With fewer people in the office over the holidays, it can be hard to keep work moving efficiently. Today, there’s a whole host of mobility tools to alleviate the pressure when you need to get the same amount of work done with half the staff. Workflow apps for billing, expense tracking and dictation let busy lawyers remain productive while on the move — and they give firms the power to optimize all available support to meet tight deadlines, no matter where people are working.
Originally published December 21, 2017Most lawyers have to attend events. Clients have parties, law firms host functions, organizations hold galas and associations offer networking meetings. If you’re someone who detests going to these, particularly when you don’t know anyone, I am here to tell you they will be a lot less painful if you are prepared. Even if you never come to enjoy networking functions, you can make them both tolerable and productive if you go about things the right way.
Originally published December 20, 2017Sometimes lawyers and law firms need to clean up online reputations sullied by lawsuits, bad press, negative reviews or poor social media choices. While there’s no magic bullet, reputation management is possible. There are two approaches you can take: Either hire a company to help you, or do it yourself. Here are the pros, cons and considerations related to both options.
Originally published December 19, 2017Inserting symbols like paragraph (∂), section (ß) or degree (∞) doesn't have to involve digging through the Insert Symbols dialog box every time. Instead, make a shortcut key so you can insert the symbol without ever taking your hands off the keyboard.
Originally published December 18, 2017Tips for Capturing Social Media Evidence. It turns out that sometimes you can believe what you see on the internet. Criminal defendants and civil litigants overshare on social media just like the rest of us. But heading into court, that tendency is less an annoying habit and more a potential self-incrimination. In their search for credible […]
Originally published December 15, 2017They say, “work hard, play hard.” Unfortunately, this adage may normalize workplace behavior that can be very dangerous. In fact, a 2015 study found that workaholics are more likely to drink in excess than their peers. At many major firms, lawyers routinely work up to 60-hour weeks, so it’s no surprise they are especially susceptible to workaholism and addiction. Until recently, the potential consequences of a workaholic culture — addiction, anxiety and depression — were rarely spoken about.
Originally published December 14, 2017Are you challenged to meet the expectations of clients who want more value without paying for it? You’re in good company. According to the Thomson Reuters 2017 State of U.S. Small Law Firms Study, 59 percent of respondents say clients who demand more for less are a moderate or significant challenge. But only 20 percent […]
Originally published December 13, 2017ZokuVault is a virtual safety deposit box for estate planning information. Which makes sense, because all the things people used to place in safety deposit boxes are now mostly virtual items: bank accounts are electronic, so are documents. The idea behind ZokuVault is that all those electronic documents related to estate planning are in disparate places. ... The best use of ZokuVault is as a "whole family" file repository, where relevant financial information is maintained and updated across generations.
Originally published December 13, 2017You’re articulate, right? You appreciate and emulate good legal writing. So why do you turn off so many listeners and readers so soon?
Originally published December 12, 2017You’ve heard it hundreds of times: You need to network! If you want to build your client base, get referrals, establish your brand and be a better lawyer, networking is required. But when you’re already busting your tail to bill 1,800 (or more) hours per year, and striving to be involved in your community, stay somewhat healthy, and maintain your personal relationships, networking often falls to the bottom of the list. Here are three easy ways to make networking part of your routine, so it no longer has to be another dreaded item to check off the list.
Originally published December 11, 2017