Administrators handle tasks not specifically assigned to others and wear many hats. They are under constant pressure to meet deadlines and stay knowledgeable about their firms and the legal field. Most administrators join local and national administrator associations, which provide resources and opportunities to network. When selecting vendors, administrators want the best price, follow through, and phone calls returned to easily bring deals to their firms. Email is the best way to contact administrators initially, and following introductions through managing partners can help form longer-term relationships.

1. JAK Consulting
Joyce Kopenski| Principal Consultant
Administrators –
What makes them tick

2. Dictionary definition
Administrator – Person who administers a business or public
affairs………..Relationship to other projects.
What is an Administrator?

3. Law firm definition
The person who handles everything that is not the sole responsibility of
another person.
What is an Administrator?

4. There are many titles for an Administrator, including:
What is an Administrator?

5. Administrators wear many hats….

6. Under Constant Pressure

7. Must meet specific deadlines

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

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

10. Legal community is a small one both locally and
nationally

11. All brought together by local chapters of ALA and
National ALA

12. Most Administrators are members and it is supported
by most firms

13. 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

14.  Writing policy
 Information on products
 Recommendations for processes
Both local and national ALA have websites that
Administrators go to for help in:

15.  No one wants to reinvent the wheel so these conversations are critical
to all Administrators
Also speak to each other on all issues

16.  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:

17.  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:

18.  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:

19.  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…

20.  Better off being a partner, it will lead to continued success for both
your company and the firm.
Keep in mind…