I may not always know what I’m talking about, but I always know the time. Believe it or not, prior to 1988, over 97 percent of all lawyers wore watches. Yes, I made that stat up. However, it’s likely true. In today’s world, though, I am noticing fewer and fewer watches, and a lot more tans. “My […]

For better or worse, I've been a dedicated BlackBerry user for many years, more recently using a BlackBerry Bold and currently a BlackBerry Torch (9800). As with most smartphones, you can do much more with your BlackBerry by learning a few extra keystroke combinations and digging a little deeper into its range of functions. Much of its basic functionality is reasonably obvious, but some useful keyboard shortcuts and functions aren’t so apparent. Here are some of the features and shortcuts I've found most useful. ...

In news for Android-using lawyers, the much anticipated Fastcase app for Android is now available. For lawyers who do not have a Fastcase account at all, this app—like the Fastcase iPhone app—allows you to search, browse, read and save statutes and cases from a national library. If you already have a Fastcase account, then related activities on your Android, such as search queries and saved documents, automatically synchronize to your desktop subscription. PLUS more product news for lawyers ...

Well, really … why should he? I mean, knowing that people do things for their own reasons and not for yours, what’s in it for your partner to cross-sell you? Why should he introduce you to his client and promote you as someone who could help with a particular issue? Okay, I suppose there are several reasons you might suggest. But until your partner knows you are the best and the right lawyer for the job, you won’t be cross-sold. (Unless your partner’s nuts. But that’s another conversation altogether.) And it's your job to make sure he knows you've absolutely got the right stuff.

When you go looking for inspiration and information on how to get and keep more good paying clients, do you end up reading about client databases, websites, incentive programs and practice group strategy? Yeah, that happens a lot. If you’re a solo practitioner—or a lawyer in any size firm trying to build your own practice […]

Busy lawyers have precious little time to spend monitoring technology upgrades for their practices—though the pay-off in efficiency savings can be worth it. This is especially the case with law practice management software. While these programs can help to organize your law firm, and serve as a valuable hedge against malpractice, there are just so many of them. The array and frequency of updates can be so dizzying that, if you do not sometimes stop ... to acquire a moment to breathe, and take it all in ... you will soon become overwhelmed, and behind the curve of an eight ball. So, if you own practice management software that has been updated, or are interested in purchasing such software, let this be your moment of Zen.

The life of a successful lawyer who travels constantly for work can sound attractive, even alluring ... to those who don’t have to do it. They imagine going to exotic places, meeting with important people and dining in the best restaurants. But ask someone who's actually living the road warrior life and you'll hear about a different reality. Living in hotels, endless meetings, airport delays, traffic jams, fast food or skipped meals, the effects of multiple time zones—it’s not an easy life. While many successfully navigate through it, there can be significant negative effects on one’s mental health. How can you minimize the negative consequences? Careful thought and planning can help a great deal. Here are suggestions to help you overcome some of the “on-the-road stressors.” ...

You know your tech support folks love you. We really, really do. But sometimes…. Yes, sometimes we do go back to our offices, close the door gently and weep quietly at the thought of how much more quickly and efficiently we could have helped you if you’d just let us. Other times we close our door not so gently and gnash our teeth in frustration at how just a smidgeon of judicious self-help would have allowed you to get right back to work without waiting for us to swoop in and save the day. Which could have then allowed us to help someone with an issue that couldn’t be resolved without tech assistance.

Hooray, it’s a three-day weekend! All across the States, folks are heaving a sigh of relief at having a Monday off from their crazy schedules. But Memorial Day weekend—with its annual mix of events (and emotions) that run the gamut from backyard leisure bliss to solemn ceremonial remembrances—stands apart in a unique way. It’s a combination of reverence and playtime that, well, can only happen in the good ole U.S.A. So how will you spend yours? Maybe with a combo like this. ...

Whether it's a special trip to meet a client or your daily commute, there's no doubt your travels will be sprinkled with 15-plus-minute periods of “bonus time.” Flight or traffic delays, late clients or other unexpected agenda disruptions that will be wasted, however, if you aren’t prepared to make the most of them. Productivity expert Jason Womack has eight tips for making the most of down time when you are away from the office. ...