A quarterly newletter by the Boston Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators. Click here to send comments to the Editor

This is the Fall 2007 newsletter from the Association of Legal Administrators Boston Chapter. To learn more about the Boston Chapter, go to ALABoston.org.

President's Message

There’s something about the fall that gets your juices pumping, your passions heightened and your thirst for knowledge reinvigorated. Maybe it’s the brisk autumn weather or the return of the school year after summer vacation.  Whatever it is, there’s an excitement in the air and it’s a good time to start new projects and sharpen your skills.  How better than to get involved with your local ALA chapter!  During the summer, many of our committees were working diligently to ensure an exciting season. Read Full Article

 

 

Featured Articles

arrow Updated Guidance for Employers About the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law
By: Martha M. Walz

All employers with employees in Massachusetts, including employers with ERISA plans, have obligations under the state's new health care reform law. While implementation of the law is well underway, the state continues to issue new regulations and forms. Some important deadlines are on the horizon. This newsletter contains new information on what employers should be doing to ensure compliance with the law. Full Article  

 

arrow Employees at the Top of the Pay Scale-What to do?

We have all had the experience of trying to figure out what to do for employees who have reached the top of the pay scale.  Usually these are long service employees.
There are several considerations to think about before deciding what to do. Full Article

 

arrow How to measure your firm's perfomance
By: K. Jennie Kinnevy

Applying financial metrics within the framework of the Law Firm Business Model — developed by professional services firm management guru David Maister to express the fundamentals that determine law firm profitability — is a useful way to measure the overall effectiveness and efficiency of your firm.
The Law Firm Business Model uses key metrics to help you track your daily financials, analyze the past, and gain valuable benchmarking information to help strengthen your firm’s current and future financial performance. Although no one metric can stand on its own, all are useful in pointing out trouble spots. Full Article

 

 

arrow Five factors that influence great client service
by Hollis R. Chase

It is  not just about getting the business - it is about maintaining it!  There has been a great deal written on the issue of client services and client services programs for law firms.  Based on the size of your firm, the type of your practice and client base there are various levels of sophistication for developing a clearly defined client services program. Even without a formal program there are everyday issues that all attorneys and staff who interact with clients should consider.  The following are just a few of the factors that will raise awareness and build stronger relationships with your clients. Full Article

 

Hints and Tips

Delicious Daily Habits for De-Stressing

        What's a habit?  It is something you do over time that becomes part of you. Supposedly up to 90% of our normal behavior is based on habits. How do we develop our habits?  Are you happy with your habits?  Do you want to change any of your habits?
        Many of our habits don't serve us....they bring negative consequences to our life (eg. smoking, eating fast food, watching t.v....) yet we continue doing them.  The results of our bad habits often don't show up until much later in life.... by then they can be very difficult to break! Full Article

 

Holiday Party Planning
By: Janie Haas

The month of December will be fast approaching and, with that, comes the realization that you need to begin thinking about your firm's holiday party.
It's difficult enough thinking about the fact that the summer is coming to an end, but with the thought of taking on that responsibility, you can already feel your blood pressure rising!  Here are a few tips that will, hopefully, lighten the burden. Full Article.

 


Newsletter Staff:

Stephanie Hood, Ian Breslin, Lorraine Curry, Michelle DeFalco, Trina Goodale, Chris O'Sullivan, ,Lauren Spinney

 

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