According to the 2021 ABA Profile of the Legal Profession, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted one-third of senior lawyers to change retirement plans — but that doesn’t mean they decided to retire. Instead, 53% of those lawyers decided to push the pause button. Disrupted income may be one reason — but as Camille Stell points out, […]
Originally published May 28, 2022
It's been said (often) that lawyers were genteel, professional and respectful of their colleagues in the past. But the last few decades haven't been good ones for the profession on that front. Intimidation, shabby lawyering, "over-papering" and arrogance seem to run rampant. In some cases, judges have even ordered civility training for lawyers. (And there were some big repercussions.) If you're going to be a lawyer today—and be a professional—it's best to arm yourself with some effective ways to react in the face of the incivility. To that end, here is advice about how to respond in two situations where bad behavior is most likely to occur.
Originally published May 28, 2022
Merrilyn Astin Tarlton | Who knows why we do it, but most of us tend to say “yes” to things when we should say "no."
Originally published May 28, 2022
We can't alleviate all the stressors felt by our clients in the course of their legal matters, but when lawyers, law firms and clients work together, the stress can be reduced and effectively managed.
Originally published May 28, 2022
Gerry Riskin | Although certain things clients say are sure to get your dander up, I respectfully suggest you put the sword away and resist the impulse to parry and thrust.
Originally published May 28, 2022
Every lawyer knows mismanaging a trust account (IOLTA) can have terrible consequences. However, most lawyers receive little or no training in how to manage a trust account before opening one of their own. Law schools don’t address this in enough detail — at least based on the blank looks received when I mention trust accounting to new grads. And only the enlightened bar associations conduct a hands-on, mud-up-to-your-elbows trust accounting class for all new lawyers. All of which begs the question, "Are your trust accounting practices sufficient?" If you are in doubt, here is a mini-checklist of items you can start implementing today.
Originally published May 28, 2022
Jamie Spannhake | Overworked lawyers know how it goes: Overwhelmed working on numerous matters, we feel we can never catch up. It is time to explore changes.
Originally published May 28, 2022
Technology issues can disrupt your firm's productivity. Here are six signs to help you pinpoint when it’s time.
Originally published May 28, 2022
Video | Deborah Savadra demonstrates an easy method for setting up email reminders using Microsoft Outlook Tasks.
Originally published May 28, 2022
In French, esprit de corps means “spirit of the group.” It refers to the camaraderie that inspires each individual to work toward the group's shared success. Esprit de corps is the heart of a healthy law firm — it represents the passion, support and motivation that are vital for building your firm’s culture and long-term profitability. Large or small, almost every law firm wants to improve its esprit de corps. The challenge is finding the time when your schedule is already maxed out. Here's why it is worth the investment.
Originally published May 28, 2022
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