Columns

Do you ever wish you could just open your closet in the morning and pull out an entire coordinated outfit? Imagine deciding to dress "business casual," and reaching in to retrieve a hanger holding a complete outfit — from neatly creased khakis, ...

Who are these “enterprising lawyers”? Actually, they are easy to spot. Look for the more engaged and happier lawyers in the crowd. Deeply invested in the power of the work they do for their clients, they have ample interests beyond the practice ...

Getting serious about solving that irritating practice management problem but need a little help? Did you know that you can access — at no charge — hundreds of Attorney at Work daily dispatches by simply searching our archives? There you'll find ...

Here’s one for the books. You can bank on it. Clichés are overused phrases that everyone knows. Pundits of good communication advise shunning clichés as unoriginal and boring — which is why readers of these posts may be surprised to see me take ...

We all have habitual ways of relating to other people, and chances are your habits haven't changed much over the years. So ask yourself, does the way you communicate and behave foster positive relationships with clients, colleagues, family and ...

There are countless ways lawyers can and do compete with one another for work. We have price — what work costs; process — how work is performed; personality — the lawyer’s and her firm’s; place — one’s geographic location; principles — ...

Question: A partner from a local firm is joining our practice in a few weeks. It's been several years since we hired a senior lateral attorney, and, honestly, it didn't go so well the last time we did. Can you give some good tips on integrating ...

What’s the biggest predictor of a law firm’s success? Hint: It’s not the firm’s bottom line.  1. Clients are canaries. Research into seven failed professional services firms, four of which were law firms, indicates declining client satisfaction ...

As we enter the heart of summer, pleasant weather ramps up the frequency of cookouts and other casual events. We find ourselves spending less time with business contacts and more with family, neighbors and friends. Often that includes people ...

Let me tell you a secret — the biggest distraction in my life is me. No, I’m not wasting time playing Angry Birds or watching Netflix. My challenge? I’m so well-trained to react the moment my laptop or phone lights up, chimes or rings that it’s ...