without much expense and even without a marketing department. The key, she says, is to focus on the personal side … [Read more...] about 7 ways to make your firm stand out among your competition
Working with lawyers
To-Dos: Your September office checklist
Now that the summer is over and you're facing the final quarter, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Here are some important tasks you need to address now to ensure that you finish the year strong and are realistically prepared for next year. 1. Plan your staffing Start thinking about your staffing requirements for the coming year. Will you be adding another … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your September office checklist
How to reduce the risk of in-office theft
Theft in law firms comes from all corners, from staff to partners. "It happens more than people realize," says legal management consultant John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC. In fact, his own experience of working with law firms leads him to estimate that one in nine firms has experienced some type of theft. Every firm needs theft protection. But that protection needs to do … [Read more...] about How to reduce the risk of in-office theft
Job descriptions make paralegals a profit center
A Phoenix firm realized its paralegal force was not paying for itself in billings. Instead, the group was not only unsupervised but was being given a lot of non-billable work assignments,. In response, the firm set billing requirements, drew up a paralegal job description, and, to encourage its paralegals to exceed the minimum, developed an objective bonus system. Along with … [Read more...] about Job descriptions make paralegals a profit center
Developing productive associates: Why the traditional annual review gets a FAIL!
If the goal is to develop the associates into productive—and profitable—attorneys, the traditional annual review is not enough. There need to be formal reviews twice during the year. And more, there needs to be continuous feedback in the meantime. Many firms have moved away from the lockstep approach of pushing associates up the partnership ladder based on years of service. … [Read more...] about Developing productive associates: Why the traditional annual review gets a FAIL!
Measure your associates’ satisfaction to keep them on board
Do you know whether or not your firm's associates are content or if there is a mass exodus in your future? Find out with a well-crafted survey. Your firm's greatest asset is its associates, yet associate satisfaction is often overlooked. To keep those associates happy, you need to find out what's making them unhappy, and do that with frequent and focused surveys. … [Read more...] about Measure your associates’ satisfaction to keep them on board
Is the honeymoon over at work?
For many professionals, that first year in a new job can be a "honeymoon period," full of new and exciting challenges. But a study from Robert Half and Happiness Works shows that professionals with between one and two years on the job are less happy, less interested in their work and more stressed than those still in their first year. After three years or more on the job, … [Read more...] about Is the honeymoon over at work?
Three weekly meetings to keep everybody updated
In its annual management performance review, an Illinois firm asked everybody, "What is the main thing that bothers you that could be improved?" Up and down the line, the answer was communication. The problem was not a new one. For almost 20 years, lack of communication had been a problem, says the administrator of the firm. Everyone felt it, from staff to partners. … [Read more...] about Three weekly meetings to keep everybody updated
5 tactics to try at the next trade show to bring in new business
It's inexpensive. It hits the exact market the firm wants to target. And it provides face-to-face contact with potential clients. It's the trade show exhibit. It's a small investment with a good return says Linda Bishop of Thought Transformation, an Atlanta sales and marketing firm. As a trade show exhibitor, an attorney can reach several hundred people who have direct … [Read more...] about 5 tactics to try at the next trade show to bring in new business
Louisiana firm sets up four sure-pay systems
A Louisiana firm has added a handful of measures to its billing and collections work that, while simple, have generated significant benefit. There's a procedure to ensure the client contact information stays accurate, a soft-touch collections process, electronic client billing and paying, and a billing schedule that ensures a steady cash flow throughout the month. As a … [Read more...] about Louisiana firm sets up four sure-pay systems