Law Practice Tips

Lawyers with leadership skills can help their firms overcome obstacles, win cases, and work as a team. Establish your reputation as a leader by critiquing in private, praising in public, and providing weekly feedback to staff. Institutionalize leadership with chains of command, firm newsletters, reward systems, training workshops, and weekly team meetings. Get inspired by reading bios of legal rebels  and other law firm leaders . Learn about leadership by reading articles about bar leaders , blind spots ,  building character ,  developing leaders , firm leadership , in-house hierarchies , leadership development ,  practice group chairs ,  secrets of successful leaders , styles of leadership , traits of leaders , and training leaders . For in-depth study, read the ABA’s Lessons in Leadership ,  FDCC’s  Leadership for Lawyers , McKenna’s Herding Cats , and PWC's Guide to Talent Management .  Nominate your firm leaders for an ABA  or GP Award or for recognition from local, specialty,

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 .

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.  

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

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

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 .

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