You At Work

Lawyers, Depression and Substance Abuse: A Candid Q&A

The suicide of actor Robin Williams made many, including me, reflect on how problems related to depression and substance abuse can lead to desperate, irrational actions. Lawyers in general tend to be more susceptible to problems like these. ...

Ruth Carter - September 18, 2014
Malpractice Risk
Tempted by a Personal Injury Case?

I’m always cautioning lawyers about the hazards of dabbling, reminding them that there really is no such thing as a "simple" will or contract. It's not that I want them to avoid taking on matters that lead them into unfamiliar territory. Rather, ...

Mark Bassingthwaighte - September 11, 2014
Shy? How to Make It in a Networking World

Question: I'm an inexperienced lawyer, and naturally timid. How can I be expected to thrive in a networking environment? What's the best way to follow up after meeting someone? When should I ask for their business? In this ...

The Editors - September 8, 2014
one of a kind with apples Bullied
Substance and Form: The Elements of a Lawyer Brand

Branding. It's one of the most overworked and overanalyzed topics in the marketplace of ideas. Paradoxically, or perhaps consequently, it's also one of the most misunderstood. This misunderstanding isn’t a definitional one. There’s a general ...

Jay Harrington - August 21, 2014
Mindfulness
Five Ways Mindfulness Can Benefit Lawyers

Mindfulness means to be in the present and to accept each moment without preference or judgment. It’s an ancient practice that comes from Buddhism. It's not a religious practice. Rather, it’s a way to engage in our lives with care and ...

Jeena Cho - August 20, 2014
Friday Five
Five Lessons from Hackcess to Justice

At "Hackcess to Justice" last week in Boston, lawyers and developers spent two days hacking away at a "technological-enabled solution" to improve access to justice. Sponsored by the ABA Journal and hosted by Suffolk Law School in Boston, ...

Heidi Alexander - August 15, 2014
Stylin’ It in Microsoft Word

Do you ever wish you could just open your closet in the morning and pull out an entire coordinated outfit? Imagine deciding to dress "business casual," and reaching in to retrieve a hanger holding a complete outfit — from neatly creased khakis, ...

Vivian Manning - August 14, 2014
Digital Dictation
Four More Ways to Use Digital Dictation

The use of dictation has evolved as an active part of a productive law practice. In many cases, dictation tools are both easily available to a lawyer and completely intuitive as apps for smartphones or tablets. If you have shied away from ...

Eric Wangler - August 13, 2014
Enterprising Lawyer
Ralph Pais, Enterprising Lawyer

Who are these “enterprising lawyers”? Actually, they are easy to spot. Look for the more engaged and happier lawyers in the crowd. Deeply invested in the power of the work they do for their clients, they have ample interests beyond the practice ...

The Editors - August 11, 2014
attorney at work
Words Matter: Writing the First Three Sentences

Lawyer, writer and writing instructor Gary Kinder wants lawyers to get to the point quickly in their communications with clients. “Too often lawyers write a letter to the client and won't tell them the answer to the client’s question,” he says. ...

Steven Taylor - August 5, 2014
envelope

Welcome to Attorney at Work!

       

Sign up for our free newsletter.

x

All fields are required. By signing up, you are opting in to Attorney at Work's free practice tips newsletter and occasional emails with news and offers. By using this service, you indicate that you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and understand our Privacy Policy.