Posts

Marketing with Audio

Social audio apps facilitate networking as a broadcaster or a listener. Broadcast from your home or office. Listen while driving, walking, or doing chores. Social Audio is live with no recording or playback. Current platforms include Cappuccino, Clubhouse, Quilt, and Twitter Spaces. Listeners participate by  raising their hand to ask a question or comment.   Social Audio is another way that technology is transforming how lawyers communicate, interact, learn, and market. Get tips from articles about Audio Networks ,  Clubhouse for Lawyers , New Ways to Network , Social Audio For Lawyers , and Using Twitter Spaces .  Also see blog posts about Webcasting Tools and how to marketing with   Blogging , Podcasting , and  Social Media .

Increasing Profits

Increase your firm's profits by using alternative fee structures, billing more frequently, going paperless, and updating devices and software. Adopt technologies like  electronic payment, client portals, and intake software.  Read ABA books about Profitable Practices ,  Firm Profitability  and Legal Technology . Stay current on practice management by visiting  ABA and state bar  websites and using  free online resources  about lawyering and legal technology.  

Researching Law

To research smarter, start  by reading a law review article or treatise to guide your thinking and help identify issues. Next read cases and legislation to confirm your preliminary findings.  Use a checklist to assure that you cover all relevant issues. Learn more by using the following resources:  Archives -    Internet Archive  of books and articles and JD Supra archive of articles published by large law firms . Articles - Finding Articles , Finding Books ,  Online Research ,  Overcoming Obstacles , Searching Blogs , Secondary Sources ,  Smarter Research , Strategic Researching , Using Treatises Blogs  - Use tools at Google , Justia , and the  ABA  websites to search blog content for relevant articles and authors. Also see the Library of Congress directory of legal blogs by topic. Books -  Free and Low-Cost Research , Guide to Legal Research ,  Internet Guide for Legal Researcher ,  Legal Research in a Nutshell , Legal Researchers Desk Reference ,  Legal Scholar’s Guidebook ,  an

Overcoming Anxiety

Warning signs of anxiety include excessive worry, chronic fatigue, constant irritability, gastrointestinal distress, nagging fear, and inadequate sleep. To avoid anxiety, keep connected with family and friends, schedule weekly exercise sessions, make time for social activities and structure your days. Seek the help of a coach or psychologist if you are unable to overcome your anxiety. For additional tips, see the articles, books and websites listed below. Articles Avoiding Burnout Battling Depression Being Mindful Clearing Hazards   Clinical Depression Crying to Relieve Anxiety Decision Fatigue Defusing Time Pressure Diagnosing Anxiety   Foods to Fight Depression Maintaining Mental Health Managing Stress Fighting Forgetfulness Overcoming Anger and Anxiety Preventing Burnout Seeking Professional Help Recognizing and Treating Depression Stopping Social Media Overload   Staying Calm Thriving with Anxiety   Books Guide to a Satisfying Practice   Models for Happy Lawyers   Techniques for Fe

Zooming Tips

Zoom is a popular tool for conferences, meetings, and seminars. Assure the success of Zoom events by using a paid Zoom account that allows more participants, unlimited meeting time, and recording. Carefully choose Zoom settings like waiting rooms, muting on entry, and granting co-host controls. Ask someone to help you with logistics like inviting participants, muting their microphones, and troubleshooting technical difficulties. Schedule a rehearsal for practice and offer tips to help participants who are new to Zoom.  Prior to launching a Zoom event, remember to adjust lighting, pick background, and dress for success. View Zoom tutorials  and how to videos . For more tips, read articles about getting started , chatting strategies , looking professional , and Zooming tips . For in-depth study, read books like Zoom for Dummies  and Engaging Learners Through Zoom  and visit websites like FSBA's Video Conference Toolkit .

Protecting Passwords

Getting “pwned”  means that your password has been exposed by a data breach. A website called  haveibeenpwned  is a free source for determining whether your accounts have been pwned.  Avoid being pwned by: 1) being alert to  phishing scams and spam; 2) using caution  when opening files; 3) avoiding malicious links; 4) e nabling two-factor authentication; 5) using s trong passwords;  and 6) installing  a password manager.  If you have been pwned: 1) make sure y our antivirus programs and operating systems are up to date; 2) s can your device for malware; 3) c hange your passwords; 4) c hange security questions; and 5) c heck the settings of your email accounts to assure that they haven't been set to automatically forward messages.  For more tips, read articles about avoiding phoshing scams , backing up passwords ,  security , protecting data ,  receiving pwned alerts  and steps to take if you've been pwned . Also see the ABA’s Cybersecurity Handbook  and the New York Times revie

Creating Healthy Workspaces

Protect your yourself and others against diseases like the Coronavirus.  Enhance surface cleaning with disinfectants, increase intake of outside air, upgrade furnace filters, and use UV lights in HVAC systems. Post signs to encourage hand cleaning, masking, and social distancing. Remove chairs to reduce the capacity of  conference rooms and waiting rooms.  Space cubicles further apart and install plexiglass dividers between them. For more tips, read articles about best practices for reopening ,  boosting well-being , creating healthy workspaces ,  improving air quality ,  pandemic proofing your office ,  redesigning office space,    workspace ergonomics , and  reimagining workplaces . Consult the resources at Covid websites maintained by the ABA ,  CDC and WHO .