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We want to take this Administrative Professionals Week as an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of administrative professionals –– more specifically for the purposes of this blog, we want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions and role played by legal administrative professionals.
The role of a legal administrator is critical to the operations of a law firm. They are responsible for managing the administrative functions of the firm, such as human resources, finances, and facilities. They also play a key role in developing and implementing policies and procedures. Without a legal administrator, a law firm would not be able to operate effectively.
Legal administrators are indispensable to the success of a law firm because they ensure that the firm has the resources it needs to operate efficiently and ensure that policies and procedures are followed promptly and perfectly. With their expertise and attention to detail, legal administrators ensure that every aspect of the firm runs smoothly so that lawyers can focus on providing quality legal services to their clients.
Great legal administrators are worth their weight in gold, and any law firm would be wise to invest in them. Here are just a few of the many ways in which legal administrators can make a law firm more successful:
1. They keep things organized.
One of the most important functions of a legal administrator is to keep the law firm organized. This includes maintaining files and records, scheduling appointments and meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, and much more. A well-organized office is one of the first things a client notices, and it can be the difference between getting or missing an important case.
2. They make sure lawyers have everything they need to do their jobs well.
In addition to managing day-to-day operations, great legal administrators are also responsible for making sure that lawyers have all of the resources they need to prepare cases properly and give clients excellent service. This includes ensuring that all relevant documents are available, as well as keeping track of technology needs like computer upgrades and software licenses. Great legal administrators know what each lawyer needs to perform at his or her best, and can even provide training when new technologies become available.
3. They anticipate problems before they happen - preventing disruptions and delays.
Good legal administrators are always on the lookout for potential problems and can take proactive steps to prevent them before they happen. They know where all of the important documents are, what files need to be updated or reviewed, and which clients might be experiencing financial hardship - allowing them to work with attorneys to resolve issues before they become a problem. This is a valuable skill that can save both time and money, as well as keeping things running smoothly in every area of the firm.
4. They keep everything - including people - running on schedule!
Even small delays in a busy law firm can mean missed appointments or deadlines, frustrated clients, and lost revenue. A great legal administrator takes these problems seriously, developing systems that help everyone in the firm stay on schedule. This might include daily or weekly check-ins with attorneys, setting up reminders for deadlines, and sending out information in advance so that people can be prepared.
5. They have a deep understanding of how the law firm works - and where improvements can be made.
After working in a law firm for a while, legal administrators develop a deep understanding of how it functions. This allows them to identify areas where things are running smoothly as well as those that could use some improvement. They can then work with lawyers and other staff members to make changes that will save time, money, and frustration. In many cases, these improvements can be made without any major upheaval - making them an easy sell to even the most skeptical partners!
In short, legal administrators are an essential part of every law firm - so they need to be great investments. Any law firm would do well to recognize the value of their administrator and invest in them accordingly. After all, that's one expense that always pays off! At CoreTech, we celebrate legal administrative professionals this week and every week!