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Using Chat Tools

Law firms are increasingly using chat tools to improve client communication. The tools answer questions, collect payments, make appointments, etc. They supplement communication by email, phone, and office visits.  The tools include chatbots, live chat, and text messaging apps. Below are strategies for implementing chat at your firm. Links are provided to articles, books, reviews, and samples for further study.   Strategies Alternatives – consider using chatbots, live chats, and text messaging. Audience – limit use to clients and prospects by requiring log-in with contact information. Monitor – seek feedback and test performance to protect reputation.   Notice  – mention the availability of chat on business cards, directory listings, etc. Script – keep answers short and simple; refer complex questions to consultations. Staffing – do-it-yourself or outsource to a virtual receptionist or website host Articles Chatbots Client Intake Live Chat Texting Trends Books AI for Lawyers Building Ch
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Helping Lawyers with Cognitive Decline

About 5% of American adults experience mild cognitive impairment at some point in their lives. The incidence rate rises for older adults to about 20% by 70 and around 30% by 90. The onset of impairment is difficult to detect since it can come gradually and at any age. A common scenario is a decline in productivity, missed deadlines, and quality control issues. Lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies can help reverse, slow, or stop mental decline. Consider the following strategies to help co-workers, family, or friends who display symptoms of cognitive impairment. To implement the strategies, consult the articles, books, videos, and websites listed at the end of this post. Strategies Approach – use an indirect approach to avoid alarming the person suspected of cognitive impairment. Causes – become familiar with causes of impairment like Alzheimer's, medications, Parkingson's and substance abuse. Denial – stay calm and compassionate since denial is a coping mechanism. Di
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Staying Healthy at Work

Camaraderie and healthy workstyles can improve happiness and productivity. The following are tips for staying healthy and social whether working in an office or at home. Tips Boundaries – set boundaries with clients and colleagues to reduce stress. Breaks – take breaks by standing up, stretching, and walking for bone/muscle health. Diet – snack on fruit and vegetables to boost your immune system. Ergonomics – upgrade chairs, desks, monitors, and keyboards to eliminate discomfort. Fitness  - exercise during the workday to maintain muscles and stay fit. Friendship – stay social with daily breaks for small talk and lunch with associates, clients, and friends. Hydration – drink 8 cups of water every day to keep joints lubricated and organs functioning. Pollution - use ultraviolet lights and a personal air purifier to improve air quality. Routine – establish a daily time for logging on/off from work to avoid burnout. Sleep - get 7 to 8 hours/night of uninterrupted sleep to restore y
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Planning for Retirement

More than 200,000 lawyers will be retiring in the next 10 years. To be prepared for this age wave, younger lawyers should seek mentoring and older lawyers should start planning. Below are planning tips and links to resources with more information.    Tips Advisors - consult insurance and financial advisors; contact state bar assistance programs. Career - consider working part-time or starting a new career.  Emergencies - be prepared in case you or an immediately family member are disabled. Health - exercise, eat nutritiously, and get health checkups to avoid issues. Housing - consider alternative housing for post-retirement years.  Insurance - plan for Medicare and supplemental insurance. Savings - determine whether you need to increase savings (or work longer). Articles Pre-Close Planning Deciding When to Retire Insuring Healthcare Mentoring Lawyers Planning Retirement Thinking About Retirement Working After Retirement Books Finding Your Landing Zone Lawyer Retirement Life After Law
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Bridging Generational Gaps

Generational differences motivate clients and lawyers. Marketing, recruiting, and supervising can be more effective when adjusted for these differences. See below for a list of generational differences and resources for accommodating them. Silent Generation (ages 79 to 99; born 1925 to 1945) Grew up during the depression and lived through World War II. Prefer paper and low tech. Hardworking, loyal, and respectful. May need legal assistance with legal aspects of elder care and elder abuse. Baby Boomers (ages 60 to 78; born 1946 to 1964) Born during the golden age of television. Veterans of Korean and Vietnam wars. Known for strong work ethic, loyalty to employers, and professionalism. May need estate planning for themselves and for family members with special needs Constitutes about 25% of the workforce. Generation X (ages 43 to 59; born 1965 to 1980) Declining birthrates and advent of personal computers. Lived during Watergate, Arab Oil Embargo, and Aids Crisis. Increasing exposure to
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