When a law firm has an important position to fill, the interview process should move in an organized sequence. The firm should review the applications, select a group for first-round interviews, interview those candidates on the same day, identify the finalists, complete appropriate reference and background checks, and then conduct the final interviews on another…
Tag: law firms
Limited scope representation is trendy—but litigation clients need more
Limited scope representation is one of the trendiest concepts in the legal industry. Private-equity groups, investor-backed legal platforms, technology companies, and some practice-management consultants promote it as an important part of the future of legal services. The concept is attractive on paper. Instead of hiring a law firm to handle an entire matter, the client…
Management never said that: the cost of exaggerated instructions
Lawyers make a living parsing words. We understand that may, should, must, always, and never do not mean the same thing. A single word can alter an obligation, change the meaning of a contract, or affect the outcome of a case. Yet inside many law firms, those distinctions can disappear surprisingly quickly. A managing partner…
The myth of “not enough work”: Why some lawyers still miss their billable hours
Billable Hours Remain The Foundation Of Many Law Firm Business Models Billable hours remain the economic engine of many law firms, particularly those involved in litigation. In firms that operate on a billable-hour model, profitability depends on competent, communicative, and diligent lawyers and legal professionals handling their cases. Just as importantly, they must record their…
Who should you promote within your law firm?
Deciding who to promote inside a law firm is one of the most important leadership decisions you will make. Promotions do more than change titles; they shape firm culture, reinforce expectations, and influence how your team views opportunity and fairness. When handled thoughtfully, they motivate performance and reward the right behaviors. When handled poorly, they…
Few employees are reading your emails
In an article I wrote long ago, I encouraged law firm managers and owners not to manage by email. Email is mainly ineffective for conveying messages or instructions to specific employees. Emails can be helpful when conveying firm-wide messages. They can also be used if a law firm is trying to document something for legal…
Are radio ads still worth it?
Many law firms market their businesses through radio advertisements. However, with the advent of Sirius XM, streaming, and podcasting, it is worth asking whether radio ads are still worth it. Not long ago, most listened to AM and FM radio. But with so many options today, it is a different ballgame. The Cons of Radio…
What’s the average law firm growth rate?
Many law firm owners and managers want to grow or scale their firms. If they can increase their firm, they can pay themselves and their employees more. With more income, law firms can do other great things, like buy new equipment, obtain better benefits, and maybe even expand their law firm. It can even allow…
What to make of non-local job candidates?
it is essential to fill an open position at your law firm. Whether it is an attorney, paralegal, legal assistant, or administrative staff member, most law firms cannot afford to have key positions remain open when there is work to do. When positions are not filled, essential work is likely not being done. To the…
It is time to retire the industrial copy machines
Long ago, in 2015, I wrote that it was wise to avoid copy machine contracts. The costs of copy machines have always been extraordinary. According to a recent article, industrial copiers can range from $5,000 to $25,000 and more. Believe it or not, some copy machines can cost as much as $80,000. Many law firms…
The harmless lunch meeting
Lunch meetings are common for law firm managers and owners. If you run a successful law firm with many social, business, and friend contacts, they often ask you to lunch. Going to lunch with others is often a great thing to do. You spread your wings and meet others by lunch, often leading to referrals….
Email marketing: Are you feeding the chimp?
Marketing a law firm can be increasingly challenging. Finding new employees to work for a law firm can also be equally challenging. One way a law firm can help itself is through email marketing. Email marketing can be effective and powerful. The cost of email marketing can be reasonable compared to numerous other options. How…