Types of Law Firms Overview

Large Law Firms

• Employ paralegals, clerks, consultants, secretaries, and receptionists
• Often utilize jury consultants, researchers, experts (psychiatrists, medical doctors), and special counsel
• Busy work environment with frequent court trips

Medium-Sized Law Firms

• Employ 50-several hundred attorneys
• Offer similar services to large firms but on a smaller scale and with a more personal environment
• Multiple office locations
• Lower starting salaries and less comprehensive health benefits than large firms
• May offer perks like flexible work schedules, longer paid vacations, and generous bonuses
• Provide opportunities for advancement and learning various law specialties

Small Law Firms

• Typically have 2-50 attorneys, with most having 3-4 partners and 5-10 associates
• Serve as starting points for new law students, inexperienced paralegals, and legal secretaries
• Offer on-the-job training, legal research experience, flexible hours, a relaxed environment, and holiday bonuses
• May have drawbacks including lower starting salaries, high health benefit contributions, no 401(k) plan, heavy workloads, and limited experience with various specialties

Law Firm Systems and Procedures

• Processes and procedures are crucial for efficient operation and organization
• Paperless workflow is essential for managing documents
• Scan existing files, implement a process to scan all new documents, and establish a clear filing system
• Implement a process for managing client files, including returning unused documents, disposing of unnecessary documents, separating open and closed files, tracking destroyed documents, shredding scanned documents, and dating files for retention purposes
• Clearly communicate document management procedures to all staff

Productivity and Lawyer Time Management

• Personal productivity focuses on individual tasks and priorities
• Utilize a system to manage work, including setting goals, capturing tasks, processing information, making lists, and planning

Office Equipment & Supplies

• Copiers: Medium to large firms have several large copiers, including color copiers. Reset copiers to zero copies and standard usage after use.
• Postage Machines: Used to process large amounts of mail at once. Most medium-sized firms have one, and large firms have at least one, or even separate mailrooms with dedicated staff.
• Postage Scale: Weighs letters and small packages to determine postage. Similar to those found in postal offices.
• Fax Machines: All law firms have at least two fax machines, with larger offices having a multitude of them. Always include a fax cover sheet and retain the transmission confirmation sheet.
• Will Supplies: Includes envelopes, covers, paper, and ribbon.
• Exhibit Supplies: Includes self-sticking exhibit labels, exhibit stampers, exhibit indexes, and legal pads.

Legal Secretary Duties

• Make appointments, prepare documentation, send important correspondence, file, track ongoing correspondence and paperwork, and deal with clients
• May also act as paralegals
• Answer directly to the attorneys they work for

Receptionist Duties

• Greets clients and visitors
• Handles incoming and outgoing mail, package pickup and receipt
• Answers the office phone and transfers calls
• May keep a log of visitors' arrival and departure times
• Handles general office inquiries and guides visitors

Data Entry Clerk Duties

• Often a part-time position requiring inputting data into the main computer system
• Reports to the IT manager or office manager

This quiz explores the differences between large, medium-sized, and small law firms. It delves into their employment structures, work environments, and the benefits they offer. Gain insights into how these firms operate and the opportunities they present to legal professionals.