Law Practice Tips

Small firms and solos can enjoy many benefits from management software, including client satisfaction, cost reduction, data protection, and information sharing. Monthly subscription fees range from about $40 to $100 per user. The software can manage billing, payments, calendars, cases, communications, conflicts, and documents. Select software that is easy to use and flexible to fit your needs. Look for features like cloud storage, paperless processing, online payment, and smartphone accessibility.  Read reviews to assess quality, scalability, support, and training.  Check your bar association for member discounts and preferred providers.  Use the resources listed below to select a vendor, implement software, and train staff.  Articles Benefits of Business Software Best Apps and Websites for AI Client Relationship Software  Digitally Transforming Yourself Questions to Ask Selection Criteria Solo and Small Firm Software Technology Trends Tips for Choosing Types of Legal Software Assistan

Electronic delivery speeds the delivery of documents whether filing, collaborating, sharing,  or seeking signatures.  Assure timely and secure delivery by checking addresses and using encryption. Consider alternatives that work best for you, your clients, and co-counsel. Consider the electronic delivery alternatives listed below. Read the see resources listed below for additional tips and a list of providers for client portals.  Alternatives Client Portal - secure, but requires practice management software Cloud - convenient for collaborating and getting signatures E-mail - instantaneous, but security risks Fax - quick and secure, but requires hardware Articles Alternatives to Attachments Client Portals Digitally Signing Documents Email Security Ethical Guidelines Keeping Communications Confidential Protecting Documents with Encryption ,  Passwords, and Portals   Using Email to Communicate with Clients Securing Your Communications Sending Paper Documents Staying Up to Speed on Security

Get paid faster by screening new clients for ability to pay, requiring them to make deposits, and keeping them happy. Make it easy with timekeeping systems, billing software, monthly invoicing, and follow-up.  Facilitate quick payment by accepting credit cards and using online payment apps. Avoid fee disputes by communicating fee expectations and drafting client-friendly bills. For more tips, see the articles, books, software, and reviews lsted below.   Articles Accepting Electronic Payments Approaches to Collections Automating Timekeeping Avoiding Write-Offs Best Practices Billing Procedures Billing Software Billing Tips for New Lawyers Engagement Letters Ethics Getting Paid How to Invoice Clients Improving Billing and Collections Keeping Clients Happy Payment Apps Payment Systems Sample Billing Language Tips for Billing Software Trends   Using Retainers to Speed Collections Books Attorney-Client Agreements Drafting Bills Clients Rush to Pay Guide to Law Firm Profitability Keeping Cli

Volunteering helps lawyers to stay connected and make new contacts. Volunteers improve their sense of well-being, enhance their reputation, and attract clients to their firms. Start volunteering by visiting the ABA Directory of Volunteer Activities  and the ABA Pro Bono Website . See the articles listed below for volunteering tips and visit law Firm websites for examples of lawyers serving their communities.  Articles Benefiting from Community Service Branding Yourself with Community Service Building Your Community Presence Giving Back to Your Community Helping Associates Do Pro Bono Marketing Power of Community Service Senior Lawyers Serving Pro Bono Supporting Your Community Young Lawyer Involvement Working on Political Campaigns Law Firm Websites Kean Miller (Baton Rouge) William Berenson (Ft. Worth) Kang Haggerty (Philadelphia) Chris Early  (Boston) Breakstone White & Gluck (Boston) John Day (Nashville) Chepenik Trushin (Miami)

Social activities show appreciation and promote loyalty. They can also boost your firm's reputation when recruiting and marketing. Examples include virtual meet-ups, online staff meetings, team building activities, virtual challenges, webinars, etc.  Consider inviting family members to improve work-life balance.  See below for articles, books, checklists, and examples of firms websites and Facebook pages that mention  employee events. Articles Benefits   Event Ideas Planning Remote Activities Books Guide to Event Planning Meeting and Event Planning The Happy Lawyer Checklists Contracts Planning Law Firm Examples Mid-Size  (Flaster Greenberg, New Jersey) Spencer West  (Spencer West, England) Big Law  (Exemplary Facebook Pages)

Below is a list of tips for keeping lawyers happy at your firm. And beneath the list are links to articles and books with additional tips. Happy lawyers are committed, engaged, and productive. They are less susceptible to burnout and unlikely to leave for a new position.  Tips for Keeping Lawyers Happy Amenities - Provide concierge services; reimburse commuting expenses, add  fitness classes  Assistance - Support those with mobility and family issues Balance  -  Offer part-time work and reduce billable hour requirements Bonuses  - pay bonuses at an appropriate frequency Collaboration  - Conduct firm meetings to promote collaboration and teamwork Compensation -  be vigilant to keep competitive pay and benefits Feedback  - Give guidance and feedback Rewards - Acknowledge and reward accomplishments Socialization - Host social events to facilitate team building Space  - add outdoor areas for work and socializing  Snacks  - Serve healthy drinks snacks (e.g. fruit, Kombucha, etc.) Traini

During Summer of 2022, the CDC relaxed Covid requirements due to declining case counts and rising immunity. As a result, schools and workplaces are relaxing requirements for masking and vaccinating. However, individuals with breathing problems may need to continue being cautious about isolating, masking, and vaccinating. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated, boosted, and wearing a mask when appropriate. Carry a mask with you and use a N95 or KN95 mask instead of a cloth or surgical mask. For more tips masking tips, read the articles listed below. For recent updates, read articles about masking FAQ’s  and  mask strategies for offices and individuals . For entertainment, watch the  Wear a Mask Parody . Articles About Masking Avoiding Counterfeit Masks Buying a Reliable Mask Changing Rules on Masking Convincing Employees to Wear Masks CDC Relaxes Masking Requirement Deciding Whether to Wear Masks Deciding Whether to Require Masks Encouraging Others to Wear Masks Individual Strategies fo

Well-designed offices can attract clients, boost productivity, and enhance well-being. Improve your office by adding amenities, displaying artwork, creating areas for socialization, increasing natural light, improving air quality, and using soothing colors.  Welcome clients and recruits by posting a video tour at your website. See below for articles and video tours to get design ideas for your firm. ARTICLES Checklist for Office Design Designing the Hybrid Office Enhancing Reception Areas Faci litating Collaboration Improving Offices Going Virtual Office Design Open environments Money saving designs Small firm layouts Reception areas Reducing Size of Offices Reimagining the Office Tips for legal professionals Transitioning after Covid Trends in law office design VIDEO TOURS Ben Glass Law (Fairfax, VA) Benincasa Law Firm (Verro Beach, FL) Blick Law Firm (Tampa, FL) Corson and Johnson (Eugene, OR) John J Malm & Associates (Naperville, Illinois) McClure Law Group (Dallas, Texas)

Burnout can lead to career changes, low morale, and reduced productivity. Individuals can avoid burnout by getting support, reducing workloads, seeking affection, staying socially connected, and taking sabbaticals. Firms can prevent burnout by offering part-time tracks, providing socialization, and reducing stress.  For more tips, consult the articles, books, and websites listed below.   Articles Adopting Bar Initiatives   Assessing Social Media Use Avoiding information Overload Being Mindful Coping with Job Pressure Crying to Relieve Stress Hiring a Burnout Advisor Organizing Social Activities Preventing Lawyer Burnout Promoting Well-Being Recognizing Problems Preventing Burn-Out Protecting Attention Smiling for Well-Being Walking to Reduce Stress Well Being With Water Therapy Books   Addicted to Busy Preventing Burnout The Happy Lawyer Websites Lawyer Well-Being   Very Well Mind   Work-Life Balance

Being a good listener can help you connect with clients, lawyers, and staff. Good listeners are respected, well-liked, and win cases and negotiations. Eliminate distractions, express concern, and avoid interrupting talkative people. For more tips, read articles about communication strategies , effective listening , enhancing skills ,   why lawyers need to be good listeners , and  winning trials by listening . For in-depth study, read books  Effective Legal Communication  and Communication Skills for Lawyers .  

Below are tips on how to become paperless office or reduce the amount of paper used in your practice. Less paper means lower costs and greater efficiency. For detailed guidance, read articles about  going paperless , why it might be right for you , and simple steps for going paperless . Also see LexBlog's Guide to Transitioning to a Paperless Law Firm  and ABA Books about Going Paperless  and Paperless in One Hour .   Visit the Paperless Lawyer Website  for a blog and podcasts about going paperless. View the  Paper Chase  movie for an award-winning look at student life at Harvard Law School in the 1970’s. GOING PAPERLESS 1. Switch to a paperless client intake system 2. Create a system for ensuring files stay paperless 3, Digitize your existing paper files 4. Scan any paper as it comes into the office 5. Keep paperless files organized 6. Avoid creating paper by not using printers and fax machines

Despite the widespread use of social media for marketing, business cards remain an effective rainmaking tool. Make your card distinctive by including an image, logo, and slogan. Consider mentioning business hours and that consultations are available in person or online. Use the flip side to provide additional information like emergency contact details or translation into another language. For more ideas, read articles about designing business cards , trends in business cards , and using them for marketing . Create them on your home printer or have them engraved by an office supply store . 

Many firms are screening staff before they enter law offices.  Health screening is recommended by the CDC and required by some local laws. Screening helps prevent exposure and transmission of Covid-19. Alternatives include smartphone apps, temperature checks, and self-certifications. Since  screening can miss infected people, it is important to continue safety measures like requiring unvaccinated to wear masks.  Below are some tips and resources for screening staff and visitors:  Tips Arrivals  - stagger arrivals to avoid bottlenecks and contamination Compliance  - delegate compliance responsibility to a lawyer or assistant Privacy  -  limit access to daily health screening records  Records  - keep records to comply with local city/state regulations Screenings - conduct health screenings in a private area Resources Apps - apps for health tracking Articles - articles about masking ,  procedures ,  reopening  and  screening Forms  - certification forms from CBIA ,  CDC , and  SHRM  Guida

Remote working has changed fashion from   casual to leisure .  This trend may reverse with the return to courthouses, conference rooms, and offices. To dress for success, update  firm dress codes, keep backup clothing at the office, use a distinctive style, and check for fit. For more tips, read the articles below about dressing professionally , updating dress codes, and fashion trends.  Clothing Business Casual Rules (with Photos) , GQ, Mar 15, 2019 Dressing for the Courtroom , ABA Journal, Jan 16, 2020 Female Fashion Trends for the Office , Town & Country, Jan 4, 2022 Going Back to the Office , Rolling Stone, Apr. 12, 2022 How Women Lawyers Should Dress , ISBA, Apr. 12, 2015 Looking Good on Zoom , Attorney at Work, Sept 23, 2020 Men's Look for Business Casual , WSJ, Feb 8, 2022 Tips for Lawyers , Law Firm Suites, Feb, 23, 2016 What to Wear as a Lawyer , Gentlemen's Gazette, Nov 23, 2017 Codes Abandoning Dress Codes,  Atlantic Magazine, May 2020 History of Dress Codes , Fo

Below are tips for deciding whether to use audio or video when calling adversaries, clients, or associates. Audio calling remains a workhorse for communication despite the growing use of video calling. Consider switching off video during conference calls to avoid distraction. Improve your communication skills by reading articles about best practices , calling techniques ,  communication policies , and video conferencing tools . Also see the ABA book about Improving Client Communications  and Clio’s Guide to Videoconferencing for Lawyers . Calling with Audio vs Video Accommodation  - be considerate of hearing impaired who need visual cues. Audio - useful for short and impromptu calls; use to focus on what is said and take notes.   Fatigue - limit the length and number of video calls to avoid fatigue. Medium  - determine the best medium for your message - calling, writing, or face-to-face Notification  - alert callers at the start of calls about your preference for audio vs video.  Vide

Following are Covid-19 precautions for law offices. For more guidance, r ead articles about  best practices , encouraging masking ,  health screening , leading your firm through Covid ,  mandating masks ,  requiring vaccinations , and  when to reopen .  Also see  Covid-19 websites maintained by the  ABA ,  CDC  , SHRM ,  and  WHO .   See   Wolters Kluwer Smart Charts to follow regulations adopted by federal agencies and comply with state and local laws.  Checklist for Covid-19 Safety Attendance - limit headcount in the office with staggered days and times Coordinator  - appoint a  Covid-19 safety coordinator Communication  - email plans to lawyers and staff; video conference for safety training Layout - rearrange furniture to increase distancing; limit capacity of conference rooms Notices  - promptly notify lawyers and staff when co-workers test positive  for Covid-19 Planning - adopt a Covid-19 preparedness plan covering masking, vaccinations, etc. Quarantine - isolate employees w

Listed below are success strategies from the ABA's 75-page  Report on Practicing Law in the Pandemic and Moving Forward . The Report contains results and recommendations from a nationwide survey of the legal profession.  Strategies for Law Firm Success Communication  - use frequent, transparent, and empathetic communication. Compensation  - assess the effectiveness and fairness of compensation systems. Diversity - promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Families  - provide support for lawyers and staff with families. Hours - set reasonable expectations for billable hours. Policies - adopt policies to promote uniformity and implement change. Remote Work - provide administrative and technical support for remote workers. Well-Being  - adopt programs that promote work-life balance and physical and mental well-being. Work Schedules  - allow part-time and flex-time.

Listed below are masking alternatives adopted by law firms that have reopened their offices. Also listed are masking articles, checklists, policies, and procedures. Masking strategies are complicated by Coronavirus surges, changing mandates, and varying attitudes. Use these resources to help your firm adopt a policy and comply with laws governing masking.  Masking Alternatives 1. Honor System - assume those without masks have been vaccinated 2. Acknowledgement   Procedure - require acknowledgment  that mask wearing is required if unvaccinated 3. Documentation System - require staff to submit proof of  vaccination Articles Advice for Employers American Attitudes  on Masking B enefits  of Masking E ncouraging  Masking Masking Policies Masking P rocedures Checklists Reopening Checklist   Policies Vaccination Requirements Voluntary Use of Masks Mandatory Use of Masks Surveys Survey of State Mask Mandates Charting of Federal Regulations  

Frequently Asked Question Pages attract prospects, boost rankings, and drive traffic to law firm websites. They save lawyer and staff time by enabling visitors to answer their own questions. FAQ Pages can answer questions about fees, hours, and practice areas. They can also explain common legal problems and how the firm can help solve them. Remember to add a search bar at the top of the FAQ Page and periodically update the answers. Enhance visibility by including a link to the FAQ Page in drop-down menus, footers, and sitemaps. For more FAQ tips, read articles about benefits , content , and design of FAQ Pages. For further study about websites, read the ABA's book about Marketing on the Internet , Clio's Guide to Website Design , and Lawyerist’s Web Site Reviews . Also see below for links to effective FAQ pages. SAMPLE FAQ PAGES Questions About the Firm Dixit Law Firm , Tampa (business and technology) Fry Law Firm , Atlanta (personal injury) Thurman Law Firm , Hillsboro (gener

During 2022, Employers started suspending Covid vaccine mandates but many continue to encourage vaccinations and boosters to maintain immunity from Covid.  See below  for resources about requiring and encouraging vaccinations.  Resources Checklists Employer Vaccine Considerations and Checklist Employer Best Practices for Addressing COVID-19 Vaccination Articles Americans Support Vaccination Mandates Bumpy Road for Employers Businesses Treat the Unvaccinated Differently CDC Guidance Considerations Before Asking Vaccination Status Encouraging Vaccinations Federal Vaccine Mandate How Employers Can Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy Law Firm Vaccinations Pros and Cons of Requiring Boosters Reaching Herd Immunity Requiring Staff to Get the Covid-19 Vaccine Responding When Vaccines Are Refused Talking to People Hesitant to Vaccinate  Surveys Map Showing Rules in Every State Support for Vaccination Proof Varies by Activity State Legislation of Employer Mandated Vaccinations Vaccination and V