February 2007

How to be More User-Friendly

by Wendy L. Werner

All great lawyers aren't necessarily well-respected lawyers. With such a strong negative stereotype associated with the law profession, reputation management is essential for continued success. Follow these recommendations to attract new business and improve your professional life.

Successfully Marketing a Solo Practice

by Austin G. Anderson

Build your practice with a marketing plan focused on client development and retention. In this article, you will learn the key successes and marketing tools to formulate this plan, in addition to an accounts receivable criteria - all bringing you closer to future success in your firm.

From Identity Crisis To Identity Launch: Tips for a Successful Take Off

by Andrea Cook

Establish the face of your new practice right from the start. Before others create an inaccurate perception of you, proactively communicate your identity with the proper resources. This is a direct investment in the future of your business, so start now by following these tips for success.

ABA TECHSHOW 2007

Early Bird Registration Deadline Extended! Save up to $200 by registering by February 16!

Keynote Speaker - The Honorable Judge Shira A. Scheindlin
60 CLE sessions over three days!
Two day Expo featuring over 100 legal technology vendors!

New this year:

Solo/Small Firm Day at ABA TECHSHOW, co-sponsored by ABA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division. A special one-day price of only $245 (before the February 16 early-bird deadline) gets you:

Eight sessions on two parallel tracks of legal technology CLE specifically geared to solo and small firm lawyers
All the other sessions and events offered on Friday March 23
A complimentary lunch and 60 Tips in 60 Minutes

ABA TECHSHOW 2007 Preview

Looking Ahead to ABA TECHSHOW 2007

by Dan Pinnington, Chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2007

The world's premier legal technology conference, ABA TECHSHOW® comes to Chicago for the 21st year March 22-24, 2007. On the slate are more than 50 CLE sessions presented by the best legal technology speakers, a vendor expo with more than 100 exhibitors and countless opportunities to learn about the latest in legal technology.

Best of ABA TECHSHOW 2006

Client Files Makeover: The Move From Paper to Electronic Files

by Nancy Duhon

This "Best of ABA TECHSHOW" paper from 2006 will put you on the path to a paper free office.

Columns

Monthly Marketing Brief

Know the Basics Behind Budgeting your Marketing Endeavors

by Bob Weiss

When finalizing your strategic marketing plan, there are some basic things to consider, such as budget, size of firm, audience and environment. Right from the start, awareness of your firm's requirements and guidelines, in addition to some additional variances, will prove vital to ultimate success. Use these basic budgeting guidelines for your future marketing endeavors.

Management Tips and Tricks

Risky Business - Some Thoughts on Legal Malpractice Insurance

by Edward Poll

Malpractice is a predominant concern for the profession, and more so for small firms and independent practitioners. Mandatory disclosure of malpractice liability insurance is a growing trend and with that comes increased risk of a malpractice suits. This article investigates these recent trends in malpractice insurance and provides preventative measures you may take to avoid malpractice.

Management by Agreement

Evaluations that Motivate: An Internal and External Map for Having Authentic Feedback and Development Conversations

by Stewart Levine

Employee evaluation conversations have the potential to be a very powerful tool for producing desired results, satisfied employees and successful managers. Follow this road map to facilitate conversation and achieve a clear, mutual agreement.

The Strongest Links

Wikis for the Legal Profession

by Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell

With the increased use of "wiki" in the legal profession, there is a surprisingly great knowledge gap. What is a "wiki" and how can it prove beneficial to my work? From the basic to expansive side of this recent phenomenon, Mighell and Kennedy provide a useful tool of reference and insight.

Meet the Rainmaker

Karen F. Green

by Rachelle J. Canter

Departments

Marketing

Writing Your Personal Marketing Plan

by Larry Bodine

Improve your business development skills and meet your financial goals for 2007. From writing down your goals to depositing the checks, there are many steps to consider before reaping the benefits of your hard work. Take these suggestions and guarantee financial success for your year ahead.

Management

The Lawyer's Guide to Balancing Life and Work

by George W. Kaufman

This review of "The Lawyer's Guide to Balancing Life and Work," gives hope to the possibility that you can be happy in life and at work. Rediscover your personal goals and motivations for practicing law by forming a personal action plan for change. At last, you could find a work/life balance with success and happiness.

Technology

The Multimedia Lawyer

by Joe Kashi

Take advantage of the persuasive power of multimedia. Modern technology has allowed for increased accessibility and lower costs of resources such as digital cameras, printers and software. As multimedia presentations encourage memory retention, why not take suggestions for some quick and effective approaches.

Upcoming CLE

Creating an Effective Associate Development Program

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Program Summary

Associate retention efforts begin even before you hire your star associates. To develop associates into profitable partners, you first must develop and consistently implement an effective associate development and training program. In this teleconference and live audio webcast, our expert faculty will identify the most successful strategies for the development of an associate training and development program and examine how to tailor these strategies to fit your firm's culture.

Learn More »

Contacts

Editor in Chief:
service@americanbar.org
Werner Associates, LLC

Associate Editor:
service@americanbar.org
North Carolina Bar Association

Advertising:
Anne.Bitting@americanbar.org

Sponsorship Information:
service@americanbar.org
**************************************
Board of Editors:

service@americanbar.org, Brady & Associates Career Planners, LLC
service@americanbar.org, Oklahoma Bar Association
service@americanbar.org, Mass.LOMAP
service@americanbar.org, Lawyers' Insurance Association of Nova Scotia
service@americanbar.org, Briggs and Morgan, P.A.
service@americanbar.org, Kay, Griffin, Enkema & Brothers, PLLC
service@americanbar.org, Stevens MacPhail, P.A.

Advisory Board:

service@americanbar.org, Burney Consultants
service@americanbar.org, Ledjit Consulting
service@americanbar.org, WealthCounsel, LLC
service@americanbar.org, FIOS, Senior Manager and Consultant
service@americanbar.org, State Bar of Wisconsin
Catherine.Reach@americanbar.org, ABA Legal Technology Resource Center
service@americanbar.org, Thorp Reed & Armstrong, LLP
service@americanbar.org, Sensei Enterprises, Inc.
service@americanbar.org, Catalyst Repository Systems, Inc.

LPM Resources

Law Practice is the ABA Law Practice Management Section's award-winning magazine. Published six times a year, Law Practice is the leading magazine on the business of practicing law, providing insightful articles and practical tips on marketing, management, technology, finance and more.

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