When your brain knows just the right word, you can be more concise. And sometimes you can slip in the verbal dagger without the victim understanding what you’ve done.
Originally published February 13, 2017Last fall, when I learned ALM Media had expanded the Legal Tech conference for 2017 to include a small firm focus, I was intrigued. During the newly branded Legalweek small firm track last week, hosted by How to Manage a Small Law Firm (HTM), topics included marketing, technology, metrics and hiring, as well as the challenges […]
Originally published February 10, 2017On a recent call with my business mastermind group, one of the members shared how quickly he was able to overcome a challenge in his company by tapping into his network for suggestions. He summed up the process with, “Your network is your net worth.” He’s absolutely right — success doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Originally published February 8, 2017If you find yourself intimidated by something you want to do in your practice, I suggest tackling something that intimidates you that isn't work related. Prove to yourself that thing isn't nearly as scary as it seems, and take that lesson back to the office with you. Then set out to crush the intimidation factor at work.
February 7, 2017 0 4With more attorneys and law firms making the leap to cloud computing services in order to improve the way they operate as a business, companies like Abacus Next are stepping up to provide more comprehensive packages that address every single need in the legal industry
Originally published February 6, 2017Well-meaning lawyers who struggle to balance their personal checking account may think the safest way to protect their client trust account is to find a knowledgeable bookkeeper or CPA to take charge of it. In practice, though, this can add up to an ethics violation for shirking responsibility to properly manage the trust account. The problem arises when the lawyer doesn’t merely delegate responsibility but actually abdicates responsibility for the trust account. What is the difference? Let’s look at two lawyers in action and inaction.
Originally published February 6, 2017Every leader needs feedback. (Some need a little too much!) But, truly, how can you do your job without an understanding of what is going on in the lives of those impacted by your work? In the case of a lawyer, I’m thinking, of course, of your clients, past and current. But the lives, moods and opinions of your staff and colleagues count just as much.
February 3, 2017 0 0Maybe this is the year you’ve committed to writing a blog. Perhaps you want to improve your client alerts or have just been given a monthly column. Talk about producing content under pressure! You’ve mastered the art of writing when you can write without being inspired. It can be done. After 30 years as a professional writer, here’s what I’ve learned.
Originally published February 1, 2017Departing a law firm partnership can be surprisingly challenging — and potentially perilous — if you are not prepared.
Originally published January 31, 2017Lawyers are judged by the written words we put on websites and promotional materials and in our primary work products, be they briefs, contracts, leases, warrants or wills. In an analog world, work products were buried in client or court files where few, outside of the parties to an action or transaction, would see them. In the digital world, work products may find their way to the web just like our other materials, there for all to see (perhaps forever). The upshot: When you publish any material, assume the world will see it. Strive to be clear and concise. Software like WordRake can help you.
Originally published January 30, 2017