Columns

Weak Sentence Starters You Use All the Time

A basic rule of good writing is to make every word count. “There is,” “there are” and “it is” are the weakest ways to start a sentence. Used this way, “there” and “it” are placeholders for the real subject of the sentence. They are particularly ...

Theda C. Snyder - January 12, 2015
Social Media
Does Social Media Really Work as a Marketing Tool?

Question: I read so much about lawyers engaging in social media, but I see little evidence of its effectiveness. How is social media being used by lawyers in a way that is beneficial? For this edition of "Ask the ...

The Editors - January 8, 2015
T-Rex with open mouth jerks at work
God and Taxes: Controlling the Conversation

It may surprise some to know that I hold some very strong opinions. One of the burdens of having strong opinions is knowing when to share and when not to. Really, is it conceivable that others would not want to hear the wisdom dripping from our lips?

Otto Sorts - January 6, 2015
attorney at work
Take Stock of Your Marketing and Business Development Activities

One of my favorite quotes is, “If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got.” Although a bit inelegant, this phrase is particularly apt with respect to marketing and business development.

Sally J. Schmidt - January 5, 2015
Bar Member? Be Your Own Advocate

Forgive me, but I’m going to jump on my soapbox today. I’m a licensed attorney in Arizona and we have a mandatory bar, so all of us have to pay to play. In 2014, I paid $460 for my bar dues, and Arizona was ranked 10th in the nation for ...

Ruth Carter - December 17, 2014
T-Rex with open mouth jerks at work
Advice for Young Lawyers: Best Way to Deal With a Jerk

The associate walked into my office clearly upset and asked if we could talk. She closed the door and let loose: “George is such an asshole! He makes my life miserable and now he's given me a bad review!” She checked off the details of this ...

Otto Sorts - December 16, 2014
I Hate Public Speaking! Is It Worth the Effort?

Question: I hate public speaking, but I do it because I’m told it’s good marketing. But when I take days to prepare for a single speech that brings me no new business, I’m inclined to refuse the next invitation. What am I ...

The Editors - December 15, 2014
word styles automating a table of contents
Word Styles: Automating a Table of Contents

In her latest “Power User” series, Vivian Manning has been showing how to use Microsoft Word Styles to produce documents much more efficiently. In her last column, she showed how Heading Styles can be used to structure and even reorganize ...

Vivian Manning - December 11, 2014
Attorney at Work
Ways Law Firm Support Staff Makes Your Bacon

My wife is about a million times smarter than I am. (No … 100 billion.) For my money, that’s the recipe for a successful marriage. I’m a lawyer; she’s a legal assistant. We don’t work together, though — because that would be the recipe for a ...

Jared Correia - December 8, 2014
one of a kind with apples Bullied
Bad Growth: Destructive to Your Law Practice

The focus of this “One of a Kind” series has been on growth. Growth that's good. The steps and strategies identified in prior posts, which include establishing a niche expertise, a compelling personal brand and a robust content marketing ...

Jay Harrington - December 2, 2014
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