Posts

Getting Paid Faster

Get paid faster by screening new clients for ability to pay, requiring them to make deposits, and keeping them happy. Make it easy with timekeeping systems, billing software, monthly invoicing, and follow-up.  Facilitate quick payment by accepting credit cards and using online payment apps. Avoid fee disputes by communicating fee expectations and drafting client-friendly bills. For more tips, see the articles, books, software, and reviews lsted below.   Articles Accepting Electronic Payments Approaches to Collections Automating Timekeeping Avoiding Write-Offs Best Practices Billing Procedures Billing Software Billing Tips for New Lawyers Engagement Letters Ethics Getting Paid How to Invoice Clients Improving Billing and Collections Keeping Clients Happy Payment Apps Payment Systems Sample Billing Language Tips for Billing Software Trends   Using Retainers to Speed Collections Books Attorney-Client Agreements Drafting Bills Clients Rush to Pay Guide to Law Firm Profitability Keeping Cli

Benefiting From Community Service

Volunteering helps lawyers to stay connected and make new contacts. Volunteers improve their sense of well-being, enhance their reputation, and attract clients to their firms. Start volunteering by visiting the ABA Directory of Volunteer Activities  and the ABA Pro Bono Website . See the articles listed below for volunteering tips and visit law Firm websites for examples of lawyers serving their communities.  Articles Benefiting from Community Service Branding Yourself with Community Service Building Your Community Presence Giving Back to Your Community Helping Associates Do Pro Bono Marketing Power of Community Service Senior Lawyers Serving Pro Bono Supporting Your Community Young Lawyer Involvement Working on Political Campaigns Law Firm Websites Kean Miller (Baton Rouge) William Berenson (Ft. Worth) Kang Haggerty (Philadelphia) Chris Early  (Boston) Breakstone White & Gluck (Boston) John Day (Nashville) Chepenik Trushin (Miami)

Hosting Employee Events

Social activities show appreciation and promote loyalty. They can also boost your firm's reputation when recruiting and marketing. Examples include virtual meet-ups, online staff meetings, team building activities, virtual challenges, webinars, etc.  Consider inviting family members to improve work-life balance.  See below for articles, books, checklists, and examples of firms websites and Facebook pages that mention  employee events. Articles Benefits   Event Ideas Planning Remote Activities Books Guide to Event Planning Meeting and Event Planning The Happy Lawyer Checklists Contracts Planning Law Firm Examples Mid-Size  (Flaster Greenberg, New Jersey) Spencer West  (Spencer West, England) Big Law  (Exemplary Facebook Pages)

Keeping Lawyers Happy

Below is a list of tips for keeping lawyers happy at your firm. And beneath the list are links to articles and books with additional tips. Happy lawyers are committed, engaged, and productive. They are less susceptible to burnout and unlikely to leave for a new position.  Tips for Keeping Lawyers Happy Amenities - Provide concierge services; reimburse commuting expenses, add  fitness classes  Assistance - Support those with mobility and family issues Balance  -  Offer part-time work and reduce billable hour requirements Bonuses  - pay bonuses at an appropriate frequency Collaboration  - Conduct firm meetings to promote collaboration and teamwork Compensation -  be vigilant to keep competitive pay and benefits Feedback  - Give guidance and feedback Rewards - Acknowledge and reward accomplishments Socialization - Host social events to facilitate team building Space  - add outdoor areas for work and socializing  Snacks  - Serve healthy drinks snacks (e.g. fruit, Kombucha, etc.) Traini

Masking Strategies

During Summer of 2022, the CDC relaxed Covid requirements due to declining case counts and rising immunity. As a result, schools and workplaces are relaxing requirements for masking and vaccinating. However, individuals with breathing problems may need to continue being cautious about isolating, masking, and vaccinating. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated, boosted, and wearing a mask when appropriate. Carry a mask with you and use a N95 or KN95 mask instead of a cloth or surgical mask. For more tips masking tips, read the articles listed below. For recent updates, read articles about masking FAQ’s  and  mask strategies for offices and individuals . For entertainment, watch the  Wear a Mask Parody . Articles About Masking Avoiding Counterfeit Masks Buying a Reliable Mask Changing Rules on Masking Convincing Employees to Wear Masks CDC Relaxes Masking Requirement Deciding Whether to Wear Masks Deciding Whether to Require Masks Encouraging Others to Wear Masks Individual Strategies fo