Power in a law firm isn’t found just in the wood-paneled, reporter-lined corner office, but right behind the front desk. A law firm’s receptionists isn’t just the first face visitors see when they arrive, he or she is also the cornerstone of a successful office.

Your receptionist matters, so be sure you pick the right person for the job. If you’re currently hunting for a new receptionist, put candidates with these characteristics at the top of your list:

Organization

Law firm receptionists’ roles are as varied as law firms themselves. In some, a receptionist’s responsibilities may be limited to answering phones, greeting visitors, arranging schedules and the like. In orders, a receptionist might have to be an amalgam of office manager, front desk person and paralegal.

Whatever the case, the position will task your receptionist with multiple responsibilities. His or her organizational skills will be essential to managing them effectively. Look for a receptionist who can prioritize conflicting needs and who handles matters expeditiously and proactively. Ask candidates to explain how they’ve balanced multiple simultaneous needs or to describe an organizational system they created at their last job.

Tech Savvy

Good receptionists will know their way around the latest legal and office technology. Their expertise shouldn’t be limited to traditional PC’s either; as work becomes more and more mobile, a good law firm secretary will need to be skilled with devices, such as smart phones and tablets.

Ask applicants what tech they have integrated into their jobs. Knowing how to use phones, copiers and printers is standard; give extra points for candidates who can wow you in Excel, update your firm website or, best of all, make sure your communications are secure.

If you can find a candidate who embodies these qualities, consider yourself lucky.

Related Resources:

  • From Serving in Iraq to Welcoming White House Guests (The New York Times)
  • Consider Moral Character When Hiring Law Office Staff (FindLaw’s Strategist)
  • 10 Things Every Attorney Must Do Before Hiring a Legal Secretary or Paralegal (FindLaw’s Strategist)
  • Does Your Small or Solo Practice Need a Virtual Receptionist? (FindLaw’s Technologist)

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