To some people, business conducted in a Law firm appers secretive, complex and rather over-whelming! Not so! This is confirmed by a quick break down of how a firm of Law actually goes about its business. One of the most important members of staff at a Law Firm has to be the Receptionist – the first welcoming point of contact with the public. A client probably won’t get to meet the hard-working Administrative personnel who run the internal business, nor the payroll services staff who might be working in-house or be outsourced. However, many Law firms have part time clerical help who may be accountants, bookkeepers and accounts receivable personnel.
The firm is always headed up by people referred to as “Partners”. They are the owners of the Law firm and it’s the title to which many Lawyers aspire. Apart from anything else they can command the highest fees. Then there are the Associates, good lawyers who perhaps might have a little less experience in the field. They earn a little less than “Partners”.
A typical medium sized Law firm will include “Of Counsel” Lawyers who are under some kind of Consultancy agreement with the firm. There are Contract Lawyers who are hired in for special reasons, maybe on an hourly basis, and Law Clerks – mainly consisting of Law Students who complete any necessary legal research for cases in hand.
In addition to those staff, Investigators are occasionally hired, depending on the nature of the Law firm’s work. There will be Legal Assistants, Paralegals (people who have legal training, but are not Lawyers) and Legal Secretaries who assist in the general day to day paperwork and organisation. Many businesses need help in managing cash flow, tax planning and payroll services which saves time, worry and headaches!