The Real Life of aThe Real Life of aLaw Firm AdministratorLaw Firm Administrator
Ernie GauvreauErnie GauvreauGowling Lafleur Henderson LLPGowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
Principal Areas of ResponsibilityPrincipal Areas of Responsibility
• FinancesFinances
• The PeopleThe People
• Strategic MattersStrategic Matters
• EquipmentEquipment
• FacilitiesFacilities
• MarketingMarketing
How Do Finances WorkHow Do Finances Workin a Law Firm?in a Law Firm?
HoursHours XX RateRate ++ LeverageLeverage -- ExpensesExpenses == ProfitProfit
TurnoverTurnover
TimeTime toto CashCash
Where does the Money Go ...?Where does the Money Go ...?
• Employment ExpensesEmployment Expenses 38.0%38.0%• Occupancy CostOccupancy Cost 8.0% 8.0%• Operating CostOperating Cost 7.5% 7.5%• Business DevelopmentBusiness Development
& Marketing& Marketing 5.0% 5.0%
Total ExpensesTotal Expenses 58.5%58.5%
Net Profit – Partnership Share – 41.5%*Net Profit – Partnership Share – 41.5%** Partnership Distribution* Partnership Distribution
People – Our Greatest AssetPeople – Our Greatest Asset
• Balance people with work flowBalance people with work flow
• Managing relationshipsManaging relationships
• Salary and benefit administrationSalary and benefit administration
• Training and developmentTraining and development
• Talent searchTalent search
• RetentionRetention
Equipment ... Can’t live without itEquipment ... Can’t live without it
• Assessing software and hardware Assessing software and hardware needsneeds
• Following trendsFollowing trends
• Cost vs. RecoveryCost vs. Recovery
Facilities ... The PlantFacilities ... The Plant
• Assessing space needsAssessing space needs
• Re-aligning to fit work flowRe-aligning to fit work flow
• Image and EgoImage and Ego
• Repairs and MaintenanceRepairs and Maintenance
• ErgonomicsErgonomics
Strategic Matters – What’s Next?Strategic Matters – What’s Next?
• Trends in the professionTrends in the profession
• Understanding your marketUnderstanding your market
• Business and People needsBusiness and People needs
• Demographics and successionDemographics and succession
• What’s the next move?What’s the next move?
Marketing –Marketing – I know I should,I know I should,but how?but how?
• Encouraging business Encouraging business development activitydevelopment activity
• Expense vs. BenefitsExpense vs. Benefits
• Who and How ...Who and How ...
• Taking care of business ...Taking care of business ...
Your Role ... Managing Knowledge Your Role ... Managing Knowledge and Informationand Information
• Remember what we sell ...Remember what we sell ...
• Ensure the best value ...Ensure the best value ...
• Catalyst for information sharing...Catalyst for information sharing...
• Yes – Recoveries are importantYes – Recoveries are important
• Make sure you’re part of the Make sure you’re part of the marketing processmarketing process
• Become Go-To PersonBecome Go-To Person
Questions ?Questions ?
Thank You.Thank You.
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLPGowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
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