How to eat an elephant

By: Michael Hammond and Mark Powers
Published: March 28, 2013

Tags: legal marketing, marketing, practice management

During the last few years, it has been ever more common to hear lawyers say, with more than a hint of frustration and worry in their voices: “What’s the point of doing a marketing plan? Why bother trying to forecast trends and predict results when you’re riding the rollercoaster of this uncertain economy?”

LegalTech 2013: from settlement predictions to social network tracking

By: Correy Stephenson
Published: February 19, 2013

Tags: CLE, computer-assisted review, e-discovery, electronic discovery, electronically stored information, ESI, Facebook, iPad, iPad apps, iPad mini, legal technology, LegalTech, practice management, predictive coding, settlements, social media, technology

Lawyers USA reports on items of interest to solos and small firm attorneys from the annual LegalTech conference, including software that can predict where a case will settle.

Your to-do list may be too long

By: Kate Boucher
Published: February 14, 2013

Tags: practice management

More often than not we make our lists too long, get overzealous, and ultimately have trouble completing, or even starting, the actionable items.

If that sounds familiar, this is the perfect time to take a simpler approach to your business development goals and get back to the following basics.

Trending now: virtual law offices

By: Lisa Nickerson
Published: February 13, 2013

Tags: practice management, technology, virtual law office, virtual law practice

Many things are generational in our society, and such differences in the workforce must be given ample attention if we are going to remain leaders in business.

We can no longer ignore the breakdown of the traditional workplace and work style that includes the definition of yesterday’s 9 to 5 office schedule. The virtual office is no longer a trend; it’s an efficient and effective means of working.

Tech roundup: Tighten writing, market with a smartphone and scan wirelessly

By: Correy Stephenson
Published: February 8, 2013

Tags: Adobe Acrobat, data security, Fujitsu, LastPass, legal writing, marketing, practice management, ScanSnap iX500, smartphone, technology, WordRake, Zazzle

Lawyers USA has rounded up the latest tips from lawyers on what technology tools they use to accomplish tasks more quickly and effectively.

Are you really in control of your client files?

By: Ed Poll
Published: February 4, 2013

Tags: client files, ethics, practice management

Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15 states that lawyers have a professional duty to protect all documents relating to clients by requiring that client property and files be “appropriately safeguarded.”

Failure to keep files safe and free from outside perusal is a failure in the duty to act competently in the best interests of a client. The rules and specific time periods for storing or destroying client files vary by jurisdiction.

Create strong referral networks to grow your business

By: Jenna Weber
Published: January 30, 2013

Tags: business development, marketing, practice management, referrals

It’s easy to say you build your practice by word of mouth, but how do you really know whether word is spreading?

It is more beneficial to have a set strategy you follow consistently in order to fully reap the rewards of your professional relationships. This is why it’s crucial to build a strong network of referral partners or centers of influence to help develop a steady flow of qualified referrals.