Law Practice Profitability: Not Worth Ignoring
FEATURESBy George E. LeloudisTop 7 timeless tips on the financial health and future of your practice from law practice management experts David Bilinsky, Sheila Blackford, James Calloway and Ed Poll. By John T. NiehoffHave you consulted the American Lawyer firm rankings to benchmark your practice? Get the sense that you're not comparing "apples to apples?" Here's a different way to look at your profitability. By Allison C. ShieldsEstablishing the value of your services prior to accepting an engagement is a critical step in achieving profitability in your law practice. To wit, the fee charged often has little to do with the hours that were "actually" spent on the engagement, even in an hourly context. By Molly DiBiancaThe paperless professional workplace may seem a far off goal but those who have taken even baby steps toward this reality have realized remarkable savings that contribute directly to the bottom line. By Ed PollThe focus of any law practice must be to bring a sense of order to troubled situations, dealing honestly and directly with related legal and human difficulties. How, then, does the lawyer decide fairness in fees for requested legal services, especially when some people in need cannot afford them? FINANCEBy Stephen Mabey and Karen MacKayReady for Boomers' looming retirements? If not, there will never be a better time to prepare your firm than now. By Frank Armstrong, IIILaw practices of every size should take another look at defined benefit plan options, considering aging partnerships. For people age 60 or approaching that milestone, a cash balance or defined benefit plan just may save the day. MANAGEMENTBy Linda A. KleinGiven the, often frenetic, pace of your daily law practice, are your employees engaged in firm goals? Do they feel appreciated? Address both with insights from a law firm leader at one of Fortune magazine's "Top 100 Companies to Work For." technologyBy Baan AlsinawiLaw practices are among the slowest industry groups to adopt information security processes and procedures. Here are seven practical steps for implementation. MEET THE WOMEN RAINMAKERS!Interview by Bernie MunleyRoberta Jacobs-Meadway has been a member in the Philadelphia office of Eckert Seamans where she co-chairs the firm's IP practice and serves as a member of the Board and Executive Committee. | 
