Practice Management
Practice Management refers to the business side of running a law firm or legal department. It involves organizing client cases, managing deadlines, handling billing, and coordinating staff. Think of it like running a business where the product is legal services. Some law firms use special software called Practice Management Software (like Clio or MyCase) to help with these tasks. When you see this term on a resume, it usually means the person has experience in keeping a law office running smoothly and efficiently.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented new Practice Management system that improved billing efficiency by 30%
Supervised daily Practice Management operations for a 50-attorney law firm
Led Legal Practice Management initiatives including case tracking and resource allocation
Streamlined Law Practice Management processes resulting in reduced administrative costs
Typical job title: "Practice Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Practice Managers
Professional Associations
Online Networks
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where multiple attorneys are requesting priority for their cases with limited resources?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate experience in resource allocation, priority setting, and conflict resolution. They should mention considering factors like case deadlines, client importance, and billable hours while maintaining positive relationships with all attorneys.
Q: What strategies have you implemented to improve law firm profitability?
Expected Answer: Strong answers should include experience with billing optimization, expense management, staff utilization, and implementing efficiency-improving technologies. They should provide specific examples of successful initiatives.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure compliance with legal deadlines and court filing requirements?
Expected Answer: Should discuss systems for tracking deadlines, use of calendaring software, double-checking procedures, and communication protocols with attorneys and staff.
Q: Describe your experience with legal billing and collections.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of billing procedures, time tracking, client billing requirements, and tactful approaches to collections while maintaining client relationships.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What experience do you have with legal practice management software?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with at least one major practice management system and basic functions like calendar management, contact management, and document organization.
Q: How do you prioritize multiple tasks in a busy law office?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic organizational skills, ability to identify urgent vs. important tasks, and communication with team members about priorities.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic office management
- Calendar management
- Document filing and organization
- Client communication basics
Mid (2-5 years)
- Staff supervision
- Billing and collections management
- Vendor relationship management
- Case flow coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Technology implementation
- Process improvement
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with legal-specific software or systems
- Poor understanding of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality
- Lack of experience with legal billing procedures
- No knowledge of court filing deadlines and requirements
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Cutting HR Costs Without Sacrificing Quality: A How-To for Savvy Executives
Stop the Turnover Epidemic: Proven Tactics Every HR Leader Must Know
Beyond the Resume: Cultivating a "Hire for Potential" Mindset in Management
