Law Firm Operations

Although many people think that customer management relationship systems (CRMs) are relatively new in existence, the practice of keeping customer records has existed for centuries. Merchants, even those selling their wares in ancient times, understand that it’s much easier to sell your goods to a current or past customer than to try to cultivate new business.

In today’s workplace, 65% of employees are looking for another job. To compete for the best employees, employers must remain current, providing a quality, forward-thinking work environment which includes hybrid work options. Prior to the pandemic, law firms allowed only exempt employees (lawyers and professionals) to work remotely, and then only occasionally.

Most lawyers have multiple clients, and many will work in more than one firm throughout their careers. These circumstances dramatically increase the possibility of conflicts of interest between former and new clients.

By definition, an exit interview is a conversation between an employer and an outgoing employee. The objective is to determine how the firm can improve on its processes and culture. These interviews usually consist of an honest and forthcoming conversation as an outgoing employee often feels less reluctant to give an honest evaluation because he or she is no longer employed by the company.

All organizations – particularly those that outsource crucial business operations to third-party technology businesses and SaaS companies – must ensure that their data is handled properly, protecting customers from data theft, extortion, and malware attacks. Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2) provides a framework to help stakeholders ensure that vendors protect the interests of the company they serve and the personal data of vulnerable clients.

Law firm leaders understand the concept and importance of profitability. Nevertheless, in many practices, expenses and revenue are not reviewed on a regular basis. While your firm may be focused on other aspects of maintaining business, it is imperative that steps are taken to ensure your firm continuously reviews its finances and expenses.

It is imperative to stay up to date on the latest technology to keep your law firm running smoothly. However, acquiring current technology and software applications is only one piece of the success puzzle. Most end users use approximately 20% of a software application’s features.

It is critical for your business to align itself with competent and ethical business partners. Mediocre business partners can have a devastating impact on your firm. Every business partner, no matter the size or how often they are utilized, must be transparent, ethical, competent and communicative.

In today’s environment, networking is a key factor in building professional relationships and an attorney can easily spend a good part of their day networking, if they don’t manage their time appropriately. It is important, therefore, that legal professionals choose wisely those groups that will make a real difference for his/her business.