Law Practice Tips

Social media  can be more powerful than billboard ads, TV commercials, and other forms of advertising.  M ajor platforms include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). They attract clients, boost reputations, and maintain connections with family/friends. Be mindful of ethical rules and client confidences to avoid malpractice.  Below are tips for using social media and examples of several law firms that use social media and post at firm websites. Also included are links to resources with additional information, including articles, books, webinars, and websites. Tips AI  - carefully review and edit AI generated content to assure accuracy and professioalism Addiction - avoiding digital addiction by limiting use to a few hours per week Content  - make posts interesting and encourage readers to share with others Community - engage readers by asking them to submit comments and questions Networks - join networks us...

Establish your firm by creating an app that clients can download at App Stores like Apple and Google. Apps enable users to clients to easily accomplish tasks using their phones or PC's.  Common applications include making appointments, paying bills, and sending messages. Developing an app for your law firm will improve client communication, streamline case management, and put your firm ahead of the competition. Apps automate administration and increase billable time. Below are tips for creating an app and links to articles with "how to" information.  Strategies Appointments - include tools for seeing appointments and scheduling them. Billing - enable clients to view invoices and pay them. Communications - add messaging and notification features to the app. Documents - make client documents available for viewing and downloading from the app. Signing - include a feature that enables clients to digitally sign documents. Status - include a feature that enables clients to t...

Artificial intelligence is changing how lawyers write. It is also changing how clients find lawyers and research legal issues.   Below are strategies for marketing with AI, raising visibility of firm websites, and attracting clients . Strategies App  - create an App version of your website to keep clients engaged Content - publish in-depth articles and answers to frequently asked questions Format - keep it simple, provide  useful information, and structuring for AI algorithms Highlights - add a concise list of key points at the beginning of every article Links  - check for broken links that prevent search engines from discovering content Syndication - publish links to articles on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)  Speed - reduce graphics to speed loading and improve access by Search Tools. Update - periodically update content since Google and other Search Engines favor updated sites Writing - use a conversational tone and avoid legal terminology...

Over the past 50 years, the legal profession has witnessed technological advances that include artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital assistants, personal computers, smartphones, and wireless connectivity. Legal technology can attract clients, manage billing, and perform routine tasks. The ABA recognized the importance of technology in 2012 by amending the Model Rules of Professional Conduct to require lawyers to stay technologically competent. The rules also require lawyers to be alert to the benefits and risks associated with technology. Following are tips for maintaining technological competence and resources for implementing them at your firm. Tips Audit – take a technology assessment to identify areas for improvement. Attitude – stay alert to technological changes that can improve practices and profits. Community – join bar committees and user communities to improve skills and solve problems. Consultant – consult a tech loving co-worker, friend, or IT pr...

Checklists can help you to organize, manage,  and prioritize. Use checklists to avoid relying solely on your memory. Checklists can help you check status, plot deadlines, and share responsibility with lawyers and support staff.  Digital checklists facilitate the process by enabling members of the firm to collaborate and stay up to date.  Purpose -  Checklists compensate for cognitive limits on human memory and attention span. They help assure that all things are considered and completed.   Using -  Checklists usually contain a concise list of important items, names, or tasks. They can be used for comparison, verification, and checking for completion. They apply to all areas of law practice including contracts, corporate, family, and litigation matters. Following are some practical applications for using checklists: Name List  – track names for litigation, marketing, networking purposes Responsibility List  - delegate tasks to lawyers and supp...

Unless you use private browsing for your Windows computer, starting in February 2025 you will stay signed into your Microsoft account until you sign out (pr eviously, users were prompted to select whether to stay logged in). Below are tips for protecting your Apple and Windows accounts, browsing, email, and passwords. Tips Authentication - use Two Factor Authentication or an Authenticator to stop hackers. Manage Passwords  - use a password manager to create and store passwords. Physical Lock  - use a physical lock to protect your personal computer from theft. Screen Lock - set your computer to lock when inactive. Sign-Out - remember to sign out when using public or shared computers.  Private Browsing - unless on your personal computer, use private browsing (a/k/a incognito mode) with Chrome, Edge, Safari, etc.  Articles Avoiding Computer Theft Best Practices for a Mac Enabling Private Browsing Ensuring Data Security Locking Computers When Away Preventing Trojan H...

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 Benefits and Challenges Chatbots Client Intake Ethi...

Technology helps lawyers to gain a competitive advantage and improve work and life. Following are some statistics from the ABA's Annual Survey of Legal Technology .  And beneath that are links to resources to help you adopt technology for analytics, managing, drafting, litigation, and research.  Trends Automated research - over 50% of lawyer use Westlaw, Lexis, etc. Technology Spending - over 60 of law firms budget for technology  Laptops for computing - over 50% of lawyers user laptops as for work Virtual Lawyering - over 10% work without offices Cloud Computing - over 50% of firms keep their documents in the Cloud Cybersecurity - over 50% of firms have policies to protect security (encryption, etc.) Smart Discovery - over 30% of small firms and more than 70% for large firms use it Articles Cloud  Computing Courtroom Technology Cybersecurity Office Technology Litigation Management Marketing Training Books Legal Technology Guide   Cybersecurity Handbook Checklis...

Advertising can be distracting and stressful, Below are tips for blocking ads and a list of resources. Take action now to to avoid becoming overwhelmed by ads on  cellphones, computers, and other smart devices.   Tips   Browsers  – use an ad blocker to stop receiving ads from appearing in browsers. Calls  – block unknown callers or send their calls sent to voicemail. Emails  – report spammers and move their messages to spam folders. Internet  – check privacy settings for accounts on Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Notification  – disable notifications for email and texts to avoid distractions. Radio  – listen to ad-free podcasts and music on streaming services to stop radio commercials. Search Engines  – turn off ad tracking on search engines. Social Media  – enable privacy settings on social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, X, etc. Texts  – block texts from unknown senders or segregate them in a separate folder. TV  – replace...

Chatbot apps enable firms to effortlessly answer client questions. Chatbots respond to questions with text and voice. The apps are affordable and easily added to law firm websites. Firms can select the data provided by chatbots, including information about the firm and legal problems it can solve. The apps can attract new clients and improve service to existing ones. Use the resources below to help add a chatbot to your firm's website. Articles Applications for Legal Chatbots Attracting Clients with a Chabot Benefits of Chatbots and Live Chat Chatbots for Law Firms Chooisng a Live Chat Provider Ethical Implications Improving Chatbots Guide to Chatbots Using Chabots on Websites Why and How to Create a Chatbot Books Designing Bots Guide to Making Chatbots Using Bots to Grow Firms Providers Codal Reviews Law Next Directory Samples Ashmore Law Firm  (Dallas, TX - General Practice) Burbank Law Firm (Fullerton, CA - Estate Planning) Phillips & Associates  (New York City - Discr...