Law Practice Tips

Covid may continue for years and flare up at different times and places . Proactive employers are slowing down re-openings, making masking mandatory, and requiring immunizations. Individuals can be proactive by getting a booster, resuming masking, and following the additional tips listed below. Monitor the  Coronavirus situation and adjust practices for new developments. For more tips, read the CDC's  Recommendations for Individuals   and HBR's Guide for Employers . See articles about Breakthrough Covid ,  Covid Proofing Offices ,  Delayed Reopenings ,  Delta FAQ's ,   Expert Advice , New Guidance ,  Preparing Firms for Next Outbreak ,   Protecting Yourself ,  Staying Safe , Vaccinations , and   When Covid Will Peak . Also see AARP’s state-by-state Summary of Covid Restrictions . TIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS Activity - avoid public places and resume curbside pickups from groceries and restaurants Dining - limit patronage to restaurant...

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 Enjoying Yourself How Firms Can Prevent Burnout 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

Emojis have been used in texts, tweets, and emails since 1998.  Originally limited to communications between family and friends, they are becoming popular in professional communications. Emojis emphasize  positivity and help convey feelings . Start slowly by limiting to communications with emoji users and selecting images with common meanings like OK or Thumbs  Up .  Mind the age gap since different age groups give different meanings to emojis. Get perspective by reading about the history of emojis   benefits of using them , interpreting them in the courtroom , and why they are acceptable at work . Get proficient  by reading a guide to using emojis articles about age gaps ,  applications ,  etiquette , silencing , user tips and  evidentiary value .

Enhance your reputation by nominating yourself yourself and your firm to receive an award recognizing achievements, contributions, and innovations. Mention awards on blogs, cards, and websites. Apply strategically and don't take it personally when passed over for awards. Continue trying in future years and submitting to alternative organizations and publishers. See below for awards for lawyers and articles with tips for winning them. Articles About Awards Alternatives to Awards , Attorney at Work Assessing Lawyer Awards , Above the Law How to Win Awards , The Ladder Why Awards are Important , Ripley PR Grantors of Awards American Bar Association American Lawyer Clio Financial Trend National Law Journal Lawyer of Distinction US News Lists of Awards Gladiator Marketing Law Crossing Wikipedia

Using up-to-date technology can keep your firm competitive and make work easier. Get help by resources available from the ABA's Legal Technology Resource Center , Amicus' Law Office Technology Checklist ,  CUNY’s Tech Center , and your State Bar's  Lawyer Assistance Program . Learn technology imperatives and how to automate by reading articles about client portals ,  client relationship software,   document automation , Microsoft 365 ,   keeping time , and virtual assistants , Also read ABA books about automation ,  computers , collaboration ,  cybersecurity , and  technology . And r eview  the following list of software, hardware, software and services to update your technology.  HARDWARE Accessories (e.g. headset, microphone and speakers) Docking Station External Monitors Laptop (e.g. Apple Mac Book Pro, Dell Latitude or Microsoft Surface Pro) Peripherals (e.g. wireless keyboard and wireless mouse) Scanner (e.g. Fujitsu or S...

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  scree...

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 ...