Law Practice Today

How Not to be a Staff Nightmare: Avoiding Turnover Syndrome

Ellen Freedman — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:25:31 GMT

Retaining good staff is always a challenge. Keep this advice in mind to help keep turnover low and productivity high.

Staff Support Success

Wendy Werner — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:25:05 GMT

Your staff can be a partner in your success, but it's critical that you hire well, supervise effectively, and let go when necessary.

Working with a Virtual Assistant: What Lawyers and Administrators Should Know

Andrea Cannavina — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:24:21 GMT

You may not be ready or able to hire a full-time assistant. The emerging industry of virtual assistants may be able to help you in a timely, cost effective way.

How to Manage Your First Legal Assistant

Jennifer Rice — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:23:40 GMT

A young lawyer offers advice on how to develop a productive working relationship with your assistant, to the benefit of your practice and your sanity.

Socialized Marketing: Lawyers and the Social Networking Phenomenon

Edward Poll — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:22:49 GMT

Social networking sites are all of the rage, but how do should they be used by lawyers? Advice regarding best uses and ways to avoid pitfalls in using these potentially powerful tools.

Weiss' Monthly Marketing Brief - September 2008

Bob Weiss — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:22:16 GMT

Most lawyers struggle with their individual business development because they don’t reach enough people, or they don't contact those people they know frequently enough.

Will Your Firm Survive Despite the Economy?

Steven J. Best — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:21:32 GMT

Practical suggestions about how to manage your firm successfully in a time of shrinking resources, while you prepare for the coming recovery.

Tech Updates

Joe Kashi — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:20:57 GMT

Joe Kashi discusses recent technology he's tried and found useful to the litigator.

How Lawyers Practice Law and Service Clients with Macs - Really!

Jeff Richardson and Ben Stevens — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:20:26 GMT

While most lawyers are wedded to the PC, these two lawyers enumerate the advantages of the Mac, for work, for home, and for the pure enjoyment of it. Originally Presented at ABA TECHSHOW 2008

Outlook 2007 with Ben Schorr

Sharon D. Nelson and Jim Calloway — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:19:17 GMT

Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Ben Schorr, author of the newly released book,"The Lawyer's Guide to Microsoft Outlook 2007."

End of 'Command and Control' Approaches to Knowledge Management?

David Jabbari — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:51:57 GMT

Does your firm practice Knowledge Management effectively? David Jabbari explains why using a ‘Command and Control’ approach can be limiting.

The Money You Take Depends on the Money Your Firm Makes

Edward Poll — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:51:19 GMT

The compensation model employed by your firm directly affects your bottom line. Ed Poll shares how a team approach can help you and your firm earn more.

Marketing Survey

Bob Weiss — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:50:43 GMT

Maximize your firms marketing potential. Legal networks and search engine marketing can help your firm get new clients.

Book Review of How to Build and Manage an Estate Practice

Robert A. Gazzola — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:50:13 GMT

Trusts and Estates practitioners need information sources they can trust. Robert A. Gazzola reviews the second edition of How to Build and Manage an Estate Practice and explains its usefulness to those practicing in Trusts and Estates.

Clearing Up Software Myths for Attorneys

Robert Ambrogi — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:49:28 GMT

Understanding your software can save you time and aggravation. In this article common software myths are explained.

The New RULES of Law Firm Profitability: Follow the Data within Your Financial Management System towards Greater Success

James S. Schnieders — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:49:00 GMT

Robert J. Arndt developed a system called the RULES to help firms evaluate profitability. They allow you to analyze multiple data points rather than look at one piece of the puzzle, which can be misleading. In this article, James S. Schnieders explains how the RULES can help your firm.

Setting the Stage for Lawyers: Trends in Strategic Marketing for Law Firms

Janet Ellen Raasch — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:27:47 GMT

As the legal marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, how can your firm stay ahead of the curve? Janet Ellen Raasch shares Zeughauser Group’s tips for successful marketing.

Status Symbol: Status Reports Illustrate the Collaboration that Builds Client Loyalty

Edward Poll — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:27:13 GMT

Client satisfaction and client communication are synonymous. Ed Poll describes how providing regular status updates can help create the trust that will earn you long term clients.

Keeping up with the Joneses: Upgrading to Office 2007

Ray Morgovan and Ben Schorr — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:45:15 GMT

In this article originally presented at ABA Techshow 2008, Ray Morgovan and Ben Schorr explain what you need to know about Microsoft Office 2007.

Media Expert: Lawyers Missing Big Picture

Robert Ambrogi — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:26:04 GMT

Lawyers often create problems for themselves by focusing too narrowly on certain aspects of a project rather than the big picture. Robert Ambrogi shares the advice of Dr. Cliff Reader to illustrate how an expert with technical and business experience can help a client take a broader view of a problem.

The Place to Network: Blow That Curve!

Christy Burke — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:25:19 GMT

Don’t wait until you are a partner to start bringing in business. Christy Burke shares ways associates can expand their networks and contribute to business development.

How Are You Dealing with the Down Economy?

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:24:46 GMT

The upcoming September 2008 issue of ABA Law Practice magazine tackles some of the biggest mistakes law firms make when the economy turns downward, as well as advice on what law firms should be doing to keep their practices strong and healthy. Take the quick Law Practice Opinion Survey and tell us what you think firm management should do in a down economy.

LPT Career Management Series: Manage Your Life, Your Time and Your Staff, Part 3

Kathleen Brady — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:13:50 GMT

In part 3 of her Career Management Series, Kathleen Brady explains the keys to successful delegation. Use her tips to make the most of your time.

Charitable Solicitations: Saying "No" Gracefully

Bob Weiss — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:14:31 GMT

How do you graciously decline solicitations for local charities, including those made by clients and referral sources, which unexpectedly contact your firm for support?

Paper – Philosophical Pleasures, Practical Pointers

Edward Poll — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:15:06 GMT

The rise of technology does not mean that paper will become obsolete any time soon. Ed Poll explains why shifting to paperless law firms will be a very long transformation.

How to Botch a Prospective Client Meeting

Anne Parys — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:15:38 GMT

It’s easy to drive a prospective client away. Learn how attorneys fail to impress so you can avoid making these mistakes.

A Conversation with Corporate Counsel: e-Discovery Trends and Perspectives

Ari L. Kaplan, Esq. — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:16:07 GMT

In-house corporate legal personnel were interviewed about concerns that are most important to the professionals that manage litigation throughout corporate America and the impact that e-discovery has on their work. The findings and perspectives from these one-on-one interviews are outlined in this report.

Relationship Intelligence: To Succeed as a Lawyer You Must Supplement Your IQ with RQ

Janet Ellen Raasch — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:16:36 GMT

It takes brains to succeed in law school, but out in the workforce it takes a different kind of intelligence to be successful. Janet Ellen Raasch shares the insights of Arnie Herz on the importance of relationship intelligence in attracting and retaining clients.

"Lateral" Should Mean Up Not Sideways

John Hellerman — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:10:05 GMT

A marketing program focused on lateral partners is strategic, manageable, and measurable. John Hellerman shares effective strategies for integrating lateral partners into your firm.

LPT Career Management Series: Manage Your Life, Your Time and Your Staff

Kathleen Brady — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:10:35 GMT

In part 2 of her Career Management Series, Kathleen Brady shares important strategies that will help you use your time more effectively.

May Marketing Brief

Bob Weiss — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:11:08 GMT

In May’s Monthly Marketing Brief, Bob Weiss examines root of frustration in the relationship between lawyers and law firm marketers.

Big Law, Big Mergers and Big Business – Questions That Need Answers

Edward Poll — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:11:36 GMT

As mergers and acquisitions become increasingly common, new questions arise on how to manage firms. Ed Poll answers these questions and outlines the determinants for successful mergers and acquistions.

Meet the Rainmaker: Kaye Courington

Rachelle J. Canter — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:12:37 GMT

Good News, Bad News: How Lawyers and Law Firms Can Maximize Media Relations

Janet Ellen Raasch — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:13:04 GMT

Media relations provide a cost effective and credible source of publicity for law firms, but they also require more work. Here are some tips to maximize your firm’s media relations.

Interviewing Strategies that Work for Employers

Kathleen Brady — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:13:28 GMT

How do you get the information you need during an interview to make the best hiring decisions? Use these questions as a guideline.

Give Credit Where It’s Due – By Accepting Credit Cards in Payment

Edward Poll — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:13:57 GMT

Credit card payments are convenient for you and your client. Learn the rules to developing a system for accepting credit so your firm can benefit.

Attention Gen Y's: Understand Generational Differences in the Workplace

Kathleen Brady — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:14:25 GMT

The youngest generation of professionals is entering a workforce where rules and perceptions are already defined. By understanding these, they can place themselves a good position to succeed.

Two Techniques to Dramatically Improve a Law Firm’s Net Profit

William F. Brennan — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:12:28 GMT

Write-downs and ineffective collections practices hurt many law firms’ bottom lines. Understanding these processes and how they work will help your firm increase its netprofit.

Showtime at the Courthouse: High-Tech on a Low Budget

Nils B. Jensen — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:11:51 GMT

There is little doubt that courtroom tech tools assist most cases, criminal and civil. But how do you effectively use complex and costly courtroom technology? In this article originally presented at the 2008 ABA Techshow, Nils Jensen provides guidelines and advice for navigating these complexities.

Smarter, Faster Ways for Law Firms to Create and Share Documents

Brian D. Zeve — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:11:08 GMT

Is your firm getting the most it can out of Microsoft Word? Most employees know how to use the program but these more complex tips will help maximize the effectiveness of the program.

Are You Litigation-Ready?

Matthew W. Blake — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:10:22 GMT

Most American corporations are ill-prepared to respond to electronic discovery requests and go to court. How can they establish a reliable foundation for litigation readiness? Here, an ED advisor proposes a three-step strategy: Assess your technology, map your data and “strengthen your hold.”

LPT Career Management Series: Manage Your Life, Your Time and Your Staff

Kathleen Brady — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:09:49 GMT

Now is as good a time as any to evaluate both your daily priorities and long term goals. In Part 1 of her 3 part Career Management Series, Kathleen Brady provides helpful tips and resources for managing your life.

Women and Law Firm Leadership

Wendy L. Werner — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:09:06 GMT

In a profession that has long been dominated by men, opportunities for women’s involvement and advancement into leadership roles is a growing issue in law firms today. Wendy Werner examines the cause and potential solutions to this timely issue.

The Power of Storytelling in Your Legal Practice

Paramjit L. Mahli — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:08:32 GMT

How do attorneys connect with their audience without losing themselves in legal-speak? The art of story telling can help lawyers communicate in a way that is captivating and easily understood.

Is the Check REALLY in the Mail? Only If You Bill the Right Way!

Edward Poll — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:07:33 GMT

Don’t let worrying about payments stress you out. Here are some tips on how to manage billing so that you and your clients are happy.

Monthly Marketing Brief

Bob Weiss — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:06:36 GMT

Your logo may be more important than you think. Bob Weiss explains how your company’s brand can make you stand out.

Beyond Diversity: Inclusion In the Legal Workforce

Janet Ellen Raasch — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:05:33 GMT

Law firms are falling behind other professions in hiring diverse workforces. How can the legal community create an atmosphere of inclusiveness and attract diverse employees? Janet Allen Raasch outlines the steps law firms. Law schools, and universities must take to catch up.

The Place to Network: Jumpstart Client Development with Social Networking

Christy Burke — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:42:15 GMT

The internet is connecting people more than ever. Christy Burke discusses how you can use the internet to network with past, current, and future friends, colleagues and clients.

Maximizing Article Value

Bob Weiss — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:42:58 GMT

How do you maximize the marketing value of an article or guide? Bob Weiss shares the practice of using a campaign to make the most of a written work.

Under Water from Overhead? Here Are Ways to Keep Afloat

Edward Poll — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:44:28 GMT

Don’t let your firm drown in overhead expenses. Ed Poll explains different types of overhead and how understanding your firms needs and limitations can help you make the best choices during these difficult economic times.

Make Your Action Plan a Reality

Anne Parys — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:45:08 GMT

The most difficult part about marketing is not creating a strategy, but rather putting strategy into action. Anne Parys explains how creating an action plan can help you stay on track and cultivate prospects.

Effective Law Firm Administration Depends Upon Connecting With Others

Janet Ellen Raasch — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:45:51 GMT

No single leadership interaction style works for all people in all situations, but by understanding different styles and methods of interacting, you can communicate more effectively with your team. Learn how understanding others will improve your work environment.

How To Regain Control From Your BlackBerry

Irwin Karp — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:46:25 GMT

Blackberries and other smart phone devices are supposed to provide the flexibility to be able to work anywhere but are they really allowing us more freedom? It is important to recognize when your Blackberry has become more of a burden than resource and how to solve this problem.

Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO): 2007 and Beyond

Mark Ross — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:21:05 GMT

As clients look for inexpensive basic legal processes, more firms are turning to Legal Process Outsourcing. In this article, Mark Ross, Ron Friedman and Neeraja Kandala discuss trends in and the future of offshore outsourcing.

Avoiding Age Pitfalls

Bob Weiss — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:21:47 GMT

Don’t let your age be a detriment to your business. Bob Weiss reveals the pitfalls lawyers over 50 years old can avoid to keep up with younger competition.

Don’t Fear Stormy Weather – Any Lawyer Can Be a Rainmaker

Edward Poll — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:24:09 GMT

While lawyers may believe they are not marketing oriented or skilled, everyone has the capability to “make rain” in some fashion – that is, to do the marketing and business development necessary to identify new clients and generate new business. Ed Poll describes the qualities you can develop, to contribute to your firm as a “rainmaker.”

Client Development: Keep 'Em Coming Back for More with Technology

Jim Calloway and Nancy Roberts Linder — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:24:14 GMT

Client satisfaction can often be more a more difficult undertaking in law than in other industries. In this article, originally presented at ABA TECHSHOW 2007, Jim Calloway and Nancy Roberts Linder share some tech tips that will help you be up to this challenge.

Writing A Practice Description - How Do You Make It Sound Interesting?

Paul Kuttner — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:25:04 GMT

So many law firm web sites squander critical opportunities to connect with potential new clients by using generic, lengthy, and difficult to read descriptives. In this article Paul Kuttner explains how to capture potential clients’ attentions with your practice description.

How Better Communication Can Help You Avoid A Malpractice Claim

Dr. Paul M. Lisnek — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:25:54 GMT

As client relationships grow, new communication skills must be learned to ensure their satisfaction. Here are practices you should follow to ensure fewer malpractice claims and increased efforts to mend even broken relationships over unfortunate glitches in our cases that are bound to happen as our practices grow in number and complexity.

Small Talk Makes A Big Impression: How To Use Casual Conversation To Build Your Career

Janet Ellen Raasch — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:27:32 GMT

Personal relationships are essential to advancing your career. Janet Allen Raasch explains how to turn a social situation into a business opportunity by sharing tips for small talk.

Law Office Technology: A Look Ahead

Christy Burke — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:28:28 GMT

Both law firms and technology vendors are already navigating through early 2008’s rapidly evolving environment. Christy Burke shares some of what is in store for law office technology in 2008.

Should You Handcuff Your Laptop To Your Wrist?

Steven M. Berwick — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:29:16 GMT

The information you store on your laptop is as valuable as the computer itself. Steven Berwick shares methods you can use to keep your confidential information secure when using portable technology.

How to Manage Your First Legal Assistant

Dan Pinnington — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:29:56 GMT

Some things they don’t teach you in law school. Dan Pinnington explains the intricacies of one of the first tasks that you can only learn on the job – managing your first assistant.

New Year’s Resolutions for the Attorney

Anne Parys — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:15:15 GMT

Whether you work for a large firm or a solo practice, the holiday season can be a great way to find new business and show your clients appreciation. Anne Parys shares the secrets of successful holiday networking.

Crisis Communication: How to Manage Them Effectively

Paramjit L. Mahli — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:16:08 GMT

What will your firm do in the face of an unexpected emergency? Crisis communication plans provide an organizational framework of who will be responsible for which specific task, when and if a crisis should occur.

Selective Media Relations

Bob Weiss — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:18:02 GMT

When is it the right time to notify the media about good news for your practice? It may not be as often as you think. Bob Weiss explains the importance of selective media relations.

Avoiding Discrimination in the Law Firm

Edward Poll — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:21:46 GMT

How can you be sure your firm is not discriminating? Below are some common trends to look out for so you can avoid a messy suit.

Client Development: Keep 'Em Coming Back for More with Technology

Jim Calloway and Nancy Roberts Linder — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:31:36 GMT

E-mail: The Hype-Free Tool to Market Your Firm

Ned Steele — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:32:51 GMT

An Accountant’s View: Financial Trends that Affect Law Firms

Janet Ellen Raasch — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:34:16 GMT

With the approach of tax season, law firm administrators are eager to understand how the latest developments will affect their firms as financial deadlines draw near. These developments can be structural, like choice of entity, or strategic, like the use of key performance indicators. Either way, they are essential to a law firm’s bottom line.

An Accountant’s View: Financial Trends that Affect Law Firms

Brian Levitt — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:34:59 GMT

The internet makes information available to people all over the world, and whether or not you’re wired does affect your practice. Brian Levitt describes how Avvo, a site for legal consumers, can add credibility to your practice.