By Elizabeth Millerbio
I know this is not only a time of uncertainty but also fear as we try to make sense of this situation. It’s difficult to know what to do and what not to do. Conflicting stories and information seem overwhelming. And then there is your law practice to worry about.
When all is said and done, your law practice needs to survive. Fortunately working remotely is now an option for so many firms. In fact, the firms that are doing it are actually thriving because everyone is on board with working remote and using technology. Years ago, it would have been stop work or risk going into the office.
There are some things that you can do to make good use of your time:
- Work on your marketing! Social media is free but it can be time-consuming. Using targeted campaigns are still cheaper than using the pay-per-click campaigns. Some practice areas will see an uptake in business – family law, bankruptcy, probate. Reach out to potential clients and let them know that you are available to help even now. Figure out how to continue to market your firm when things get back to normal.
- Now would be a good time to try new software. There are so many products out there it can be quite confusing. If you are thinking of changing software or trying something new now is the time to check it out. Be sure to ask other attorneys as well as they can help save you some time.
- Now is a great time to get caught up on your CLEs – you have to do them anyway. Get them caught up and it will be out of the way.
- Take a look at some of your bigger cases. There might be additional work you can do to help your client’s interests – whatever kind of case it might be. Do some fact investigation, interview witnesses, take a closer look at discovery and see what the other side may have missed.
- Outsource to save money. Virtual help from a law firm administrator to a paralegal or a virtual assistant can save you time and money. Most of us are already well-trained in what we do so there is no down-time for us. Bookkeeping, billing, trust accounting, marketing – these are areas that take time away from doing what you do best – billing clients. Make your practice more efficient and find more time to bill your clients.
I don’t have to tell you to take advantage of this time and spend it with your family. While this may not be under the best of circumstances, there is no point in wasting this time. Take a hike, go on a family bike ride, watch a movie or cook together. Fortunately, these opportunities are rare so make the most of them.
Above all, be safe and know that this will end.