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solo and small firm resources

Lawyer holding other people's money.

5 min read

7 Ways To Stay Out of Trust Account Trouble

Trust account problems remain one of the top reasons attorneys are disciplined here in the US. And while there have been and will continue to be attorneys whose trust accounting activities are egregious and occasionally even criminal, such behaviors...

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Ducks in a row

4 min read

When Sharing Office Space, Make Sure You Have Your Ducks in a Row

I once came across a comment on a blog post about attorneys sharing office space that stated malpractice insurance companies and those who write our...

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two unprofessional lawyers are not setting the right impression for their future clients

6 min read

Why First Impressions Matter

Like you, I’ve been a consumer for years and the older I get the more I’ve come to recognize the impact of first impressions on my spending...

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a lawyer saying

3 min read

Why It’s Important To Be Able To Say "No"

Some people seem to struggle when it comes to saying no. Perhaps they view it as requiring them to be confrontational and confronting someone can be...

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lawyers discuss conflict waivers

2 min read

Joint Representation Conflict Waivers – Why You Can't Have It Both Ways

An estate planning firm asked me to review several sample Consent to Joint Representation forms they were using with their clients; and what I found...

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Lawyer receiving notice of a malpractice counterclaim.

6 min read

How to Avoid the Legal Fee Suit Counterclaim

You finish a client matter. You feel good about the quality of your work, and you are pleased that you got such a good result for your client. Then,...

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thank you letter from an attorney sits on a wooden desk

5 min read

Don't Underestimate the Importance of Closure Letters

Over the years, I have found that the use of closure letters varies greatly, not only between firms, but even between attorneys practicing at the...

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lawyers make their business plan

5 min read

Lawyers: How and Why to Implement a Business Plan to Guide Your Firm

Successful businesses of all shapes and sizes often take time once a year or so to review and update their mission statement, strategic plan, and...

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4 min read

Passive Management: Is Your Law Firm Lacking Leadership?

After having consulted with over twelve hundred law firms over the years, trust me when I say that more than a few small law firms around the country...

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4 min read

How to Stop Having to Write and Send Declination Letters

Declination letters, also referred to as non-engagement letters, are those letters that say, “thanks, but no.” Some lawyers use them religiously and...

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3 min read

Can Lawyers Use Apps Like Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal?

As with so many tech decisions lawyers face, the answer is yes, as long as any associated ethical issues are identified and responsibly addressed....

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4 min read

Is It Okay For a Lawyer to Text with Clients?

Is it okay for a lawyer to text with clients? This question is one that keeps coming up. The short answer is yes; but just because you can do...

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5 min read

Is Making a Referral Risky?

Referrals of all types are commonplace in the practice of law. They are often made after work is declined. Staff may pass a name along in response...

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