Top practice TIPS from top practice experts

“Speak no evil. Do not bad mouth competitors to prospective clients. Keep it classy,” advised panelist Jessie Lee Harris of Williams Kastner, Seattle, Wash., during the “Top Practice Tips from TIPS” program at the 2008 Annual Meeting in New York.

The program, sponsored by the Tort, Trial and Insurance Practice Section and the Young Lawyers Division, offered short, sixty-second tips for practicing law from an array of experts.

In addition to Harris, panelists included Susan Farina of Proveris Scientific Corp. in Marlborough, Mass.; Linda Klein of Baker Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC in Atlanta; Matt Schiff, Chicago; and Jacquelyn Tessendorf, Columbus, Neb.; Randi Brent Whitehead, Sarasota, Fla. and Christine Spinella Davis of Howrey LLP, Washington, D.C., served as moderators.

Recognizing the complexity of practicing law, Klein warned attendees that, “When in doubt, don’t.” Even if lawyers are pressured by their bosses, if they have concerns over actions or activities that don’t feel right, “don’t do it,” he said. “It’s your license.”

Schiff advised attendees to find guidance when it’s necessary. And if you’ve had a mentor, be a mentor. “Pass it forward,” he encouraged.

Panelists shared tips relevant to all types of lawyers, even those working in small towns. Tessendorf, who hails from a city of 40,000, strongly suggests that lawyers “look nice and be nice.” In a small community, that’s especially important. “You never know who may remember your kindness and hire you to represent them.”

Also, several of the experts addressed billing issues. “Provide detailed time entries on invoices,” said Farina. “Bill promptly,” echoed Tessendorf, and Davis emphasized the advantage of lawyers entering their time as quickly as possible while their memory is fresh.

Additional tips included:

• Be active in the bar association – you meet great people, build your resume and referral network
• It’s o.k. to fire a client; you will make more money in the long run
• Proofread everything
• Keep clients updated with e-mail advisories
• Always have a business card handy, even at your son’s ball games
• Attend the TIPS Trial Academy
• Learn about your client’s business on your own time
• The practice of law is a marathon, not a sprint. Minimize burnout by pacing yourself and finding proper work-life balance.

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