Introduction to Law Office Administration: What Keeps a Legal Practice Running
Behind every successful legal practice is a well-run office – and paralegals often play a key role in keeping things organized, ethical, and efficient. This seminar introduces the foundational concepts of law office administration, helping you understand how legal practices are structured and managed.
We’ll start by reviewing the different types of legal practice settings – solo, partnerships, and professional corporations – and discuss the legal consequences of each business structure. You’ll learn about the role of legal administrators and paralegal managers, as well as the growing use of outsourcing and the ethical issues that can come with it.
We’ll also cover practical administrative tools like new file worksheets, billing systems, and time tracking – distinguishing between billable and nonbillable time, and showing how to record your time accurately. Finally, the seminar addresses common attorney fee arrangements and the importance of ethical handling of client trust accounts.
This session provides essential knowledge for anyone working in or preparing to support a legal office, with practical takeaways that can be applied in almost any legal environment.
Course Format
Your enrollment includes immediate access to the on demand recording along with a downloadable copy of the accompanying slide presentation.
As always, you’ll enjoy lifetime access to all course materials, so you can revisit the recordings and resources whenever it’s convenient for you.
This course includes computer-generated captions in English and Spanish to support a variety of learning preferences; captions may contain minor inaccuracies.
Video length: We’ve included two versions of this course, a concise presentation (1 Hour) and an extended deep dive (1 Hour 45 Minutes), so you can choose the learning experience that best fits your schedule.
Continuing Legal Education Credit (CLE)
NALA CP or ACP: This program meets the requirements of the NALA Certifying Board for continuing legal education credit required to maintain the CP/ACP credential. This program is pre-approved by NALA for 1.5 hour of CLE (Substantive) including .5 Ethics CLE.
Florida Bar FRP: As approved by NALA, this seminar meets the requirements under Rule 20-6.1 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar for continuing legal education credit required to maintain the FRP credential.
NFPA RP® or CRP™: NFPA automatically accepts substantive CLE hours which bears the accreditation of NALA on the certificate of attendance.
State Bar of Texas – Paralegal Division – The Division will accept substantive law CLE approved by the National Association of Legal Assistants for credit towards the Paralegal Division mandatory membership renewal CLE requirement.
North Carolina – This program has been pre-approved by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification for 90 minutes of general credit plus 0 minutes of ethics credit. This approval shall expire on March 8, 2027 unless extended.
Meet your Speaker – Linda McGrath-Cruz
Linda McGrath-Cruz brings a wealth of hands-on experience to her seminars, accumulated since 1997, from the dynamic world of civil litigation. Specializing in areas such as products/premises liability, bodily injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice defense, Linda’s expertise is not just theoretical but deeply rooted in real-world practice. As a testament to her dedication and skill, she has earned the designation of NALA Advanced Certified Paralegal in key areas including discovery, eDiscovery, trial practice, social security, and entity medical liability, alongside her recognition as a Florida Registered Paralegal. Linda is the Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor for the St. Johns River State College Paralegal Program.
Linda’s academic journey underscores her commitment to the paralegal profession, holding two paralegal certificates, a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies from Barry University, and a Master’s in Paralegal Studies from National Juris University. Linda also holds degrees in medical assisting and secondary education. Her educational background, paired with her extensive experience, positions her as an instructor with a deep understanding of the field’s nuances and complexities.
She is the proud founder and operator of Perfectly Paralegal, a vibrant community that offers resources, support, continuing education, and much more for paralegals across all levels of experience and education. This initiative highlights Linda’s commitment to nurturing the paralegal community, making her not just a mentor but a relatable ally who understands the challenges and triumphs of the profession.
In Linda’s classes, you’re not just learning theory; you’re gaining practical insights from someone who has lived it. Her approachable nature and dedication to sharing her wealth of knowledge ensure that every participant leaves with valuable, actionable information. Join her to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and empower yourself with the tools for success in the dynamic world of paralegal work.
Introduction to Law Office Administration: What Keeps a Legal Practice Running
