Law Practice Tips

The ABA recently published  9 articles summarizing the results of its 2022 Annual Survey of Law Firm Technology.  One of the articles is devoted to trends for solos and small. Firms. The other articles cover trends in Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Firm Culture, Management, Marketing, Training, Websites and Well-Being. Click here  for a page with links to the articles.

Happy clients pay bills timely, bring new cases, and refer prospects. Improve your client relations with welcome emails, client surveys, providing live chat at websites, going visiting clients at their offices.  . Display the  10 Commandments of Client Relations  in your Reception Area to let clients and staff know that relations are important at your firm .  Read articles about client relationship software ,  keeping clients happy ,  improving the client experience , and what clients want . For in depth study, read ABA books about Business Etiquette ,  Relationship-Driven Lawyering  and Using the Power of Relationships to Transform Your Firm and Yourself .

Technology is increasingly used by lawyers to automate legal tasks, improve client relations, and manage law practices. Recent Innovations have made devices and systems more affordable and easier to adopt.  Click here for an article about affordable technologies for lawyers and resources for implementing them at your firm.  And click her e for an article about technology trends. Also read about the ethical obligation of technological competence .

Journaling is a low-cost method for preserving history, promoting productivity and improving well-being. It has been used since ancient times to capture thoughts, keep reminders, and record events. Read on for tips about journaling and resources for starting a diary or journal.  Tips Benefits - journaling can be used to plan cases, keep time, record events, set reminders, and track well-being. Frequency - journalize on a daily, weekly or occasional basis. Other uses include blogging, log-keeping, and expressing emotions and gratitude.  Content  - journaling  can be done as a chronological record or for a free flow of ideas. Device  - select something that you can carry in your bag or pocket. Consider a notebook, planner, smartpad, or smartphones.  Format - Consider putting journal entries in a single column consisting of dates followed by notes.  Other Alternatives - journals are not for everyone. Other alternatives include doodle bo...

Organizers are binders that can help gather important data and documents that will be needed in case of disability or death. Organizers usually include lists of advisors, assets, debits, passwords, and preferences for personal care and finances. Click here for an article about a binder help organize personal information and documents for family members, caregivers, and advisors.  

Marketing plans help firms attract clients and retain existing ones.  The best plans set specific targets and measures progress towards achieving them.   They include timetables for using marketing tactics like networking, publishing, and public speaking.  Set aside sufficient time and money to ensure that your plan succeeds. Use the plan to be  proactive rather than reactive. Get started by review the resources listed below, including a  year-by-year plan for associates and a checklist for solos and small firms.   Articles Strategies to Grow Your Practice   Law Firm Marketing Tactics Writing a Business Development Plan Books Lawyers Guide to Marketing on the Internet . Checklists Associates Checklist Checkist for Solos and Small Firms Marketing Checklist

Legal checkups are a win-win for lawyers and their clients. Checkups enable firms to alert clients to opportunities for avoiding problems with a lawyer's help. Legal specialties suited to checkups include corporate, estate, employment, family, and real estate practices. Below are resources for conducting checkups for individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations. The resources include articles, books, forms, and websites  for conducting checkups for legal checkups.  Articles Businesses Conducting Elderly Guidelines Issues Veterans Reasons Timing Books Legal Compliance Checkups Promoting Preventive Legal Health Forms Morningstar Mann Firm Mosten Firm NSW PracticePro Slideshare US Legal Forms Websites Canadian Bar Association American Federation of Government Workers

Managerial audits help organizations avoid malpractice by assessing procedures and processes. Law firms of all sizes can use managerial audits to implement best practices in the office and the courtroom. Below are tips for conducting a managerial audit and resources for implementing them.   Tips Checklist - create an audit questionnaire to identify strengths and weaknesses.  Frequency - conduct audits as a year-end review in December to assess progress and identify opportunities for improvement. Scope . - cover accounting, calendaring, communicating, marketing, personnel, and technical matters.   Report - prepare a checklist or a report  of findings and goals for improvement.  Articles Personal Development Plan Conducting a Managerial Audit Year-End Evaluations   Using Self-Assessments to Enhance Competency   Forms Business Colorado Bar   DC Bar Tech Audit Resources Management Assistance Programs Law Firm Consultants   Software Ven...

Checklists have become popular method of getting things done properly in the accounting, construction, education, and healthcare. Read articles about using checklists to better serve clients  and  tips for using checklists to avoid problems . See sample checklists for  practice management , file management , and starting la law practice . Read the ABA's book about Checklists for Lawyers  and Forms, Checklists and Procedures for the Family Lawyer .

Getting organized can help you improve your productivity and reduce stress. Techniques include creating checklists, managing by objectives, and setting deadlines, Get smarter by reading articles about  adopting strategies ,  apps for organizing ,  de-cluttering emai l, deleting files ,  organizing work , using checklists ,   using personal technology , and time management . For in-depth study, read books like   the ABA’s  Guide to Lawyer Well Being , CAP’s  Organized Lawyer  and Penguin’s Getting Things Done .