Law Practice Tips

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  -...

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...

Below is a checklist of strategies for keeping clients happy.  Happy clients pay bills promptly and refer new cases.  See the articles and books below for more tips on keeping clients happy. Client Checklist Accommodate clients with mobility issues  Adopt technical innovations  Celebrate personal milestones Communicate periodically with status updates Keep reception areas attractive Meet deadlines and priorities Offer hospitality (e.g. beverages and snacks) Publish newsletters with preventive law tips Smile in-person and on the phone Use client portals for messaging, etc. Articles Appointing a Chief Happiness Officer Client Management Communicating with Clients Correcting Mistakes Dealing with Difficult Clients Getting Clients to Do Their Homework Improving Hospitality Including Fun at Work Managing Clients  Keeping Clients Happy Making Offices Hospitable Portals for appointments, billing, and messaging Providing Exceptional Service Strategies for Client Service...

Speaking can attract clients, build reputations, and win cases. Remember to speak with enthusiasm, project your voice, and vary your pace, pitch and volume, and use the power of the pause. For more tips, read articles about public speaking ,  speaking style , speeches that attract clients ,  talking tips , and using your voice effectively . For in-depth study, read books for lawyers about  Being Articulate ,  Presentation Skills ,   Storytelling Techniques ,  and  Speaking Outside the Courtroom . Visit article archives maintained by the  National Speakers Association , the Public Speaking Project , and Toastmasters . .   

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, Tex...

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...