Law Firm Management Solutions
I help small law firm owners overcome chaos so they can maximize profits and reclaim their time for a higher purpose. This is accomplished by putting the right people in the right roles, streamlining processes, and establishing effective fiscal management systems. Let me help you gain clarity for your team, take control of your systems, and reach your financial goals.
Email: tsp@t2management.com
Phone : 814-572-2294
Tamara Philabaum, BSIE, MBA
I started T2 Management Solutions because I have seen how law firm owners struggle with managing the business side of their practices. I understand the common mistakes they make. These mistakes create inefficiencies and erode profitability. Ultimately, those owners start to feel overwhelmed and frustrated.
I was in charge of marketing, human resources, fiscal management, and operations at a 40-attorney law firm for 18 years. For the past 5 years, I have worked with smaller firms, helping them streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary tasks. It is truly satisfying for me to help professionals gain control of their businesses and find peace of mind.
Furthermore, I understand the importance of technology in creating efficiencies in law firms. I am a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and CLIO Affiliate Partner. Thus, I am equipped to advise firms on how to make the most of these and similar software products. Finally, I am experienced in creating reports and analyzing data using advanced Excel functions.
Services
OPERATIONS AUDIT
Are you anxious about malpractice or ethics issues?
Do you struggle to make payroll even though you and your staff are overwhelmed with work?
The purpose of an Operations Audit is to identify opportunities for process improvement, profitability gains, and risk reduction. I will conduct interviews with owners, attorneys, and support staff to find out what they do and HOW they are doing it. In the process, we identify roadblocks and assess the firm's use of technology. At the conclusion, you will receive documentation and verbal presentation of the findings and recommendations.
STAFFING ANALYSIS
Are employee problems keeping you up at night?
Do you feel like you have to do everything yourself?
Do you want to reclaim your time for a higher purpose?
The purpose of a staffing analysis is to determine if the firm has the right people in the right roles performing the right tasks and identify skill gaps in your team. I will interview firm leadership and meet with each employee to identify current understanding of each of their duties and responsibilities. Existing job descriptions and the current organization chart will be examined so we can assess accountability for all firm essential functions. Finally, I will review your recruiting & hiring process, compensation plan, and FLSA compliance. You will receive findings and recommendations on organization structure, job descriptions, staffing plan, and human resource management systems.
FINANCIAL SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
Is your IOLTA account like a "black hole?"
Do you stress about making payroll?
Are you always in cash crunch mode?
The purpose of a Financial System Analysis is to establish effective timekeeping, billing, accounts payable & receivable, bookkeeping, financial reporting, trust accounting, and cash flow management tools. I will meet with key players to examine your firm's current processes and analyze your existing financial and production reports. You will receive recommendations on how to streamline procedures, establish better reporting tools, create financial controls, and optimize cash flow. The result will be a fully integrated and functional fiscal management system that will avoid cash crunches and provide peace of mind.
The purpose of monthly advisory services is to provide ongoing guidance to firm owners. As an experienced firm administrator and advisor, I will coach you on how to manage your team, streamline processes, and control finances. You will receive weekly advisory sessions, "homework" assignments, 4 hours of office work and phone/email support. The result will be continuous improvement, progress towards meeting your goals, and confidence in your ability to manage your firm.
MONTHLY ADVISORY SERVICES
Do you feel alone and unsupported as a firm owner?
Are you unsure about the best practices of law firm management?
It can be challenging for Owners who are still practicing law to find time for administrative work such as dealing with marketing vendors, writing job descriptions, documenting processes, drafting policies, and analyzing financial reports. Practice Management Support will accelerate your progress towards overcoming chaos and achieving your goals with the help of an experienced legal administrator. Think of it as a part-time or as needed firm administrator.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
Do you spend most of your workday on business management?
Are you working nights and weekends to keep up with legal work ?
Do you want to accelerate the development of your practice management systems?
Reviews
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Jonathan D'Silva, Esq.
Tamara is a knowledgeable and experienced professional full of great advice. She is quick to respond and easy to work with. Highly recommended.
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Richard T. Ruth, Esq.
Tammy and her team have been very helpful in providing much professional insight and on-site assistance.
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Alexander McElroy, Esq.
We have worked with Tammy over the past two years as our law firm management consultant. She has been invaluable in assisting us with the management of our firm, including budgeting, hiring, marketing, and other general management issues as they come up. As a law firm owner, it is great to be able to look to her for advice. I highly recommend Tammy to any law firm owners looking for assistance in running their firm, and in growing it!
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Ryan D. Very, Esq.
I only wish I had retained T2 sooner. For 10 years I was operating my business with no financial guidance. I had no idea how much money to save, and how much to spend, and on what. Now I have the confidence that I am doing the right thing. 5 stars
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Andrea Amicangelo, Esq.
Tammy and Chrystal are wonderful to work with. They have seamlessly provided support for all of our needs (billing, bookkeeping and administrative) quickly and efficiently. We would highly recommend them!
Case Studies
An Operations Audit was conducted for a criminal defense firm in Michigan. We discovered that the firm was using multiple forms and spreadsheets that could be eliminated with the proper set up and use of their case management system. In addition, attorneys and paralegals were not following a consistent method for documenting client communications and saving documents in a case centric manner. The intake and sales process was especially cumbersome and the firm was spending money on unnecessary software. There was also a lack of control of the marketing spend and fiscal management issues. Potential savings identified for the firm were over $200,000/year.
Operations Audit Case Study
Staffing Analysis Case Study
A Staffing Analysis was conducted for a family and personal injury law firm in Georgia. We discovered that the firm had the wrong people in some key roles. In particular, the finance and human resource functions were not being handled properly. Also, many of the firm's staff were unsure of their essential duties and responsibilities. They did not have current job descriptions nor did they receive any type of performance management feedback. The analysis also uncovered some major issues with the firm's bookkeeping and IOLTA account management. A plan for clarifying roles, conducting performance reviews, and hiring the right people was put into place. The firm also changed bookkeeping services, reconciled their IOLTA accounts, and put proper financial procedures in place. All resulting in reduced risk for the firm and peace of mind for the owner.
Financial Systems Analysis Case Study
A Financial Systems Analysis was conducted for a bankruptcy and immigration firm in Florida. We discovered that the firm had not been reimbursing itself for filing fees paid on the firm credit card from the operating account. There were excess funds in the IOLTA account that needed to be transferred into operating. However, the tracking system that was being used was inconsistent, so the amount to be transferred and for which matter was unclear. It took several months to figure out how much to transfer and account for the proper owner of the funds yet to be earned. The firm implemented the recommended system for tracking fees paid and reimbursing from IOLTA on a regular basis. The firm owner was relieved from the worry that the IOLTA mess was causing her and eliminated her risk of a IOLTA regulation violation. She was also able to transfer over $30,000 into her operating account!