Subject Index Law Practice and Office Management

ISBA ethics opinion OKs storing client info in the cloud

By Matthew Hector
January
2017
LawPulse
, Page 14
Lawyers can store client information on cloud-based servers, an ISBA ethics opinion says, but only if they take the proper precautionary steps.

Seeing - and Shaping - the Future

By Ed Finkel
January
2017
Cover Story
, Page 24
Sweeping change, much of it technology-driven, is posing new challenges to the legal profession that require new thinking. An ISBA task force is pointing a way forward for Illinois lawyers.

From the Discussions - Do I have to wear a suit to court?

December
2016
Article
, Page 40
Q. What are the rules if any governing courtroom attire requirements for lawyers?

Illinois - the third best ‘real billing rate’ nationwide for solos and smalls?

By Matthew Hector
December
2016
LawPulse
, Page 10
When billing rates are compared to the cost of living, Illinois is the third most lucrative state in which to practice for small-firm lawyers, according to Clio's Legal Trends Report.

Keeping Your Cell Phone Secure

By Jennifer Ramovs
December
2016
Column
, Page 44
The reasonable care standard doesn't stop with your phone.

Are You Getting File Retention Right?

By Ed Finkel
November
2016
Cover Story
, Page 22
Ethics rules and opinions provide a (mostly) clear picture of file retention best practices if you read them carefully. But cheap electronic storage is making discarding files a thing of the past.
1 comment (Most recent November 3, 2016)

Don’t Let a Disruption Be a Practice Disaster

By Jennifer Ramovs
November
2016
Column
, Page 54
Can you keep your practice running in the face of fire, flood, or other natural or man-made events?

Don’t Make Outlook Your ‘Practice Management Software’

By Jennifer Ramovs
October
2016
Column
, Page 51
Outlook is a powerful personal manager, but it's not a replacement for a true law practice management program.

Rare African-American female firm in national spotlight

By Matthew Hector
October
2016
LawPulse
, Page 12
Chicago-based Knight, Morris & Reddick uses technology and an entrepreneurial spirit to carve out niches in real estate, estate planning, and other practice areas.

Top Billing

By Ed Finkel
October
2016
Cover Story
, Page 22
Law firm billing is full of economic, ethical, and legal stumbling blocks for those who aren't systematic and conscientious about it - and opportunities for those who are, according to practitioners and billing consultants.

The Lowdown on Law Firm Transfers

By Ed Finkel
September
2016
Cover Story
, Page 22
The market for law firms is still maturing several years after transferring a practice became legal in Illinois. A recent buyer discusses the legal, financial, and ethical considerations.

Millennials: Communicate Effectively with Baby-Boomer Clients

September
2016
Column
, Page 50
Among other things, be more formal and do less texting and more talking.

Mapping the Relentlessly Efficient Law Firm

By Ed Finkel
August
2016
Cover Story
, Page 22
In today's competitive legal market, relentlessly efficient firms will succeed where others fail. And the proponents of "process mapping" insist that's just as true for solos as for megafirms.
1 comment (Most recent August 18, 2016)

The new overtime regs: A wake-up call for lawyer employers

By Matthew Hector
August
2016
LawPulse
, Page 12
Too few law firms follow best practices for paying employees who work more the 40 hours a week, an employment lawyer warns. The new federal overtime rules, effective December 1, are a fresh reason for getting it right.

Using Your Website Titles to Increase Search Rank; Lawyers’ Average Salaries

August
2016
Column
, Page 51
Title tags are one of the most important factors Google looks at in determining search result rank.

Is it Time to Update Your LinkedIn Profile?

July
2016
Column
, Page 47
Freshen up your photo, add skills, and take other steps to optimize your presence on LinkedIn.

From the Newsletters - 7 great tips for newbie lawyers

June
2016
Article
, Page 44
Lawyers share top advice they've received.
1 comment (Most recent June 1, 2016)

Tips for Using Video to Market Your Practice

June
2016
Column
, Page 47
Videos can help you connect with clients. Here's how to add them to your marketing mix.

Keeping Costs Down for Your New Solo Practice

May
2016
Column
, Page 44
As a new solo, it's important to be frugal. Here are tips for reducing your overhead.

From the Newsletters - If you’re using an attorneys lien to collect fees, sweat the details

April
2016
Article
, Page 46
If you're using an attorneys lien to collect fees, sweat the details.

Mandatory E-Filing Is Coming

By Ed Finkel
March
2016
Cover Story
, Page 30
Effective January 1, 2018, electronic filing will be mandatory in all 102 counties in Illinois. How will it work? Attorneys and judges share their hopes and concerns.

Search-Based Tips for Better Website Marketing

March
2016
Column
, Page 56
Six tips to ensure that your website is meeting your marketing needs.

Lincoln and Herndon 2016

By Ed Finkel
February
2016
Cover Story
, Page 22
If Abraham Lincoln were practicing today, what management techniques and tech tools should he use? LPM experts offer advice.

Taxing legal services still on the table

By Matthew Hector
February
2016
LawPulse
, Page 12
Studies by independent think tanks argue that while increasing service taxes is a good idea, extending that tax to professional services isn't.

Tips for Hiring Your First Associate

February
2016
Column
, Page 45
Don't forget to consider the cost of training.

Tragedy in the Tall Corn State

By Karen Erger
February
2016
Column
, Page 48
The sad case of Iowan David Roth has lessons for lawyers on both sides of the Mississippi.

IllinoisBarDocs: ISBA’s Affordable Forms

By Timothy A. Slating
January
2016
Article
, Page 28
The ISBA is launching a document assembly system.

Researching Opposing Counsel, Judges, and Juries on the Internet

January
2016
Column
, Page 52
A look at some of the best tools, from simple to complex.

Supercharged Social Media Marketing

By Ed Finkel
January
2016
Cover Story
, Page 24
Are you using Google Plus? Blogging? Using video? Describing yourself consistently across social media and the web? Find out what social media power users are doing to market their practices.

Making the Most of Holiday Cards

December
2015
Column
, Page 44
Holiday cards are a great way to connect with clients - here's how to do it right.

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