Case management systems are like so many baby rabbits right about now; but, like individual baby rabbits (and snowflakes), each is a little bit different. All the major case management systems offer the same basic features — calendar, email integration, time and billing — so, the devil becomes the details. Therefore, making a coherent decision on a case management platform requires a deeper dive, to differentiate between systems that are generally useful and those that would be truly usable in a specific law firm environment: yours. Thomson Reuters’ Firm Central is a cloud-based case management platform that does everything you’d expect — and a whole lot more. Thomson Reuters recently relaunched (read: refined) the entire suite, which includes the integration of advanced time and billing tools .... READ THE REST

In the past, “outsourcing” brought to mind images of large offices filled with workers on telephones, most likely overseas, fielding customer service center phone calls. That it is not what I have in mind when I suggest using outsourcing in your law firm business. Outsourcing today includes very different types of services, from contract lawyers to virtual receptionists.

One of the nicest things about Attorney at Work, from our perspective, is getting to know so many really smart and dedicated people. Those who serve as our Advisors are among a select few who set and predict trends in the business of practicing law. We've known some of them for decades, and they always teach us something new. Once in a while, we like to share with you what they've been doing or writing. To that end, today's Friday Five relates several intriguing articles from around the web. ... READ THE REST

I bet this has happened to you. You show up at the office with the best intentions. You’re finally going to get that marketing project — or some other large project — done so you can reap the rewards. You sit down at your desk. Your voicemail light is flashing. Your inbox is loaded with unread emails. And the fire drills begin. A few hours later, you skip lunch. Then it’s dark outside. You have no idea where the day went. Tomorrow? Same drill, different day. ... READ THE REST

Book Review | “The Lawyer's Guide to Succession Planning: A Project Management Approach for Successful Law Firm Transitions and Exits.”

A while back, the Wall Street Journal ran an article that posed a critical question worth considering. A CEO of a highly successful company was challenged by a friend to sit still for 15 minutes in complete silence. And he bet him $15,000 that he couldn’t do it. And he couldn’t. “I never expected it to be so hard,” he said. “I found myself reaching for my smartphone every minute. I couldn’t shut down.” Could you? And why does it matter, anyway? ... READ THE REST

Video has become one of the most effective — and flexible — online marketing tools available to lawyers today. Whether you’re looking to stand out from the pack, build client confidence, connect emotionally, or simply attract and convert new viewers into clients, video can help give you a marketing edge. Video can be used for your website, YouTube, social media, television, newsletters — and even as part of your email signature. Here are a five video marketing tips to help beginners and veterans alike. ... READ THE REST

Last week ABA TECHSHOW celebrated its 30th anniversary in Chicago. With a whopping 18 program tracks, 80-plus sessions and 100-plus companies in the expo hall, it was quite a party. Couldn't make it? No problem. For this week's Friday Five+, Heidi Alexander, Natalie Kelly, Tom Lambotte, Sharon Nelson, Catherine Reach, Nora Regis and Reid Trautz fill you in on their favorite tips and takeaways ... READ THE REST

If you’re a nerdy lawyer, ABA TECHSHOW is where you go to geek out. (Wait, did I say that out loud?

In a feedback interview, a client told a story to explain why a particular law firm did not get the work after meeting with him. He said the firm brought a team of lawyers to the meeting and the partners were doing a good job of asking questions and discussing their capabilities.