Law Practice Tips

Follow-up reminders help avoid missed appointments, build networks, complete tasks, and request reviews. Avoiding overwhelming clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel by using the following tips. Get additional tips from the articles and books listed below. Tips Content - limit to a few sentences and ask for reply to confirm receipt. Follow-up - call if no response (don't rely on leaving voicemail or email). Frequency - send one reminder to avoid annoyance and spam filters. Method - use email, letter, phone, or text depending on the preference of recipient. Purpose - send reminders for meetings, deadlines, tasks, and payments. Subject - use a short subject like "Reminder - Appointment". Articles Appointment Apps   Building a Network Communication Guide for Lawyers Email Etiquette Sending Reminders Writing Follow-ups  Text Messaging Books Business Email Etiquette for Lawyers Lawyer's Guide to Email Model Business Communications Samples Appointment Confirmation Bu...

Many lawyers pursue careers with corporate law departments, law firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Others chose to start a new firm as a solo or with other lawyers. The new firm path is best for lawyers with entrepreneurial spirit, financial support, and organizational skills. Below are tips for writing a business plan to use as a blueprint for growing legal careers and law firms. For further study, see the links to articles, books, forms, and websites. Tips Assessment - assess entrepreneurial spirit and legal skills to determine readiness. Contents - describe the practice, competitive factors, finances, and marketing plans. Costs - determine the cost of equipment, offices, supplies, and staffing. Focus - select practice areas and geographic locations that will be the focus of the firm. Office - Decide whether to office at home, an office building, or shared office space. Research - study competitive factors, costs, fee schedules, skills, and prospective cl...

Continually review your law firm website to keep it current and comply with evolving ethical requirements. Avoid ethical complaints by using  a short disclaimer at the bottom of each page with a link to a detailed Disclaimer Page.  Add a Policy Page to comply with laws governing privacy. For more information, see the resources listed below and  consult your state bar association.  Articles ABA Modernizes Marketing Rules Best Practices for Privacy Policies Disclaimers for Firm Blogs and Websites Ethical Guide to Lawyer Marketing Ethical Guidelines for Websites Guide to Website Design Overview of Online Ethics for Lawyers   Books Ethics and Technology Legal Ethics and Social Media Marketing on the Internet   Forms Jennifer Ellis Blog Louisiana Legal Ethics Blog Samples Disclaimers Cardone Firm (New Orleans) - personal Injury Lubiner, Schmidt & Palumbo (Newark) - criminal immigration and traffic Mehr, Fairbanks & Peterseon (Lexington) - disability...

Cybersecurity, ethics, and technology  are constantly evolving.   Review your current practices to protect client confidences and comply with ethical rules. Below is a checklist of practices to consider and articles and books for implementing them. Checklist Accounts - Use separate accounts for personal and work (i.e. email, banking and social media, etc.) Backups - Backup client files, correspondence, and other records Conversations - Do not discuss sensitive information near others or smart speakers Emergencies - Exchange landline and cell numbers with co-workers for emergency contact Encryption - Encrypt devices and drives to protect against data theft Erasure - Turn on settings that allow remote erasing when devices are   lost or stolen Locks - Use a locked room or file cabinet to secure paper documents Messages - Use secured messaging or encryption to protect emails and documents Networks - Use secure Wi-Fi network instead of public networks Passwords - Use a ...

Mental sharpness can decline with age and sometimes be a sign of dementia. C onsult the following resources if you notice a colleague in mental decline or to prepare for the possibility that you might lose mental acuity before you retire.   Articles Detecting and Preventing Dementia Knowing When to Quit Law Firm Succession Planning: A Guide Lawyering with Dementia Raising Awareness of Alzheimer's Impairment in the Law Preparing for Mental Decline Reducing the Risk of Dementia Warning Signs of Dementia Wellness Guide for Senior Lawyers and Their Families, Friends, and Colleagues Books Passing the Torch Without Getting Burned Planning Ahead Guide Senior Lawyer Guidebook The Lawyer's Retirement Planning Guide Checklists Actions After an Alzheimer's Diagnosis Closing a Law Practice Law Practice Audit Warning Signs of Dementia Websites Lawyer Assistance Programs Succession Planning Alzheimer's Resources

In the late 1900's, writers began using  gender inclusive language to make women part of the narrative.  For example, using "he or she" as a pronoun instead of only using "she".  In the 2000's, gender neutrality was extended to using pronouns like "they" to be considerate of people whose genders are neither male or female. Gender neutral writing has been adopted in journalistic and academic writing.  It is also  relevant to business and  legal writing.  Below are tips for gender neutral writing and resources for using it in briefs, contracts, corrrspondence, and other documents..  Tips Pluralize the noun and use they as pronoun Repeat a noun instead of using a pronoun Use they as a singular pronoun Articles Adding Gender Neutral Pronouns to Email Signatures  (WiseStamp Blog) Avoiding Sexist Language in Legal Writing  (University of Denver) Do's Don'ts and Maybes of Legal Writing (NYSBA) Gender Free Legal Writing  (British Columbia ...

Consultants are a resource  for your solos and small firms. They can provide temporary or permanent help to  firms that are lean on staffing. Management consultants can help with accounting, bookkeeping, marketing,  Tech consultants can help with apps, security, storage, and training.  Find a consultant with a Google search or ask colleagues for a referral. Decide whether to get online, phone or in-person support. Check reviews at websites like  Yelp and Hello Tech. For more information, consult the resources listed below, ABA’s Legal Technology Resource Center, and the state bar advisory services.  Articles Choosing a Tech Consultant Using a Tech Consultant Skills To Look For When Hiring a Marketing Consultant What is Practice Management Consulting Books Legal Technology Guide Cybersecurity Handbook Techniques of Top Consultants Websites ABA Legal Technology Resource Center ALA Directory of Tech Consultants

Motivated staff are happier and produce better results. Motivate by recognizing individuals and rewarding them for their achievements. Engender a team spirit by scheduling skills training and team building events. Read the articles and books listed below to learn motivational tips.   Articles Carrot and Stick Motivation Effective Ways to Motivate Getting People Back to the Office Inspiring Employees Post-Pandemic Perks Motivating Lawyers and Legal Assistants Self-Motivating for Solos Showing Employees You Appreciate Them Talent Development Books Showing Gratitude in the Workplace Winning Friends and Influencing People

Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia impact over 6 million Americans and their families and caregivers. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle. Although  more common over the age of 65, dementia can also affect people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.   The percentage of people with Alzheimer's increases with age from about 5.0% for people aged 65 to 74, approximately 13% for those 75 to 84, and 33% of people 85 and older.  Below are resources for counseling clients living with dementia, including articles, books, and webinars. Articles Action Plans Activities Dementia vs Alzheimer's Death with Dignity Determining Testamentary Capacity  End of Life Decisions Impact on the Legal Profession FAQ's About Dementia Early Onset  Dementia Lawyer’s Guide to Dementia   Legal and Financial Planning Reducing the Risk of Dementia Safety Considerations Warning Signs Books Assessment of  Adults with Diminished Capacity Counseling Clients with Dementia Checkli...

Knowing your clients can help attract business, detect conflicts, screen risks, and win cases. Asking the right questions can help you assess client needs and set expectations. See below for tips and articles to help you implement them.  Tips Ask for feedback on your invoices and website Meet clients at their place of business  Regularly meet with clients in-person, online, and by phone Review comments submitted on your blog and social media Send out surveys to get feedback Take clients to lunch to develop rapport Use data analytics to assess client needs Articles Alternatives for Learning About Clients Importance of Knowing Your Client Conducting Client Surveys Managing Clients Questions to Ask Your Clients Screening Cases and Clients Strategies for Understanding Your Clients Types of Clients Understanding What Makes Your Client Tick Understanding Your Client’s Business Using Data Analytics in Your Marketing What Makes Your Client Tick Books Coaching Your Client Positive Prof...