JAK Consulting Joyce Kopenski| Principal Consultant

Administrators – What makes them tick

Dictionary definition

Administrator – Person who administers a business or public affairs………..Relationship to other projects.

What is an Administrator?

Law firm definition

The person who handles everything that is not the sole responsibility of another person.

What is an Administrator?

There are many titles for an Administrator, including:

What is an Administrator?

Office Administrator

Administrator - Branch Office

Office ManagerExecutive DirectorDirector of

Administration

Administrators wear many hats….

Under Constant Pressure

Must meet specific deadlines

Find a way to be up on everything that is going on in their firms

Educate themselves on the latest and greatest of everything connected with the practice of law

Legal community is a small one both locally and nationally

All brought together by local chapters of ALA and National ALA

Most Administrators are members and it is supported by most firms

One way to get a head start on making contacts is by being a business partner either on the local level or the national level

Writing policy

Information on products

Recommendations for processes

Both local and national ALA have websites that Administrators go to for help in:

No one wants to reinvent the wheel so these conversations are critical to all Administrators

Also speak to each other on all issues

Administrators can spot a phony a mile away, we work with litigators who are some of the best actors around and we have developed a sixth sense as to who is being genuine and who is giving us the business

When selecting products:

Find out as much as you can about the firm culture and try to fit in when you come calling

Get to know the individuals they work with (assistants, office services, receptionist)

Make sure who the decision maker is (don’t go over the administrator's head if you want any repeat business)

Tips:

Don't have time for the run around

Want the best price the first time

Want to be able to bring the deal home so help them

Want phone calls returned when there are questions

Don’t want to be abandoned as soon as they sign on the dotted line

Follow up and Follow through

We all talk to each other

What an Administrator wants:

Best way to contact an administrator is by e-mail. It is acceptable to follow up two or three times but please take NO for an answer. If you become annoying or obnoxious you are never going to get back into that firm.

Most Administrators have a very close working relationship with their Managing Partners. If you want to get to know an Administrator and you know their Managing Partner ask for an introduction and the same goes if you know the Administrator and you are trying to get to know the Managing Partner.

Keep in mind…

Better off being a partner, it will lead to continued success for both your company and the firm.

Keep in mind…