Law Practice Tips

Electronic delivery speeds the delivery of documents whether filing, collaborating, sharing,  or seeking signatures.  Assure timely and secure delivery by checking addresses and using encryption. Consider alternatives that work best for you, your clients, and co-counsel. Consider the electronic delivery alternatives listed below. Read the see resources listed below for additional tips and a list of providers for client portals.  Alternatives Client Portal - secure, but requires practice management software Cloud - convenient for collaborating and getting signatures E-mail - instantaneous, but security risks Fax - quick and secure, but requires hardware Articles Alternatives to Attachments Client Portals Digitally Signing Documents Email Security Ethical Guidelines Keeping Communications Confidential Protecting Documents with Encryption ,  Passwords, and Portals   Using Email to Communicate with Clients Securing Your Communications Sending Paper Documents Staying...

A majority of solo and small firms have integrated AI into their practice. Artificial intelligence and data analytics are powerful tools for automating repetitive tasks, crunching data, competing for clients, drafting documents, and generating ideas.  They can assist with analyzing, litigating, marketing, researching, summarizing, and writing.  Consult the practice management service of your state bar association for help implementing these tools. Contact legal technology vendors to learn the benefits cost of their products. For self-study, see the articles, books, and software listed below. Articles AI Tools for Lawyers , Emerj Blog, 2/1/2022. Automating and Creating with AI , Wall Street Journal, Feb. 20, 2023. Benefits of Artificial Intelligence , ABA News, July 2017. Best AI Apps and Websites , Wall Street Journal, 6/19/2024. Building AI into Law School Curriculums , Guardian, 7/13/2017. Changing the Legal Profession with AI , Business Law Today, 2/21/2022. Chatbots for La...

Get paid faster by screening new clients for ability to pay, requiring them to make deposits, and keeping them happy. Make it easy with timekeeping systems, billing software, monthly invoicing, and follow-up.  Facilitate quick payment by accepting credit cards and using online payment apps. Avoid fee disputes by communicating fee expectations and drafting client-friendly bills. For more tips, see the articles, books, software, and reviews lsted below.   Articles Accounting Software Accepting Electronic Payments Approaches to Collections Automating Timekeeping Avoiding Write-Offs Best Practices Billing Procedures Billing Software Billing Tips for New Lawyers Engagement Letters Ethics Getting Paid How to Invoice Clients Improving Billing and Collections Keeping Clients Happy Payment Apps Payment Systems Sample Billing Language Tips for Billing Software Trends   Using Retainers to Speed Collections Books Attorney-Client Agreements Drafting Bills Clients Rush to Pay Guid...

Volunteering helps lawyers to stay connected and make new contacts. Volunteers improve their sense of well-being, enhance their reputation, and attract clients to their firms. Start volunteering by visiting the ABA Directory of Volunteer Activities  and the ABA Pro Bono Website . See the articles listed below for volunteering tips and visit law Firm websites for examples of lawyers serving their communities.  Articles Benefiting from Community Service Branding Yourself with Community Service Building Your Community Presence Improve Well- Being by Donating Your Time and Money Giving Back to Your Community Helping Associates Do Pro Bono Marketing Power of Community Service Senior Lawyers Serving Pro Bono Supporting Your Community Young Lawyer Involvement Working on Political Campaigns Law Firm Websites Kean Miller (Baton Rouge) William Berenson (Ft. Worth) Kang Haggerty (Philadelphia) Chris Early  (Boston) Breakstone White & Gluck (Boston) John Day (Nashville) Chepe...

Social activities show appreciation and promote loyalty. They can also boost your firm's reputation when recruiting and marketing. Examples include virtual meet-ups, online staff meetings, team building activities, virtual challenges, webinars, etc.  Consider inviting family members to improve work-life balance.  See below for articles, books, checklists, and examples of firms websites and Facebook pages that mention  employee events. Articles Benefits   Event Ideas Planning Remote Activities Books Guide to Event Planning Meeting and Event Planning The Happy Lawyer Checklists Contracts Planning Law Firm Examples Mid-Size  (Flaster Greenberg, New Jersey) Spencer West  (Spencer West, England) Big Law  (Exemplary Facebook Pages)

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...