Vol. 73, No. 10, October
2000
To whom can attorneys turn for
real, practical office management and computer tips geared especially
for them?
For starters, turn to your colleagues, professional staff, and
consultants.
The Law Practice Section and Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee
cosponsored "60+ Hot Practice Management and Techno Tips in 60 Minutes"
at the Bar's annual convention in June. In the interest of space, the
presenters offer their favorite tips. Nothing said in this article is to
be construed as a State Bar endorsement of any brand or product.
- Tips
from Debra Hix-Sykes, President & CEO, DHS & Associates,
Milwaukee.
- Tips
from David Grove, Owner of Grove Law Office, DeForest.
- Tips
from Ross L. Kodner, Founder of MicroLaw Inc., Milwaukee.
- Tips
from Lori Kannenberg, Law firm administrator, Lawton & Cates S.C.,
Madison.
|
Lori Kannenberg |
Law firm administrator, Lawton & Cates S.C.,
Madison. |
Consider Co-employment Organizations to Compete with Big Firms'
Benefits
By entering into a co-employment relationship
with a professional employer organization (PEO), such as the QTI Human
Resources or The Employer Group, small firms can provide comprehensive
benefits packages for their employees without the "paperwork hassles"
associated with payroll and benefits administration. PEOs obtain
competitive bids from insurance companies based on the entire employee
base they represent. Thus, they are able to negotiate
low premium rates and can administer benefit plans efficiently and cost
effectively.
PEOs become administrative employers who are responsible for paying
wages and taxes. They assume risk for unemployment compensation and
worker's compensation claims and enroll employees in benefits plans,
administering all the details. They also can provide guidance and
support in human resource matters.
Check All References
Checking potential new employees' references can be tedious, but it
must be done. Studies indicate that many job seekers misrepresent
experience and education on their resumes. It pays to know about any
misrepresentations before a job is offered. Consider using the services
of a private investigation agency to check a candidate's education and
experience if the job you are filling is critical.
Consider testing applicants who claim to have specific software
knowledge. Internet-based skills testing products like "Prove It!" are
available from companies like Know
It All.
Internet Postage. Check Out E-stamps
Print postage and addresses onto envelopes and labels in one easy
step right from your computer. E-Stamp Internet postage, approved by the
United States Postal Service, is a service that allows you to buy and
print postage anytime. Postage and account information is stored locally
on your computer so there is no need to connect to the Internet every
time you need postage. The starter kit costs $49.99 and includes
everything you need to print postage from your home or office. The
E-Stamp software CD prepares First-Class®, Priority Mail®,
Express Mail®, and Parcel Post™ mail and packages. It also
addresses envelopes and labels. E-Stamp Internet postage is compatible
with most popular software. For more information, including system
requirements, check the Web site, www.estamp.com.
Interesting, Innovative Job Interview Questions
Next time you interview a job applicant, ask him or her the same
questions you plan to ask the candidate's references. For example,
rather than asking a candidate to describe his or her greatest
strengths, ask the candidate what a previous supervisor would say he or
she does particularly well. When you contact the references, ask those
questions. If any answer differs dramatically, mention the candidate's
answer and explore reasons for the differences.
Develop a Web Site
All law firms should have a Web site. Firms can even get a decent
"brochure site" for free by using FindLaw (www.findlaw.com). G. Burgess
Allison wrote an article published in a recent edition of the ABA's Law
Practice Management magazine discussing how firms can establish a Web
site using FindLaw. The article is reprinted on the Web at www.abanet.org/lpm/magazine/tu996.html.
Wisconsin Lawyer