Tip of the Week Blog
March 2007, Week 2 5 Things That Can Mess Up Your Computer For Staff... Sometimes, users create problems for their computers and for the network. Every law firm depends on their computers to keep the documents flowing and business running. Some common errors that are preventable problems: 1. Plug into the wall without surge protection. This one actually can physically destroy your computer equipment, as well as the data. Something as simple as turning on an appliance that is plugged into the same outlet can cause a surge. If you don't have a surge protector now, go down to your local discount store and buy one - TODAY. It's well worth the money spent. To Be Continued next week... Getting Started with E-Learning Getting started with e-learning can have many benefits for your firm - from a cost, time and learning perspective. As an employer, you now have the ability to influence more than the formal learning process. Thanks to e-learning, you can influence and tailor training the meet the needs of your biggest asset - your human capital. Too many partners in too many firms are so hungry to bring in new business that they lose objectivity during the client-intake process. If the intake protocols lack rigor and discipline, it is too easy for "unworthy clients" to get in the door. Once retained, the firm may have difficulty detaching itself from the client. Too often, the firm doesn't recognize the problem until after the client has run up a big tab and the originating partner is loath to cut bait and move on. According to the Attorneys' Liability Assurance Society, "The first line of defense against unworthy clients is a sound business intake system." More about that in the following weeks - or you can read the entire article now.
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March 2007, Week 1 Desk Organization For Staff... 1. Do you have the things you use daily within easy reach? (That includes phone, stapler, supplies, computer manual, etc.) YES NO 2. Are your daily files at your desk? YES NO 3. Do you have an "IN" and "OUT" box (or "TO DO" and "DONE" box)? YES NO 4. Do you have mail slots for each person you support, plus yourself? YES NO 5. Do you have a separate file for Pending Client Numbers, Reimbursements/ Checks, Incoming Mail, etc.? YES NO If you answered "No" to any one of these questions, you'll want to read this Organizing article. Could Your Firm Be Assessed A Fine? I recently consulted with a law firm on the creation of their website and writing the site text. Many attorneys and administrators don't realize that the State Bar of Texas must approve their firm's text and complete website. While speaking with representatives of the Advertising section, I discovered that they're actively searching out attorney websites that have not been approved and are assessing fines. So... you may want to check on your site's approval. If you're not sure who to call or need help with your website, contact nickie@legallylarge.com and I'll be happy to help.
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February 2007, Week 4 Organizing Your Work Environment - Quiz For Staff... SELF-TEST 1. Is your desk and work space organized enough that someone can literally walk in and find whatever they need? YES / NO 2. If you had a temp or floater sitting in for you, would they know what to do and who to contact? YES / NO 3. Do you know how to successfully complete a large and intricate project? YES / NO 4. Think franchise - is your system of operating easily understandable and transferable to someone else? YES / NO If you answered "No" to any of the questions, then you need help organizing! Go to our Organizing article to get a few ideas. As Time Goes By... If you didn't know, the change to Daylight Savings is happening earlier this year. Actually, you need to change your clocks on March 11 (three weeks earlier than usual) and end on November 4 (1 week later than usual). This affects you because your computer is affected. Don't Be a Nitpicker... We all occasionally forget common manners - but it can hurt your practice. The same true scenario from last week with an added insult: A paralegal was asked to draft a cover letter ("due yesterday") for a name partner. He quickly drafted the letter and sent it out with the important documents. However, he was scolded a few days later by the partner because the salutation was followed by a comma instead of a colon. The insensitive partner further admonished him that in the future, he should consult the 'secretarial manual.'
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