January/February 2013: Practicing in a Down Economy
Cover Story
The New Normal: How to Thrive in a Down EconomySolos from across the country reveal how they are holding their own—and even thriving—despite the grim economy.
Features
Cost-Effective E-Discovery for Small Cases
Technology is not the key to successful e-discovery in small cases. The key is the process.
Six Tips to Take Charge of Your Own Economy
Apply these six suggestions consistently and with persistence to gain long-term financial goals rather than short-term gratification.
The Billable Hour Is Dead. Long Live . . . ?
The tale of the rise and possible fall of the reigning billable hour and a look at likely heirs to the throne.
Accepting Credit Cards on the Go
The flexibility of accepting mobile payments may allow your firm to do more.
Rural Lawyers in the Changing Marketplace
A large number of lawyers are seeing firsthand how the ever-changing economy, marketplace, and society have challenged rural areas.
Clearing Up the Cloud
What are your responsibilities when storing data online?
The Economy and Bumps in the Road
The new economic realities have placed additional stresses on lawyers—a group already marked by elevated levels of substance abuse and mental illness.
Getting to the Heart of Investing
How do emotions prevent good decision making when it comes to investing for retirement?
Newbie Blues
Working lawyers, law school career services office directors, and a recent law graduate offer advice to those embarking on a journey to employment.
Best of ABA Sections
LAW PRACTICE MANAGEMENT: Increase Profit by Decreasing Costs
Solos and small law offices can cut expenses by “going virtual” or “almost virtual.”
TAX LAW: Contingency Fees and Structured Settlement Annuities
Finding the proper combination of investment products is key to deferring legal fees.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Equity for Minorities in Hurricane Mediation Programs
Educating mediators as well as minorities will create balanced disaster mediation programs.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LAW: Neural Implants and Their Legal Implications
Representing clients concerning neural devices involves applying old law and methods to this new technology.
ESTATE PLANNING: Estate Planning for the Transsexual Client
The identity and status of an individual have an enormous effect on issues of estate planning.
Columns
RŌNIN REPORTS: The Upside of Down
Welcome to our new column addressing topics of interest to solos and small firm lawyers.
GP MENTOR: Riding Out the Economic Downturn
Learn these five tips to keep your practice afloat in the wake of the Great Recession.
ROAD WARRIOR: Using Technology to Economize on the Road
Use technology to avoid taking a trip, to make yourself more efficient while traveling, or to save money on travel expenses themselves.
GIVING BACK: Teaching Financial Literacy
Help high school and college students understand the importance of managing their personal finances.
MAC USER: Are Macs Really Cheaper over the Long Haul?
A well-integrated, intuitive system can level the playing field for solos and small firms.
PRODUCT REVIEW: ActionStep
Is this powerful, cloud-based practice management system right for you?
READY RESOURCES: Ready Resources for a Down Economy
Check out these ABA books, CLE programs, and web resources on practicing law in these troubled times.
THE CHAIR’S CORNER: Helping Recent Graduates
Recent law school graduates need your help more than ever.
SOLO, SMALL FIRM AND GENERAL PRACTICE DIVISION NEWS: Nominating Committee Report
Read the full text of the 2012-2013 Nominating Committee Report; learn about the Total Attorneys discount program; meet your Division Officers.
