Law Firm Management
Showing 81–96 of 256 results
-
Be sure your website is pulling its weight
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 411
Abstract: Law firm websites have been considered a must-have for years now, but it’s one thing to have a site and another to have a site that’s benefiting the firm. This article discusses metrics firms can use to measure whether they’re getting their money’s worth from their website.
-
Time to invest? Making the most of a budget surplus
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 481
Abstract: With the economy thriving, many law firms find themselves with a budget surplus for the first time in several years — possibly the first time this decade. This article examines ways firms may want to consider investing some of those funds to help achieve long-term growth.
-
How to uncover and end billing fraud at your firm
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 660
Abstract: Most attorneys would be adamant that their firm bills clients appropriately — no padding time records, exaggerating expenses or performing unnecessary work to bill a client more. Yet, it occurs, maybe while partners look the other way at questionable billing habits from either a lone attorney or a larger subgroup at the firm. This will open the doors to disciplinary action and litigation, not to mention public injury to a firm’s reputation. This article reviews why it’s critical to uncover and end any billing fraud that might be occurring.
-
In the crosshairs: Cybersecurity for law firms
Fall 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 871
Abstract: The leak of the so-called Panama Papers, 11.5 million documents with financial and legal information stolen from an international law firm, made headlines around the globe in 2016. While the well-known names included in the papers were the focus of many news stories, the hacking incident also highlighted the cyber risks confronting law firms of all sizes. This article looks at why many firms continue to lag behind other businesses when it comes to taking the measures necessary to prevent and mitigate attacks, and steps firms can take to protect themselves. A sidebar notes that bar associations are moving to address the issue with rules and opinions.
-
What now? Responding to the improved economy
Summer 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 449
Abstract: After a long recession and slow recovery, the economy seems to be headed back to more stable ground. Just as the weak economy required law firms to make some changes in strategy, so, too, does the improved situation. This article highlights three steps that can position firms to make the most of the upturn.
-
Get the most bang from your social media
Summer 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 569
Abstract: Trolls, hackers, public relations nightmares — the risks of social media are highlighted frequently. Nonetheless, platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn have become the 21st century equivalent of the Yellow Pages. That means law firms that aren’t “listed” are likely to miss out on potential referral sources, clients and job candidates. This article discusses why law firms can’t ignore social media and how to make the most of it.
-
Show them the money – Compensating your managing partners
Summer 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 616
Abstract: All law firms have them: the partners who spend the bulk of their practice managing the firm. But if the firm focuses on compensating only rainmakers and large revenue generating partners, they may lose those best qualified for the job. This article reviews how properly compensating partners who perform the seemingly mundane, but critical, work will keep firms running profitably.
-
Opting out of the new partnership audit regime
Summer 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 782
Abstract: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (BBA) changed how partnerships are audited. Proposed IRS rules for partnership audits under the law apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, but some partnerships can choose to opt out. This article summarizes what law firms organized as partnerships need to know. A sidebar explains how to find the right partnership representative.
-
Predictive coding: It’s not just for big cases and firms
Spring 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 405
Abstract: A 2016 survey conducted by the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Resource Center highlighted a common misconception in the legal industry about predictive coding — the notion that such technology-assisted review (TAR) is useful only in large cases. This article looks at how predictive coding can help firms no matter their size.
-
Is your firm ready to profit from data analytics?
Spring 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 584
Abstract: Data analytics is the process of using qualitative and quantitative techniques to increase productivity and business gain. Attorneys are increasingly seeing the value of data analytics when preparing for and trying cases. The potential value of this number-crunching goes much further, though. This article discusses how law firms also can wield data analysis to run more smoothly and drive profits outside of the courtroom.
-
How to deal with an underperforming partner
Spring 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 673
Abstract: All firms have productive partners and partners who underperform. But what about those partners who were once top notch and now seem to phone it in? No managing partner likes to deal with this situation. But the sooner a firm does, the less damage there will be to the firm’s profitability and relationships. This article looks at ways to define underperformance, the costs of an underperforming partner on a firm, ways to induce a return on productivity, and when all else fails, how to have an underperforming partner exit gracefully.
-
Keep your partnership agreement current – The importance of reviewing key provisions
Spring 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 823
Abstract: In today’s rapidly evolving legal industry, regular review of a partnership agreement is essential to ensure that appropriate amendments are made to address new partner entry, existing partner exit, leadership transitions, equity adjustments and similar issues. Even if a firm doesn’t undergo such changes, it should periodically review its agreement to confirm it still aligns with the firm’s long-term strategic objectives. This article highlights key provisions that every firm should review, while a short sidebar covers valuation methods for law firms to use in their partnership agreement.
-
What the new tax law means for law firms
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 391
Abstract: Just before the end of 2017, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Many types of businesses stand to benefit from the sweeping legislation — but the boon for law firms is limited. This brief article highlights how law firms are affected by the legislation.
-
Unlock the door to success – The importance of key performance indicators
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 627
Abstract: Successful law firms know that long-term sustainability requires constant self-examination and -evaluation. These firms often rely on key performance indicators (KPIs) to help them make more informed decisions when charting their futures. This article reviews financial KPIs that firms should consider.
-
Why two-tier partnership structures are the right solution
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: With many law firms’ high-performance expectations, demanding workload and long hours, some of today’s lawyers are “opting out,” searching for a better work/life balance. The partnership track isn’t the lure it once was. But firms may be turning away profitable legal talent if they phase out associates who don’t fit the partnership track. This article highlights the benefits of a two-tier system of equity and nonequity partners.
-
Value-based pricing comes to law firms
Winter 2018
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 825
Abstract: The concept of value-based pricing received a big boost in the health care industry thanks to various initiatives launched in the wake of the Affordable Care Act. Will this transfer over to the legal industry? This article examines why law firms could soon see a similar demand for change in how they charge from clients trying to get the most bang for their buck.