A legal administrator manages the day-to-day operations of a law office, including finances, personnel, marketing, and third-party funds. They may also sign contracts for goods and services, but cannot accept cases on behalf of an attorney. This role requires organization, multitasking, and business or accounting experience.
A legal administrator is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a legal office. This worker can control the company’s finances and approve expenses. She may also be in charge of interviewing, hiring, and firing team members. At other times, this professional may be called upon to market the services of lawyers working in the law firm. In some cases, she may be asked to sign contracts for goods and services as well.
One of the main things a legal trustee can be responsible for is handling the financial end of the business. An administrator might be in charge of approving budgets, forecasting profits, and collecting overdue bills. She could also perform simple accounting tasks, keep track of small funds, or ensure taxes were paid on time.
Lawyers often end up with third party funds. This is because they may be responsible for handing out settlements or dividing up property. In most jurisdictions, attorneys are required to maintain separate trust accounts for third party funds. Often, a legal trustee is tasked with ensuring that these funds don’t get mixed up with those of the law firm.
A legal administrator usually works as an office manager, as she may also be in charge of personnel. She could be responsible for interviewing and hiring attorneys and legal secretaries. The trustee may also oversee benefit plans, worker’s compensation insurance, and bonus pay.
Marketing tasks can also be assigned to this manager. This may involve placing advertisements in newspapers, television, radio or billboards. The legal administrator usually approves ads before they can be displayed. She can also sign contracts for ongoing services, such as a listing in the local phone book.
At other times, a legal trustee may be required to sign contracts for other goods and services. This could include upgrading or repairing computer equipment or delivering office supplies. However, she is not authorized to accept cases on behalf of an attorney in most countries, including the US.
Many law firms believe that they can make a greater profit if they hire a legal trustee to manage the firm. This is usually because this professional may be tasked with tasks that a lawyer or paralegal might otherwise have to take on. This allows attorneys to spend more time meeting with clients, handling a greater number of cases.
A legal administrator must be well organized, multitasking and able to work well under pressure. She should also have experience in business administration or accounting. Those with these qualifications may want to consider this career option as these jobs are expected to grow considerably in the coming years.
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