our story

My passion for law firm management started early in my professional career at the age of 17 when I started working part-time at a Florida law firm while attending high school. I was involved in a program in high school called Future Leaders of America, and I recall when my professor approached me about the opportunity because she knew how much I loved the law. As a result, I started working in that law firm in the billing department.  I learned everything there was to know about billing, accounting, and how attorneys spent their time practicing law. I quickly learned how lawyers bill their clients and make a lot of money.  I became fascinated with the legal billing and revenue side of the law firm business.  My interest was so strong that I decided to put myself through college while working in the law firm to learn the business of legal management and administration.  Because my commitment and strong knowledge of the business became obvious to the firm's stakeholders, when the firm administrator retired, I was offered the position of the firm administrator. In this role I learned the day-to-day operation of running a law firm. My experience consisted of human resources, financial management, budgeting, accounting, insurance benefits, pension plan administration, recruiting, capital distributions, real estate lease agreements, and procurement. 

My interest increased even more with my promotion and that's when I decided to dedicate my studies to Business Administration and Law Firm Management.  In fact, I got involved with the Association of Legal Administrators where I held leadership roles for seven consecutive years.  I also had the opportunity to attend national conferences and enroll in programs focused on managing a law firm.  It was then when I knew that my path would take me to greater work in the legal industry.  As a result, I was asked to teach Law Firm Management as an adjunct professor at the Florida International University where I had the pleasure of teaching for 16 years.  The most rewarding part of being a successful leader is creating other leaders.  I had the pleasure of teaching some of the brightest and most talented professionals found in today's law firms.  But, I didn't stop there, as I knew that I wanted to become a public speaker and consultant to help lawyers successfully operate their business while growing revenues.  Therefore, I decided to enroll in a two-year Master's Degree program in Law Firm Management at The George Washington University. I was also able to obtain certification in Legal Six Sigma.  There are less than 100 individuals in the U.S. with this degree.  My formal education combined with my hands-on experience in managing the business of a law firm were the keys to becoming an expert in the legal management field.  My passion for creating greatness in people and managing their business is very rewarding to me personally, and I want others to benefit from my knowledge and experience.  I have coached many lawyers and non-legal staff in best practices and also helped them develop themselves into better lawyers and professionals.  After realizing how successful I was in helping others perform at the highest level, I decided that forming iManage Law Firms. I understand all too well that a company is only as strong as its executive leadership.  

Grace C. Lopez, CEO

iManage Law Firms, LLC