Posts

Listening Better

Being a good listener can help you connect with clients, lawyers, and staff. Good listeners are respected, well-liked, and win cases and negotiations. Eliminate distractions, express concern, and avoid interrupting talkative people. For more tips, read articles about communication strategies , effective listening , enhancing skills ,   why lawyers need to be good listeners , and  winning trials by listening . For in-depth study, read books  Effective Legal Communication  and Communication Skills for Lawyers .  

Going Paperless

Below are tips on how to become paperless office or reduce the amount of paper used in your practice. Less paper means lower costs and greater efficiency. For detailed guidance, read articles about  going paperless , why it might be right for you , and simple steps for going paperless . Also see LexBlog's Guide to Transitioning to a Paperless Law Firm  and ABA Books about Going Paperless  and Paperless in One Hour .   Visit the Paperless Lawyer Website  for a blog and podcasts about going paperless. View the  Paper Chase  movie for an award-winning look at student life at Harvard Law School in the 1970’s. GOING PAPERLESS 1. Switch to a paperless client intake system 2. Create a system for ensuring files stay paperless 3, Digitize your existing paper files 4. Scan any paper as it comes into the office 5. Keep paperless files organized 6. Avoid creating paper by not using printers and fax machines

Marketing with Business Cards

Despite the widespread use of social media for marketing, business cards remain an effective rainmaking tool. Make your card distinctive by including an image, logo, and slogan. Consider mentioning business hours and that consultations are available in person or online. Use the flip side to provide additional information like emergency contact details or translation into another language. For more ideas, read articles about designing business cards , trends in business cards , and using them for marketing . Create them on your home printer or have them engraved by an office supply store . 

Screening Employee Health

Many firms are screening staff before they enter law offices.  Health screening is recommended by the CDC and required by some local laws. Screening helps prevent exposure and transmission of Covid-19. Alternatives include smartphone apps, temperature checks, and self-certifications. Since  screening can miss infected people, it is important to continue safety measures like requiring unvaccinated to wear masks.  Below are some tips and resources for screening staff and visitors:  Tips Arrivals  - stagger arrivals to avoid bottlenecks and contamination Compliance  - delegate compliance responsibility to a lawyer or assistant Privacy  -  limit access to daily health screening records  Records  - keep records to comply with local city/state regulations Screenings - conduct health screenings in a private area Resources Apps - apps for health tracking Articles - articles about masking ,  procedures ,  reopening  and  screening Forms  - certification forms from CBIA ,  CDC , and  SHRM  Guida

Dressing for Success

Remote working has changed fashion from   casual to leisure .  This trend may reverse with the return to courthouses, conference rooms, and offices. To dress for success, update  firm dress codes, keep backup clothing at the office, use a distinctive style, and check for fit. For more tips, read the articles below about dressing professionally , updating dress codes, and fashion trends.  Clothing Business Casual Rules (with Photos) , GQ, Mar 15, 2019 Dressing for the Courtroom , ABA Journal, Jan 16, 2020 Female Fashion Trends for the Office , Town & Country, Jan 4, 2022 Going Back to the Office , Rolling Stone, Apr. 12, 2022 How Women Lawyers Should Dress , ISBA, Apr. 12, 2015 Looking Good on Zoom , Attorney at Work, Sept 23, 2020 Men's Look for Business Casual , WSJ, Feb 8, 2022 Tips for Lawyers , Law Firm Suites, Feb, 23, 2016 What to Wear as a Lawyer , Gentlemen's Gazette, Nov 23, 2017 Codes Abandoning Dress Codes,  Atlantic Magazine, May 2020 History of Dress Codes , Fo