The Real Life of a
Law Firm Administrator
Ernie Gauvreau
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
Principal Areas of Responsibility
• Finances
• The People
• Strategic Matters
• Equipment
• Facilities
• Marketing
How Do Finances Work
in a Law Firm?
Hours
X Rate + Leverage - Expenses = Profit
Turnover
Time
to
Cash
Where does the Money Go ...?
•
•
•
•
Employment Expenses
Occupancy Cost
Operating Cost
Business Development
& Marketing
Total Expenses
38.0%
8.0%
7.5%
5.0%
58.5%
Net Profit – Partnership Share – 41.5%*
* Partnership Distribution
People – Our Greatest Asset
• Balance people with work flow
• Managing relationships
• Salary and benefit administration
• Training and development
• Talent search
• Retention
Equipment ... Can’t live without it
• Assessing software and
hardware needs
• Following trends
• Cost vs. Recovery
Facilities ... The Plant
• Assessing space needs
• Re-aligning to fit work flow
• Image and Ego
• Repairs and Maintenance
• Ergonomics
Strategic Matters – What’s Next?
• Trends in the profession
• Understanding your market
• Business and People needs
• Demographics and succession
• What’s the next move?
Marketing – I know I should,
but how?
• Encouraging business
development activity
• Expense vs. Benefits
• Who and How ...
• Taking care of business ...
Your Role ... Managing
Knowledge and Information
• Remember what we sell ...
• Ensure the best value ...
• Catalyst for information sharing...
• Yes – Recoveries are important
• Make sure you’re part of the
marketing process
• Become Go-To Person
Questions ?
Thank You.
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP