Law Practice Tips

The ABA has several resources to help lawyers secure their computers, communications, and data.  Start by reading the ABA’s  Roadmap for Cybersecurity  and then learn how to be cybersecure with t he ABA’s guide to Cybersecurity for the Home and Office . For additional resources, visit the ABA’s Legal Technology Resource Center  for free access to practical articles and free consultation with a technology specialist.

Following are tips and resources to help avoid hackers that steal contacts, data, email, photos, and texts from smartphones.  Tips Apps - Limit the number of apps used on smartphones and other devices. Authenticator - Using an authenticator on your phone.  Filtering - Enable filtering to segregate texts from unknown senders from known senders.  Hotspot - Use your phone's hotspot (instead of public Wi-Fi) to connect devices to the Internet.  Links  - Do not click on links or download documents when using a smartphone.  Updates  - Be safe by installing updates. Articles Locking Down Your iPhone Protecting Yourself and Your Smartphone Slide Show About Smartphone Security

Despite the proliferation of electronic communications, business cards remain an effective tool for networking and marketing. Use them for m arketing, networking and to reach out to people who prefer an analog experience. See below for links to samples and articles about using and and designing business cards Articles Benefits Designing Distinctive Cards QR Codes Rainmaking Using Samples 99 Designs.com Examples.com Vistaprint.com

In-house training can improve skills and productivity for both lawyers and staff. Training can skills needed to compete for clients like marketing and law office technology. Training can be accomplished with self-study using articles, books, and online seminars available for free from bar organizations and legal vendors. Click here for a list of bar associations that provide training assistance and  read articles to learn more about alternative approaches ,  personal coaches , paralegal training ,  staff training , technology training ,  and  training trends . Consider giving new attorneys ABA books like How to Be a Star Associate or  Guide to Practicing Law . Or help them find a  career coach . 

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