Law Practice Tips

Below are tips for deciding whether to use audio or video when calling adversaries, clients, or associates. Audio calling remains a workhorse for communication despite the growing use of video calling. Consider switching off video during conference calls to avoid distraction. Improve your communication skills by reading articles about best practices , calling techniques ,  communication policies , and video conferencing tools . Also see the ABA book about Improving Client Communications  and Clio’s Guide to Videoconferencing for Lawyers . Calling with Audio vs Video Accommodation  - be considerate of hearing impaired who need visual cues. Audio - useful for short and impromptu calls; use to focus on what is said and take notes.   Fatigue - limit the length and number of video calls to avoid fatigue. Medium  - determine the best medium for your message - calling, writing, or face-to-face Notification  - alert callers at the start of calls about your preference for audio vs video.  Vide

Moonlighting helps lawyers advance careers, supplement income, and expand networks. It makes lawyers empowered, energetic, and productive at their jobs. Their firms benefit because moonlighters develop skills and meet prospects. Popular options include lecturing at CLE events, mediating disputes, writing books, teaching at colleges, and temporary judicial appointments. Learn more about professional activities  by reading articles about ethical considerations , law firm policies ,  moonlighting alternatives , non-legal jobs , part-time practice ,  pros and cons , and side projects . For in-depth study, read career books like the ABA's Guide to Building a Successful Law Career , NALP's Guide to Legal Specialties , and Thompson's Career Management Handbook .  

Below is a list of Apple products with recommendations for when to replace old ones. To learn more about timing purchases of Apple products, read  Best Time to Buy Apple Products  and visit the  iPhone JD  blog and the  9to5Mac  website. Also read about making phones last and  replacing devices with battery decay . Time for Replacing Apple Products iPhone SE  - could take till 2024 to update with  USB-C (instead of Lightning connector) iPhone -  update in Fall 2023 added USB-C. Update in 2022 added eSims, improved camera, screen and faster processors. Apple also added emergency access to satellite signals for text messaging. AirPods - Fall of 2023 Air Pods got USB-C charging port. AirPod Pro update expected in 3024; last update in September 2022 brought  better noise cancellation and longer battery life.  Apple Watch - Delay until Apple releases its Apple Watch 10 in Fall 2024 or Spring 2025. Last upgrade brought only modest improvements.   iPad -  iPad Mini update expected in Spring

Build your reputation with client reviews at Google, Facebook, Yelp and other review sites. And improve your image with peer reviews from Justia, Martindale, and other rating organizations.  Request reviews after a positive in-person consultation or a favorable settlement. Respond to negative reviews and request removal of fake and unjustified reviews. Include links to reviews and ratings on business cards, stationery and firm websites. Respond to comments whether positive or negative. Periodically check your ratings, reviews, and online reputation.  See below for links to articles about ratings, reviews, and examples at law firm websites.   Articles Clients - keeping clients happy , better client experience , giving clients what they want Managing Reviews - action plan ,  improving reputations ,  optimizing reviews , reputation management ,   responding to reviews Review Sites  -   Facebook ,   Google ,  Yelp , and  other lawyer review sites Rating Organizations  - Justia ,  Martind

P ostcards are an easy and inexpensive way to stay in touch with clients, prospects, and referral sources. Use postcards to alert readers to office changes, new lawyers, and legal issues. Use wording that reminds readers that you can help solve legal problems and win lawsuits. Send postcards by US Mail or attach them to an email. For more tips, read articles about  lawyer marketing  and ethical considerations . Also see articles about direct mail marketing and communicating with email ,  letters ,  mail ,  postcards  and greeting Cards . See below for features to consider and sources for purchasing and mailing postcards.  Features Brevity - be concise to promote readership Communication - use text to connect with clients Graphics - add eye-catching images and photos Marketing - educate readers about legal services Sources Vista Print   - customized Postcard Mania -  off-the-shelf cards by industry (including lawyers) Modern Postcards  -  customized Postcard Services -  customized Te