Law Firm Management
Showing 49–64 of 256 results
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Playing the long game: 4 lessons from past crises
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 395
Abstract: COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus, but economic downturns are nothing new. As the world continues to adapt to the pandemic’s repercussions, law firms can turn to past economic crises for some lessons about what they might expect and how they might capitalize. This article highlights four areas law firms should consider when making decisions about long-term sustainability.
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AI takes hold in law firms
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 567
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) — which is defined as computers that perform tasks that typically require human intelligence — climbed out of the pages of science fiction and into the real world some time ago. But the legal industry has only recently begun to embrace its possibilities. While AI already is making an impact in so-called Big Law, it also can help attorneys and administrators at smaller firms. Moreover, as firms increasingly commoditize legal services, clients expect firms to use every tool they can to expedite work and cut costs. This article examines how law firms can use AI to their advantage.
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How to move your firm ahead profitably
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 738
Abstract: 2020 has been a year to remember — and it’s not over yet. In this uncertain year, law firm management has had to wrestle with the profitability of their firms. While law firms can’t control the economics resulting from COVID-19 and events such as the presidential election, this article highlights a few ways they can take control of profitability.
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See you at the office? COVID-19 prompts a new look at office needs
Fall 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 812
Abstract: Office space expenses usually are the second highest expense for law firms, behind personnel. It’s not surprising, then, that the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic uncertainty have prompted some firms to take a closer look at their needs for space. This article reviews why firms may be thinking about whether they should relocate, reduce and/or redesign. A short sidebar discusses the nonfinancial ramifications of changing office spaces.
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Law firm planning in a time of uncertainty
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 403
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic uncertainty, as well as social unrest, have created an economic tidal wave for which some law firms have found themselves unprepared. The resulting uncertainty makes it difficult, but not impossible, to plan. This brief article looks at some steps law firms can consider.
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Making remote work … work
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 568
Abstract: This year saw many law firms temporarily shutter their offices and allow staff to work from home. Although most professional services businesses have reopened to some extent and recalled employees, COVID-19 infection rates potentially could rise to spring levels again this fall. Now is the time to prepare for another possible round of the remote work that will be critical for business continuity. This article highlights several issues in particular that warrant attention.
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Don’t put payroll management on autopilot
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 668
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the economy for a loop. Many law firms have had to trim expenses and furlough employees. Laying off or decreasing pay for support staff, associates and partners can add payroll tasks to your workload. If your firm is reducing people on the payroll or outsourcing work to independent contractors, there are several issues management should review carefully. This article covers what you need to know about payroll management during this uncertain time.
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Cost cutting for sustainability: 3 areas to target
Summer 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 829
Abstract: U.S. law firms — of all sizes and practice areas — have had their financial foundations shaken as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Firms that were flying high less than a year ago now find themselves scrambling to survive the economic fallout. One obvious place to begin is cost-cutting. This article reviews several areas that make likely candidates for cost reductions, while a short sidebar discusses the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ recent findings.
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State of the legal market – New industry model is emerging
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: After several decades of operating on an essentially law firm-centric model, a new model appears to be emerging for the legal services industry. While noting incremental improvements in 2019 financial performance, the 2020 Report on the State of the Legal Market from the Legal Executive Institute (LEI) serves as a warning that firms should adjust for the new model if they wish to survive. This article reviews the report’s findings.
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Cybersecurity requires an incident response plan
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 616
Abstract: Law firms have continued to increase their focus on cybersecurity, but, according to the American Bar Association’s (ABA) latest Legal Technology Survey Report, only about one-third of respondents have an incident response plan. As the ABA notes, all attorneys need tailored cybersecurity programs, and incident response is a critical part of such programs. This article looks at how a firm’s response to a data breach will go a long way toward mitigating — or exacerbating — financial and reputational costs.
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How portfolio pricing can increase your profitability
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 643
Abstract: While hourly billing has been the mainstay of legal billing, it’s not the only option. Clients are looking for cost-effective alternatives from all their business providers, including legal services. One alternative is portfolio pricing. This article covers it and why firms should consider it.
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Are your client trust account practices up to snuff?
Spring 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 765
Abstract: Ethics rules require most attorneys to maintain trust funds that segregate client funds from firm funds. Violations, whether the product of intentional devious acts or mere negligence, can have dire consequences. While the specific rules vary by state, some common pitfalls crop up across jurisdictions. This article examines why it’s wise to regularly review client trust account (CTA) practices to ensure compliance. A short sidebar discusses why the financial institution where you hold client trust accounts matters.
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Millennial matters: Understanding your younger attorneys
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 452
Abstract: Millennials — generally defined as people born between 1981 and 1996 — make up the largest segment of today’s workforce, as well as the legal industry’s. With Baby Boomers increasingly leaving their practices and the overall job market tight, law firms must focus on recruiting and retaining younger attorneys to ensure long-term viability. This article highlights a recent survey of more than 1,200 Millennial attorneys and why keeping them engaged and committed should rank as a top priority.
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What’s your firm worth? Understanding law firm valuations
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 566
Abstract: Attorneys who routinely retain appraisers to value businesses as part of their practice may believe they know what’s involved when their own firms must be appraised. And those who don’t regularly work with valuators might think it’s simply a matter of a “plug-and-play” mathematical formula. Both notions, however, are mistaken. This article reviews how law firm valuations are different from — and sometimes more complicated than — typical business appraisals in some significant ways.
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How focusing on quality can allow you to raise rates
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 639
Abstract: When was the last time your firm raised its rates? Are you afraid to do so, believing it will provide clients with an incentive to shop around for lower-cost legal representation? While raising rates can be a risky proposition in a competitive legal market, this article examines how clear communications to your clients about your quality of services is a safe bet when raising rates.
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What you should know about cloud computing – ABA survey breaks down the numbers
Winter 2020
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 740
Abstract: According to the American Bar Association’s (ABA’s) 2019 Legal Technology Survey, the majority of law firms (58%) have taken the leap into cloud computing. They’re drawn in by cloud technologies’ 24/7 access, low cost of entry, predictable monthly expenses and robust data backup. This article reviews the ABA’s numbers and highlights some security steps firms can take. A short sidebar discusses hybrid and multi-cloud computing.