Have you been searching for an office management strategy that really works? Successful paralegals who manage their offices with ease have developed a specific skill set that enables them to keep everything running smoothly and fulfill all their different roles. What's the secret? Let us help you to uncover nuts-and-bolts practices for managing the workload and implementing proven systems you can use to keep it all together. These information-packed reference materials will be an invaluable part of your professional library - order today!

1. General Law Office Administration
2. Managing People Inside and Outside the Firm
3. Financial Management
4. Legal Administration and Technology
5. Avoiding Ethical Dilemmas

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. GENERAL LAW OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
   9:00 - 10:30, Gary Weitzel
   1. Law Office Management Principles
   2. Roles and Responsibilities Within Your Organizational Structure
   3. Management of Day-to-Day Operations
      1. Setting and Balancing Priorities
      2. Allocation of Resources
      3. How to Utilize Delegation Properly
      4. Time Management Strategies
   4. Operational Systems Setup and Management
      1. Case Management Systems
      2. Calendaring and Docket Control Systems
      3. Records Management and Retention
      4. Security, Encryption and Disaster Recovery
2. MANAGING PEOPLE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE FIRM
   10:45 - 12:00, Ronald S. Todd
   1. Facilitating a Professional, Productive Office Environment
   2. Personnel Policies: What Works and What Doesn't
   3. How to Effectively Supervise and Counsel Support Staff
   4. Conflict Management and Dispute Mediation
   5. Office Communication Issues
   6. Client Relations
   7. Marketing the Firm – What is Your Role?
3. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
   1:00 - 2:15, Richard Rusch
   1. Basic Accounting Information You Need to Know
   2. Timekeeping and Billing Systems
   3. Client Trust Funds
   4. Legal Fees, Billing Statements and Collection Procedures
   5. Budgeting and Account Management
4. LEGAL ADMINISTRATION AND TECHNOLOGY
   2:15 - 3:15, David E. Goodwin and Gary Weitzel
   1. Basic Hardware Needs of the Law Office
   2. Factors to Consider When Evaluating Software and Related Information Management Systems
   3. Leveraging Technology for Maximum Productivity
5. AVOIDING ETHICAL DILEMMAS
   3:30 - 4:30, Ronald S. Todd
   1. Professional Responsibility
   2. Avoiding Unauthorized Practice of Law
   3. Conflicts of Interest

DAVID E. GOODWIN is president of Mid America Computer Corporation. His career has been dedicated to the application of technology to office automation since the early years of processor based calculating equipment and billing systems, as a sales and consultant in 1967 with Olivetti, and moving to more sophisticated equipment in 1969 with Friden (Singer).  In 1973, he made the change to mainframe computer systems with Honeywell as a sales representative for general business accounts, specializing in accounting, distribution and manufacturing. With the appearance of multi-user minicomputer based systems from Digital Computer Corp. (DEC) in 1975, he joined Command, Inc. as sales manager and led them in the transition from computer service bureau to a computer systems and solutions reseller. In 1978, Mr. Goodwin founded American Data Equipment, specializing in nation-wide brokerage and sales of DEC computer equipment and compatible components.  American Data began custom integration of DEC computers and compatibles into general business systems for small to medium enterprises.  Choosing to become a more regional, complete solution provider, Mr. Goodwin incorporated the current, Mid America Computer Corp. in 1984, to sell DEC computers and compatibles, integrate them into systems for general business users, and provide contract maintenance services. As the PC and PC-based networks began to blossom, Mid America evolved first into Novell network integration and support services, followed closely by the Microsoft based networks they specialize in today as a Microsoft Certified Partner.  Mr. Goodwin continues to perform technology consulting and design services for small and medium sized professional firms throughout Central Indiana and now provides a package of managed services to clients to help them proactively monitor, manage and optimize their IT investments.

RICHARD RUSCH, CPA, CITP, is the controller and IT administrator for Cohen & Malad, LLP in Indianapolis, where he is responsible for the firm's accounting and information technology. Mr. Rusch is also the president of his own consulting business, Complete Programmed Accounting, Inc., where, since 1991, he has consulted clients on the selection and implementation of their accounting software solutions. Mr. Rusch has helped to write and review questions appearing on Uniform Certified Public Accountants examination in the areas of audit and business technology. He earned his B.S. degree in accounting and his B.S. degree in computer science from Indiana State University. Mr. Rusch holds his Certified Public Accountant certificate and his Certified Information Technology Professional credential. He is a member of the Indiana Certified Public Accountant Society (INCPAS), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Indiana Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), and a Microsoft Partner.

RONALD S. TODD represents injured people who have been harmed by another in construction site accidents; traffic accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians; premise site accidents; and other personal injury accidents. He practices personal injury law throughout the State of Indiana. His office is located in Noblesville, Indiana. Mr. Todd has lectured extensively for National Business Institute, and he is a member of the Indiana State Bar, the American Association for Justice, and the Indiana Trial Lawyer Association. Mr. Todd earned his B.A. degree from Miami University, his M.S.M. degree from Purdue University and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Notre Dame University.

GARY WEITZEL is a partner at Weitzel Management Solutions, a full service technology and management consultancy. He focuses his practice on all aspects of law firm management including financial, human resources, technology, marketing and facilities management. Mr. Weitzel has previous experience as a legal administrator and member of a law firm management team for medium-sized law firms. He is Editor in Chief of ALA Management Encyclopedia and numerous legal management studies at ALA Management Solutions web site. Mr. Weitzel earned his Master of Science in Legal Administration from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He is a member of the Association of Legal Administrators, worldwide and local Indiana Chapter.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com