Law Practice Tips

Many lawyers are overwhelmed by the volume of incoming emails and texts. Below are tips for managing email and articles for implementing them. Tips Avoid stress by turning off notifications and alerts Create a burner address to use for sign-ins Determine client preference for email and texts Secure communications using apps, encryption, portals, and restricted access Label messages and organize into folders Prioritize emails for response  Use electronic email to send reminders and marketing communications Articles Comparing Apps Electroninc Communications Eliminating Mess and Stress Managing Email Sending Reminders Books Digital Manners Online Etiquette Email Risks Legal Ethics Microsoft Outlook Time Management

For many years, companies like Nestle and Toyota have used an improvement strategy known as Kaizen to make better products and increase market share. Focus on improvement can also help individuals boost their careers and well-being. For inspiration, read famous quotes about being your best. For in-depth study, read books about  practicing law  and  creative lawyering  and design thinking . Advance your career by reading articles about critical thinking ,  lawyering skills and  how to improve yourself . Use the Massachusetts Bar Association's free  5-workbook series  to be a better lawyer.

Law offices are subject to several security risks - burglary, sabotage, theft, unauthorized access, and workplace violence. Learn how to protect your firm by reading articles about office security  and best practices . Use a security checklist to assess your firm's security and then adopt a security policy . Follow-up with a safety meeting to insure that lawyers and staff are made aware of safe practices and firm policy. 

Client portals can be added to firm websites to secure communications and improve client relations for small and large law firms. Client portals are commonly used by accounting, financial, healthcare organizations, but less frequently used by law firms The cost of adding a portal is nominal. See below for resources including, articles, examples, and review of providers.   Articles Benefits of Client Portals Comparing Email and Portals Guide to Using Client Portals Setting Up a Client Portal Using Portals to Collaborate Virtual Firms Require Client Portals Why Your Firm Needs a Portal Books Guide for Onboarding Clients Paperless in One Hour Virtual Law Practice Reviews Standalone software Package Software Portals for Small Firms Samples Book Law Firm (Solo, Frisco, TX) M.C. Thomas & Associates (Small Firm, Mid-Atlantic) Osorio Cachaya (Small Firm, White Plains, NY) Platt Law Firm (Small Firm, Atlanta, GA) Larry Weiss (Small Firm, Ambler, PA) Webinars Client Portals (ABA) S

Lawyers are vulnerable to hackers who seek access to emails that contain information about cases and clients.  Protect yourself and your clients by encrypting your emails, creating passwords for attacments, and connecting to virtual private networks. When away from your office, use your cellular provider to connect to the Internet (instead of public WiFi). See the articles for more information. Articles   Anti-phishing Tools and Services Encryption and Client Portals Click Protecting Email Privacy and Security Safely Using Email Books Cybersecurity for Dummies Lawyers Handbook on Cybersecurity