For many young associates, their first “real” job is at a law firm. If you fall into this group, it’s likely that you’re receiving honest — sometimes glowing, sometimes harsh — feedback about your work for the first time. On the other hand, you may be receiving no feedback at all. It’s up to you to discern the meaning of the direct, passive or complete lack of feedback that you receive. This means you need to understand the personality, quirks and traits of the person delivering it (or not delivering it, as the case may be). … Read The Rest

Though it may seem like a trend among artists and hipsters, it’s not. The resurgence of old-school tools in the professional workspace is growing. People are choosing a pen, choosing a paper notebook, choosing to write a letter — not because they are faster or more efficient, but because they aren’t. Do you BuJo? Are you a pen freak? Is the Cornell method your secret weapon? Let us know. … Read The Rest

You may recall this LexisNexis report: “Law Firm Billing Survey: Collections Conversations Leave Lawyers Uncomfortable.” Duh. In what industry is a “collections conversation” a comfortable thing?

The report is three years old, but just as relevant as when the data was spanking new. I could dive into the statistics the survey uncovers, but let’s cut to the chase: Clients are getting better at delaying payment or simply not paying your bill. The question is, what are you going to do about it? … Read The Rest

I’ve always liked the saying “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” I think lawyers often make this mistake when approaching business development opportunities. Facing with pitches or presentations to clients, they typically come at it from one direction — why the prospect should select them or their firm instead of another alternative. Their “tools” are credentials and experience.

In reality, that approach may not be effective or even appropriate, depending on where the client is in the decision-making process. Without knowing the prospect’s situation, you will not be able to make a compelling case for getting hired. … Read The Rest

Gone are the days when people relied only on personal recommendations or traditional advertising to find a lawyer. Google has stepped into the role of the “trusted friend” recommending a lawyer, and online local reviews serve as word-of-mouth in your community. This is why it is important to take the right steps to ensure your website and online presence work for you. Try these seven tips. … Read The Rest

Finally, law is beginning to shift: new business models, intriguing new ways of delivering legal services, emerging markets driving new demand. But what does it all mean for your law practice? A few things going forward: You will have more, different and growing kinds of competition (ouch!). The demand to keep changing up how you do things will persist. Feedback from clients and potential clients should carry more weight. You’ll always be working on your business and finding better ways to meet your clients’ needs and wants. If you want to stand out, it’s time to build some new skills — and a fresh mindset. … Read The Rest

Have you ever spent hours fine-tuning a Word document to ensure a consistent “look and feel” throughout? If so, I suspect you don’t want to do that again. You especially don’t want to repeat the experience when someone asks you to change the fonts and spacing throughout after you’re done. If you still spend hours formatting documents, you probably need to learn how to use Word styles. … Read The Rest