In this episode of the Scalable Law Podcast, I dive into a game-changing topic that comes up time and time again with the firm owners I coach: When is the right time to hire a practice manager in a law firm, and what kind of impact can they have on your growth and operations?
If you’re constantly fielding team questions, managing leave requests, approving every invoice, or buried in admin instead of focusing on strategy, it may be time to level up your law firm management. Hiring a skilled practice or operations manager could be one of the most pivotal decisions you make to scale effectively and reclaim your time as the business owner.
Episode Summary
In this episode, I share exactly when I believe it’s the right time to hire a practice manager in a law firm—typically when your revenue is in the $500K to $1M range. I break down the key responsibilities they can take off your plate, how this hire supports stronger law firm management, and how bringing in the right person allowed me to step back from the day-to-day of running my own firm.
You’ll learn how to spot the signs that you're overdue for this game-changing hire—and what to look for in a practice manager who can help your firm grow without you becoming the bottleneck.
Key Segments
When to Hire a Practice Manager in Your Law Firm
Thinking about hiring a practice manager? If you're hitting growth ceilings or drowning in daily operations, it might be time.
Signs It’s Time to Hire:
You're no longer the best person to handle day-to-day law firm management.You’re overwhelmed, juggling people, clients, admin, and operations.You're ready to scale, but need leadership support to do it sustainably.What a Practice Manager Actually Does
A great practice manager in a law firm isn't just admin support—they’re your operational engine:
Team Management: Handles HR, recruitment, performance reviews, and team check-ins.Client Experience: Improves intake processes, addresses complaints, and maintains service standards.Systems Oversight: Manages software, streamlines workflows, and ensures compliance.Operations & Admin: Takes care of invoicing, reporting, supplier management, and more.
Leadership Support: Acts as your second-in-command, solving issues before they hit your desk. The Real Impact for Law Firm Owners
Bringing in a practice manager creates space for growth and clarity:
More time for strategy, vision, and high-value workFreedom from operational distractions and stressA scalable team structure with stronger accountabilityBetter culture, performance, and profitWho to Hire
When hiring for this critical law firm management role, look for:
Strong leadership and operations experienceA proactive, solutions-first mindsetConfidence to manage up—not just follow instructionsLaw firm experience is a bonus, but not mandatoryHiring a practice manager could be the most important step you take to scale your firm without burning out. Think of them as the engine that powers your growth while you lead from the front.
Takeaway
Hiring a practice manager in my law firm was one of the most pivotal decisions I’ve made. It completely transformed how I operated, freeing up my time, clearing mental clutter, and allowing me to shift from being stuck in the day-to-day to focusing on real law firm management and growth.
If you’re buried in admin, constantly putting out fires, and craving more freedom and sustainable progress, this is the strategic hire that can move you from overwhelmed to in control.
Links and Resources
Book a Strategy Call with me. Learn more about our programs at Scalable Law. Connect with me on LinkedIn. If you’re ready to map out your next strategic hire and build a law firm that doesn’t revolve solely around you, reach out to us. Inside our programs, we guide you through hiring the right practice manager and structuring your firm for scalable success.
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