The Real Life of a Law Firm Administrator Ernie Gauvreau Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP

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The Real Life of aLaw Firm AdministratorErnie
GauvreauGowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
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Principal Areas of Responsibility

• Finances
• The People
• Strategic Matters
• Equipment
• Facilities
• Marketing

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How Do Finances Workin a Law Firm?
Hours X Rate Leverage - Expenses Profit
Turnover Turnover Turnover
Time to Cash
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Where does the Money Go ...?

• Employment Expenses 38.0
• Occupancy Cost 8.0
• Operating Cost 7.5
• Business Development Marketing 5.0
• Total Expenses 58.5
• Net Profit Partnership Share 41.5
  Partnership Distribution

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People Our Greatest Asset

• Balance people with work flow
• Managing relationships
• Salary and benefit administration
• Training and development
• Talent search
• Retention

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Equipment ... Cant live without it

• Assessing software and hardware needs
• Following trends
• Cost vs. Recovery

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Facilities ... The Plant

• Assessing space needs
• Re-aligning to fit work flow
• Image and Ego
• Repairs and Maintenance
• Ergonomics

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Strategic Matters Whats Next?

• Trends in the profession
• Understanding your market
• Business and People needs
• Demographics and succession
• Whats the next move?

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Marketing I know I should, but how?

• Encouraging business development activity
• Expense vs. Benefits
• Who and How ...
• Taking care of business ...

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Your Role ... Managing Knowledge and Information

• Remember what we sell ...
• Ensure the best value ...
• Catalyst for information sharing...
• Yes Recoveries are important
• Make sure youre part of the marketing process
• Become Go-To Person

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Questions ?
Thank You.Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP