What do marketers mean when they say things like "mobile ready" or "mobile is the first screen"? And is this something that's really going to help you get more clients? Avvo's Sachin Bhatia is speaking on "Mobile Marketing Best Practices" at the Lawyernomics 2013 conference next month. We asked him why mobile is such a hot button for connecting with prospects and clients—and for a few tips on creating a mobile marketing strategy for your law practice. ... KEEP READING

Who are these “enterprising lawyers”? They're easy to spot. Just look for the more engaged and happier lawyers. Deeply invested in the power of the work they do for their clients, they have ample interests beyond the practice of law. You probably know one or two—you may be one yourself! In this interview, we talk with New Jersey lawyer Lynda Hinkle. In the four years since opening the doors of her law practice—just two weeks after passing the bar—Lynda has built it up from one lawyer and one office, to three lawyers and three offices. And she's done it with no debt and no doubts about what it takes to succeed: Guts, heart, a serious sense of humor, an unfailing support system ... and a drawer full of emergency dog treats. ... READ MORE

One of my clients met recently with a senior lender of a bank to explore potential referral opportunities. The lender said to the lawyer, in essence, “We do everything our competitors do but we have two unique lending areas: We finance yachts and art collections.” Does that mean people won't use that bank for other kinds of lending? No. But it does mean that when yachts or artwork are involved, people will seek out this lender.

I read an article online the other day and liked it so much that I wanted to compliment the lawyer who wrote it on a great job. While the article was posted on a law firm's website, the author wasn't listed as an attorney with the firm. I can be compulsive about these things once I’m on a mission. So, I set out to find him.

A long time ago, in a life far away—November 2012—I wrote a Dropbox 101 post for Attorney at Work. Commenter Jeffrey Brandt suggested a "Dropbox 102" version to address security issues with sharing data in the cloud. It was a good suggestion, so here it is. Now, I tend to be in the camp that takes the position that the only way to fully maximize security is not to use the Internet. At all. For anything. In the past few weeks, we've all seen how many of the biggest players have suffered security breaches: Microsoft, Facebook, the New York Times and Washington Post, Tumblr and more. If you are connected to the Internet (and at this point, it’s impossible not to be) you’re vulnerable. The best you can do is take all necessary steps to reduce vulnerability as much as possible. Fortunately, there are some ways to work with Dropbox and other cloud services that will increase security and reduce the vulnerability of your cloud-based data. ... READ MORE

"Question: We’re moving to new offices in a couple of months. Some say this is a 'marketing opportunity.' I say it’s just important to let people know about our new address and contact information, but we don’t need to spend a lot of money on an open house and a fancy printed announcement. What do you think?" In this edition of "Ask the Experts," Paul Bonner, Jim Jarrell, and Sarah Reeves say not so fast.

After much shameless begging, unopened gift bottles of wine and several used game certificates for Dave and Buster’s, I have finally succumbed to writing a monthly column for Attorney at Work, which will replace the random collection of posts I have heretofore submitted. Check out the logo in the upper-left corner of this post. Pretty sweet, right? Mad Men-esque, no? That’s like your bat signal for knowing when I’ve written something here. And I’d say it takes a close second to calling this column "Somehow I Manage," which was already being used by NBC. Nevertheless, I will somehow manage to talk about many of the thoughts ruminating within my brain’s stew ... like hashtagging.

At a recent seminar on using the iPad in law practice, I was asked: “If you were trying a lawsuit on a desert island and you could only take three apps with you, what apps would you take?" Interesting question. Ultimately, though, I copped out on the answer. Rather than name just three apps, I described three categories of apps I would want. After all, there are several great apps in each category, and I wouldn't want any of my fellow Robinson Crusoes to be limited to the three I happen to like the best. So here goes—my apps recommendations for a desert island trial. ... READ MORE

Initially, it was just awkward. This stranger's butt was inches from my face. Undulating. Back and forth. I could hear the loose change in his front pocket clanking against itself. He was a large man, but not large enough to block my view of his hands as he dug furiously through an old Eddie Bauer backpack. He took another step back. His rear pockets inches from my face, my discomfort turned to curiosity. What treasure was hidden in the base of his ratty knapsack? With a final thrust, he stood up with the valuable prize in hand: headphones.

It's International Women's Day today. And, while it's true that the annual celebration has its roots in the 1908 American Socialist Party's National Women's Day, the event has grown far beyond its original geography and ideological underpinnings to become a global celebration with no political connection. Now, thousands of events throughout the world inspire women and celebrate their achievements.