LEGAL PRACTICE MANAGEMENT COURSE GUIDE Queensland
DEFINE THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR CAREER When you choose The College of Law, your LPMC will do so much more than just tick a box. It will give you immediate, real-world value – opening you up to a world of new opportunities. That’s because our courses are practical by design and taught by legal business professionals with boots-on-the-ground experience. You’ll master everything from pricing strategy to client management; giving you the skills and confidence you need to transition from employed lawyer to business owner or practice leader. Whether you want to start your own firm, become a partner or principal, or expand your career prospects, an LPMC with the College will help you get there.
Learn with the best. Learn with the College.
25 YEARS
of LPMC teaching
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5,000+ LPMC grads
16+
LPMC staff
WHAT’S INSIDE? The thrill of new skills Discover where an LPMC can take you.
What you will learn Explore our courses and key outcomes.
Why choose The College of Law? Develop your skills alongside the very best.
Course dates and fees Find all the key information you need.
How to enrol Secure your place at The College of Law.
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THE THRILL OF NEW SKILLS Are you ready and eager to get your hands on the business and operational side of law? If so, our LPMC is the answer. With the College, you can expect less theory – and more dynamic, interactive learning. You’ll cover everything from innovation in legal tech to how you can attract the right type of clients for your business. The result? The skills and confidence to run a successful, efficient and sustainable legal practice. Who is the LPMC for? Sole practitioners
Directors of incorporated legal practices
Law firm partners Inhouse and government lawyers with management responsibilities Community legal centre supervisors
Practice managers and professionals working in legal firms Experienced practitioners looking to grow their practice and update their management skills
Study your way We understand that practising law could be stressful and fitting a course into your schedule while you’re busy advising and representing clients, analysing problems, deciphering rules, and chasing deadlines can be difficult. We run several Legal Practice Management courses through the year, so you have the flexibility to choose a program that best suits your requirements. Our blended course model also lets you work around your schedule when preparing for the workshops. With this flexibility, you can build a study plan around your schedule. Simply find the course that’s right for you.
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TODAY, NEARLY SEVEN YEARS ON, I HAVE AN AWARD-WINNING BUSINESS IN A PROFESSION THAT I LOVE.
Amanda Mead Principal Lawyer, Co-owner, Everyday-Legal Read Amanda’s Story
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WHAT YOU WILL LEARN The LPMC is designed to arm you with the knowledge needed to operate a thriving legal business. You’ll therefore work on practical tasks and scenarios that you’re likely to encounter day-to-day. During the workshop, you will focus on and learn about ten core subjects: 1.
General principles of business planning and management
2.
Trust Accounting
3.
Practice structures
4.
Financial management
5.
Innovation, technology and workflow
6.
Self-management, well-being and resilience in the workplace
7.
Leading and managing people
8.
Ethics and professional standards
9.
Risk management
10. Business development and marketing
Learn more about our courses
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Assessment structure Assessment
Activity
Format
Pass Mark*
Due Date
Pre-Workshop
See page 11
Compulsory video conference
See page 10
Workshop
See page 11
Interactive 3-day workshop
Attendance and satisfactory participation
Assignment 1
Trust Accounting
Short answers to questions; to be submitted online
80%
Within 2 business days after the assessment has been released and prior to the workshop commencement
Assignment 2
Ethics
Short answers to questions based on case studies examined during the workshop; to be submitted online
75%
Within 2 business days after the workshop conclusion
Assignment 3
Business Plan
Business Plan incorporating content from compulsory exercises in Modules 2, 3, 4 and 5 discussed during the workshop; to be submitted online.
Submissions graded on scale 1-5; participants must obtain a grade of 3 (60%) to demonstrate competency
10 business days after the workshop conclusion
Assignment 4
Risk Analysis and Treatment Plan
Risk analysis and treatment plan to incorporate any risks from the Business Plan and developed using case studies and templates examined during the workshop; to be submitted online.
Submissions graded on scale 1-5; participants must obtain a grade of 3 (60%) to demonstrate competency
10 business days after the workshop conclusion
Before the commencement of the workshop, you are required to undertake a minimum of 6 hours mandatory pre- readings available online, although ideally, 25-30 hours would be preferable. Before the trust accounting assessment, you are required to undertake mandatory online pre-readings in trust accounting and attend a compulsory video conference by the presenter. This will take place prior to the workshop. Once you have successfully passed all four assessment items, you will be issued with a PMC Statement which you can use to apply for your Principal Practising Certificate from the Queensland Law Society.
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*Assessment rates required to successfully complete the course have been prescribed by the Queensland Law Society.
I FORGED PROFESSIONAL BONDS THAT HAVE CONTINUED WELL BEYOND MY STUDIES.
Zita Allen Solicitor Director, Lantern Legal
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Brought to you by passionate presenters Our courses are run by a dedicated team with real experience managing and supporting legal businesses. Our presenters are all experienced practitioners and professionals who we select using a number of criteria:
•
Up-to-date with industry trends
•
Experience in establishing their own legal practice/s
• •
Knowledge of strategic management and business solutions gained in leadership roles in law and accounting firms
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Specialist legal educators in their fields of expertise
THE COURSE HELPED ME UNDERSTAND WHAT GOES ON BEHIND THE SCENES OF A LAW FIRM.
Carla Vinciullo Director, Kennedy Vinciullo Read Carla’s Story
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WHY CHOOSE THE COLLEGE OF LAW? As our courses are developed by business and legal leaders with real experience, this means you can hone your skillset and step towards the next chapter of your career, sooner. As a national organisation with access to best-in-industry research and resources, the College delivers cutting-edge programs underpinned by local knowledge for each market. But we also have an eye for what’s to come. For instance, our Centre for Legal Innovation is pioneering thought leadership by exploring the impact of new legal technologies and more. Rest assured we know what’s required for legal practitioners to excel today – and into the future.
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I GAINED VALUABLE INSIGHTS INTO WHAT CAN GO WRONG IN A LAW PRACTICE, DAY IN DAY OUT – PREPARING ME FOR WHAT MIGHT BE THROWN MY WAY.”
Brett Halliwell LPMC graduate Read Brett’s Story
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TAUGHT BY INDUSTRY INSIDERS
TAKE-HOME RESOURCES
Our presenters are passionate and experienced. They will help you bridge the gap between theory and the real world.
Enjoy our take-home templates, checklists and resources for years to come.
CONVENIENCE
INTERACTIVE CLASSES
Your online learning will be conducted by video conference and through our learning portal. Your face-to-face learning will take place on campus in the heart of the Queensland CBD.
You’ll get to know your fellow participants and presenters in an active learning environment.
COACHING AND FEEDBACK
TAX DEDUCTIONS AND DISCOUNTS
Our teaching and support staff will be there to guide you throughout the entire course – from enrolment to completion.
You may be entitled to a tax deduction. The College of Law also offers a 10% discount to College Alumni and Queensland Law Society Members.
CPD UNITS PER CPD YEAR
PATHWAY TO A POSTGRADUATE PROGRAM
You can claim up to 10 CPD units in the areas of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Practice Management and Business Skills, and Professional Skills.
Completing your Legal Practice Management Course with The College of Law is just the beginning. Your course can count as one subject’s credit towards our Master of Laws Program (LLM).
This course meets the requirements of the Queensland Law Society for obtaining a Principal Practising Certificate and is fully accredited by the Law Society.
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COURSE DATES AND FEES 2022 Key dates Start Date
Pre workshop Trust
Workshop Dates (virtual workshop)
Finish
No. of Weeks
06 Jun 2022
15 Jun or 16 Jun 2022
23 - 25 Jun 2022
15 Jul 2022
6
25 Jul 2022
3 Aug or 4 Aug 2022
11 - 13 Aug 2022
02 Sep 2022
6
12 Sep 2022
21 Sep or 22 Sep 2022
29 Sep - 1 Oct 2022
21 Oct 2022
6
31 Oct 2022
9 Nov or 10 Nov 2022
17 - 19 Nov 2022
09 Dec 2022
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Please note that:
• •
there will be regular breaks, including a lunch break, during each workshop day. Please refer to the program for timings; and the end time of 5.00pm is approximate, some sessions may end earlier. Please read below for course requirements.
Course fees Alumni & Members
$1,980
(You save 10% if you are a College of Law alumni or Queensland Law Society member) Full price
$2,200
Dates and pricing are subject to change. Please refer to The College of Law website for the most current information.
Location Face to face workshops will be held at: The College of Law Queensland, Level 5, Wesley House, 140 Ann St, Brisbane QLD 4000
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WORKSHOP SCHEDULE AND OUTCOMES Pre-Workshop
At the end of this module you will be able to:
Trust Accounting
• • • •
Workshop
utline the provisions governing the responsibilities of principal lawyers regarding o trust monies. identify ways in which trust account provisions can inadvertently be breached and strategies to prevent these breaches. nalyse current practices with respect to the maintenance of trust and office a account records. implement any necessary policies and procedures to rectify poor practices.
At the end of this module you will be able to:
Welcome and Introduction Practice Structures
• • •
Financial Management
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
compare and contrast the different possible legal practice structures. valuate the capacity of the different structures to meet client, e staffing and the practising goals and needs of principals. nalyse how various components of particular practice a structures should best be set up and implemented. explore criteria to evaluate new business. discuss the budgeting process and different methods of building a budget. evaluate time recording as a profit lever. compare different pricing strategies and calculate their impact on profitability. analyse how leverage and growth will impact on the practice’s financial performance. understand the impact of WIP and review WIP reports for recoverability. optimise WIP and debtor conversion in various areas of law and examine how both profit and cash are affected. develop ‘rules’ to account for and minimise doubtful debts and write offs. relate cash flow to profit distribution and drawings. estimate the costs of running a file, including how to scope initially. alculate the ‘cost to finish’ if something triggers further c costs, including how to talk to a client about that. analyse the costs of production of legal services. manipulate different financial scenarios to predict profitability. plan key ‘profit improvement’ strategies that can be effectively implemented. calculate the practice’s net profitability and project the impact of changes to revenue.
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Workshop Client Development and Marketing
Self-management, Wellbeing and Resilience in the Workplace
Risk
At the end of this module you will be able to:
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Leading and Managing People
Business Planning Workshop
• • • • • • • • • • •
• •
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examine components of client relationships and build the necessary skills and behaviours to manage clients for future work opportunities. identify why existing clients are good prospects to grow revenue. outline how clients become predisposed to using the practice again. employ behaviours likely to encourage ‘repeat business’. analyse the elements of professional relationship building. identify a variety of client maintenance tactics including upskilling. create and commit to an existing client marketing plan, including measuring and reflecting on the success of your efforts. examine the reasons and environmental elements for your current behaviour. identify what you need to do to be your best self. prioritise the essential ‘hats’ that you, as the principal of a practice, have to wear. explore how to adopt and reinforce ‘habits of excellence’. outline a plan for self-managing. examine your practice’s current approaches to diagnosing internal and external risk. analyse your practice’s current approaches to and systems for managing internal and external risk. identify where you or the practice might be vulnerable to business and professional risks. generate options and solutions for strengthening the practice’s defences against risk, including service failures and professional liability. evaluate the effectiveness of newly implemented policies or procedures to protect against risk. ‘map’ practice strategies, policies and procedures against legislation to ensure compliance. analyse the elements of practice teams and effective working environments. discuss the value and importance of leadership and collaboration. explore what makes teams work, including maximising open and honest communication. analyse the reasons real collaboration is difficult to achieve and what to do about it. recognise how you ‘fit in’ and can boost your contribution to your team and practice group. identify the elements of effective workplace relationships. examine ways to create productive environments as either a contributor or leader of a team. outline techniques and create plans for effective ‘influencing’. understand how strategic business planning is critical for effective practice management. how to prepare and implement a holistic business plan to set strategy, goals, objectives, vision and values to delineate the future growth, profitability, sustainability and direction of the practice. articulate how your business plan will deliver excellence in customer service, financial profitability, market differentiation and segmentation, a supportive cultural framework, corporate governance, people and performance management, diversity and inclusion, technology and social media platforms, and practice management processes to achieve and measure results. collectively apply the knowledge and learnings gained from the workshop modules and compulsory exercises in modules 2 – 5. prepare a business plan for your current firm or new start up.
Workshop Leadership in the Workplace
At the end of this module you will be able to:
• • • • •
Workflow Systems
The Future of legal practice
Ethics and Professional Standards
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
recognise the impact of good and poor leadership on teams identify the qualities that make a good leader reflect upon your own qualities and style as a leader nderstand what people are looking for in a person they would u willingly follow and reflect upon your own behaviours nderstand some general behavioural traits of the ‘lawyer cohort’ u and how these might be relevant to good leadership analyse the causes and negative impact of under-delegation in law practices develop a clear vision of how to work on activities at an appropriate level. explore different methods of mapping processes. identify activities that cause inefficiency, error, and delay, and that can be stripped. outline ways to cost-effectively improve client experience. evaluate the utility and suitability of automated management systems. recognise emerging technologies. understand how the delivery of legal services are changing. discuss the barriers to law firm technology adoption. develop tips on effective technology implementation and adoption. outline the legislation and regulations governing ethical practice. pecify the duties and responsibilities of principal and senior s practitioners with respect to ethics and professional standards. identify ethical and responsibility issues that could potentially arise in your practice. examine best practice approaches to analysing and resolving ethical issues. list sources of ethical assistance and advice in determining appropriate courses of action.
Workshop conclusion
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HOW TO ENROL Want to develop your skills alongside our industry leaders? Enrol Online Now
Or get in touch to learn more: Call 1300 506 402 Email lpmc@collaw.edu.au Visit collaw.edu.au/LPMC
In-house training For group bookings, the Legal Practice Management courses can be delivered on-site in your offices or at our campuses to practitioners from all states across Australia. For more information please contact: Kerry Nguyen, Business Development Manager +61 3 8689 8614 or knguyen@collaw.edu.au
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WHERE’S NEXT? Take your learning further with legal business management courses
Are you looking to gain an edge in the legal world? Our Legal Business Management courses will take your learning further – so you can transform your mindset and bring true value to the table. Learn how to penetrate innovation barriers. Unlock the psychology behind pricing strategy. And master the art of attracting your dream clients - plus so much more. These aren’t traditional management courses. It’s a road to ongoing business success that you can’t afford to ignore.
Claim your subject credit Successfully complete your Legal Practice Management Course at the College of Law Queensland within the last five years to be entitled to one subject unspecified credit to enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Legal Business or Master of Legal Business courses.
Explore our subjects
Business strategy
Leadership
Innovation
Fundamental Legal Technologies
Legal Operations
Why and How Clients Buy Legal Services
Attracting and Retaining Clients
Master of Legal Business Capstone
Choose your pathway Short Course
Master of Legal Business (8 subjects)
Graduate Certificate in Legal Business (2 subjects)
Graduate Certificate in Legal Operations (2 subjects)
Graduate Diploma of Legal Business (4 subjects)
Want to find out more?
Explore our MLB pathways
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