To whom can attorneys turn for real, practical office management and computer tips geared especially for them? For starters, turn to your colleagues, professional staff, and consultants. The Law Practice Section and Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee cosponsored "60+ Hot Practice Management and Techno Tips in 60 Minutes" at the Bar's annual convention in June. In the interest of space, the presenters offer their favorite tips. Nothing said in this article is to be construed as a State Bar endorsement of any brand or product. Tips from Debra Hix-Sykes, President & CEO, DHS & Associates, Milwaukee. Tips from David Grove, Owner of Grove Law Office, DeForest. Tips from Ross L. Kodner, Founder of MicroLaw Inc., Milwaukee. Tips from Lori Kannenberg, Law firm administrator, Lawton & Cates S.C., Madison.

By entering into a co-employment relationship with a professional employer organization (PEO), such as the QTI Human Resources or The Employer Group, small firms can provide comprehensive benefits packages for their employees without the "paperwork hassles" associated with payroll and benefits administration. PEOs obtain competitive bids from insurance companies based on the entire employee base they represent. Thus, they are able to negotiate low premium rates and can administer benefit plans efficiently and cost effectively.

PEOs become administrative employers who are responsible for paying wages and taxes. They assume risk for unemployment compensation and worker's compensation claims and enroll employees in benefits plans, administering all the details. They also can provide guidance and support in human resource matters.

Check All References

Checking potential new employees' references can be tedious, but it must be done. Studies indicate that many job seekers misrepresent experience and education on their resumes. It pays to know about any misrepresentations before a job is offered. Consider using the services of a private investigation agency to check a candidate's education and experience if the job you are filling is critical.

Consider testing applicants who claim to have specific software knowledge. Internet-based skills testing products like "Prove It!" are available from companies like Know It All.

Internet Postage. Check Out E-stamps

Print postage and addresses onto envelopes and labels in one easy step right from your computer. E-Stamp Internet postage, approved by the United States Postal Service, is a service that allows you to buy and print postage anytime. Postage and account information is stored locally on your computer so there is no need to connect to the Internet every time you need postage. The starter kit costs $49.99 and includes everything you need to print postage from your home or office. The E-Stamp software CD prepares First-Class®, Priority Mail®, Express Mail®, and Parcel Post™ mail and packages. It also addresses envelopes and labels. E-Stamp Internet postage is compatible with most popular software. For more information, including system requirements, check the Web site, www.estamp.com.

Interesting, Innovative Job Interview Questions

Next time you interview a job applicant, ask him or her the same questions you plan to ask the candidate's references. For example, rather than asking a candidate to describe his or her greatest strengths, ask the candidate what a previous supervisor would say he or she does particularly well. When you contact the references, ask those questions. If any answer differs dramatically, mention the candidate's answer and explore reasons for the differences.

Develop a Web Site

All law firms should have a Web site. Firms can even get a decent "brochure site" for free by using FindLaw (www.findlaw.com). G. Burgess Allison wrote an article published in a recent edition of the ABA's Law Practice Management magazine discussing how firms can establish a Web site using FindLaw. The article is reprinted on the Web at www.abanet.org/lpm/magazine/tu996.html.