Don't use westlaw.
There are a ton of other resources that are free that I'm missing, but these are where I would start.
I use this notebook and have found it to be very useful for keeping me organized.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CH28T86/
I keep track of my matters and time on the left, and I keep a weekly to-do list on the right. Sometimes I write due dates, sometimes not. I write the date I completed a to-do task after I check it off as done. Every Monday morning is quick little review of what I did last week and what to-do items I need to carry forward.
I am usually a digital-only guy. I am a big believer in not using paper. But in this case, this is the only thing that has worked for me. None of those fancy timekeeper apps work for me because I never remember to switch them off or to change matters - but for some reason I do remember to quickly job it down with ink.
Another benefit is this lets me quickly triage incoming tasks. Either I address them right away in real-time if I think I can get it done quickly, or they go on my to-do list with a due date ideally.
I had a partner at my first job tell me something that helped. She said that very little that you screw up can't be fixed. Like a statute of limitations. I was at a firm that loved to blow deadlines and file a motion for leave to file instanter. Courts always grant it. Better to file a motion in advance, of course, but this is what we did when we needed a day or two from an appellate court.
Lawyers are human and we all make mistakes. You try not to make them but it happens.
Thing is to learn from mistakes and never make the same one twice. Josh Waitzkin, the subject of the book/movie searching for bobby fisher wrote this book where he says the same thing:
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Learning-Journey-Optimal-Performance/dp/0743277465
Avoid "BLACK HAT SEO" gurus that promise to get you top of Google FAST. They will destroy your SEO in the long run by using tricks that mess with google analytics. Once google figures out that trick it will downvote your website.
It's better to use "WHITE HAT" search engine optimization tactics to reach the top page of google. List your office on google maps, https://www.google.com/business/
Also spend an hour or two listing your website, business name, phone number, and office address on websites such as your local chamber of commerce, local BAR association, and networking groups. Make sure to list all the items mentioned because google LOVES them listed all together.
SOURCE - I am a virtual receptionist for several solo lawyers.
I do pick it up from time to time but it was mostly useful for getting started. As I got more established and wanted more general information about growing my firm, I found this book helpful and inspiring:
https://www.amazon.com/Tiger-Tactics-Powerful-Strategies-Winning/dp/1732641110/ref=nodl_
I highly recommend the Hemingway Editor. The app highlights lengthy, complex sentences and common errors in writing in an easy to digest format. I paste important emails or email copy to it all the time.
I recommend this book/audiobook - “Quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking” by Susan Cain. She was a lawyer herself and very much an introvert. Might be helpful to you, perhaps consider checking it out!
https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking-ebook/dp/B004J4WNL2
I second the main point is how do you make the firm money. Depending what type of law firm you are applying to, think about how they make money, by bringing in clients. What type of clients does the firm want to bring in, and how can you bring in those client??
Also, I think equally important to what is in the letter is how the cover letter looks. There is a book called "Typography for Lawyers" by Matthew Butterick. Amazon link (https://www.amazon.com/Typography-Lawyers-2nd-Matthew-Butterick/dp/159839262X). You should buy that book for formatting your letter.
Additionally, think about how to present the letter. If emailed, it should be a PDF. If there are multiple documents, consider making a PDF portfolio instead of including multiple attachments. If in hard copy, buy yourself some nice paper.
I try two things: one is to "Eat the frog": do the task I'm truly dreading the most. That feeling of a dreaded task can tank productivity.
Another thing I do is 'random tasks'. I have a to-do list that I'm semi good about and on days I'm just not feeling it, I'll number my tasks and use a random number generator. I'll work on task number N for 20 minutes or until I finish. Usually once I start it, I'll finish it. Sometimes I realize I just can't do N, I need to do a different task so I'll do that instead and things still get done.
Lately I've been working on ignoring email/calls while I focus. It's easier said than done...I'm an inbox zero person so that notification makes me crazy.
I see no comments yet so I'll jump in with an idea. First caveat: I'm not that familiar with eDiscovery software. But I'm not sure it matters: My experience has been that the software tools that programmers/developers build for themselves are often superior to the ones they build for lawyers. For example, I just tried (again) and ditched (again) Clio because it doesn't match the functionality I can get for my needs from a combination of Freshbooks & Highrise (with a few others from time to time, and Zapier to connect them). It probably helps that I came from the tech world before I went to law school, so I tend to draw analogies between software workflow problems/solutions and legal ones (though I'm not a programmer).
Software teams are really good at tracking complex matrixes at at least two points in their workflow: feature requests (sometimes called a backlog) and bugs. If nobody else chimes in with a whiz-bang discovery-specific product that works well for them, I'd think about looking into software tools that track either or both of those. My wife (still in software) uses and likes VersionOne at her work, which tracks both, and Zendesk is well-liked for tracking customer support requests (not quite bugs, but similar). Almost any software-oriented tool is going to have robust tagging and searching that you could leverage to associate discovery "stories" with different cases/parties/witnesses/etc.
Maybe not what you were thinking, and probably not turn-key, but something to think about.
I replaced mine with the Epson WorkForce ES-400 Color Duplex Document Scanner for PC and Mac, Auto Document Feeder (ADF). Around $280.
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Investment Banker here. Won't even attempt to speak to law but if you want to learn about the finance side of transactions this book is the go to.
That is a good and complete resource, but I would suggest looking into the Business Model Canvas and/or Lean Canvas (my preference) approaches BEFORE you go through the effort of long form business planning. These tools will help you focus on on your product definition and ideal client/market, and get you thinking about what you will need to offer to stand out. I also recommend reading "The Lean Startup" by Eric Reis and/or Running Lean by Ash Maurya.
Sounds like you are already treating your solo firm like starting a business and that's great. I strongly recommend getting familiar with the Lean Startup approach to entrepreneurship and other Agile concepts--they will really help accelerate your success.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Rather than give you specific advice or answer your specific questions, I will offer this: (1) Read "The Lean Startup" by Eric Reis. It is not written specifically for law and that's a good thing. It simply the best modern thinking around for how to start any business. (2) Read "Business Model Generation" by Alex Osterwalder. After you've read it, you will find other versions of its Business Model Canvas around the web. I'm a fan of the one called the Lean Canvas by Ash Maurya. Finally, spend less time networking with lawyers and more time talking to potential customers. Learn what they like and don't like about their current lawyers and craft your own product mix to capitalize on what you learn. Good luck, it'll be the best decision you ever made.
How about one of these?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TJ81FSC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Currently has a 20% coupon. Just bought one, hear they're fantastic.
Pro Tip: A lot of people screw up the referral gifts. Just do cash. Everyone loves cash. Eat the tax and just give them bills.
Procedure is the biggest issue. First year or several years out. A book that's helpful https://www.amazon.com/Curmudgeons-Guide-Practicing-Law/dp/1590316762 Author is grumpy.
50 emails - are they all urgent? FYI emails? do you get copied on emails to clients?
I read some emails and file them away. Some I delete (marketing/spam). Some emails need to be acted on right away. Not all emails have the same priority.
Take the draft you get and compare it with what you sent. Also schedule a meeting with senior attorney and ask how you can improve.
You don't need trial experience because without good trial partners or opposing counsel you're just getting more bad experience. I mean, sure, it helps but I think you'll be fine if you just read this book:
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Now that's the third edition. If you want to pay twice that you can buy the 6th and latest (last edition as he passed away a few years ago).
If you read this book you will do a better job at trial than 95 percent of the lawyers out there.
This is the best book I've found on contract negotiation:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1435706390/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Not perfect, of course, but should give you some things to think about in terms of a negotiation process.
This is what I use. I find that drafting usually starts with precedent - never try to draft from scratch. Negotiating is a skill that you learn with time and mentoring, and cover your naivete with preparation. I like Fox's book I linked above because it answers those questions that seem innocent but you want to make sure aren't going to trip you up, like whether or not you have to say "including but not limited to"
If you have access to PLI, there are some solid forms and clause banks in there.
I buy these notebooks, and I write everything in them as I go. Then I enter the time on the system when I can. It's contemporaneous, but it's not a burden.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8862931034/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
At the risk of revealing I am actually a dinosaur, I found it easier to deal with physical timesheets than getting my billing program up and making entries in real time. (Although now post-its are probably way cheaper).
https://www.amazon.com/Timepads-Professional-Check-Box-Professionals/dp/B07PNS1T3S
Terrestrial and semi-aquatic (herps/amphibians). I'd like to get a hybrid setup going including fish, but I don't know much about fish and am still struggling to learn plants.
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Mostly smaller tanks (30-100gallon) though I've built a few larger displays. My biggest is ~3' x 3' x 8'.
Here's a few pics of a large free range chameleon setup: https://photos.google.com/u/1/album/AF1QipMoM0zWQkmqAGfGmfDULf0hIKl_DNLqAnbiQPaJ
I have assisted lawyers in getting off the scorpion network for a while and here are the top things to put on your shopping list when finding a new Google marketing team:
Most of this is very conditional, so I would need to know what city you are in and your website address to help more. I'd be happy to help personally if you would like to know all your options. My team and I can run the numbers for you (no-strings-attached) if you would like to find some time together: schedule
How about something a bit more fun? A book about bankruptcy of Marvel Comics? (don't worry, it's still meaty and educational)
This involved some of the biggest names in NY finance and turned out to be one of the most complicated bankruptcies in corporate history. At one point there were dueling boards, biglaw firms that were ordered to stop billing, and the company got bought out by its own subsidiary.
https://www.amazon.com/Comic-Wars-Tycoons-Battled-Empire/dp/0767908309
I'd honestly just go to Designer Shoe Warehouse or something similar and try on shoes and walk around in them, since every foot is different. I've had my best luck with Clarks, Easy Spirit, Aerosoles, LifeStride lots of the "older" comfort brands have great options that should blend in with a conservative law office.
Back when I used to run up and down stairs for in-person court and run around parking structures and city streets, the most comfortable shoes I had were these wedges. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LGPOVFM/ref=twister_B093RZ2LQX?_encoding=UTF8&th=1&psc=1
Flying Solo: A Survival Guide for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1590314808?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I’m still a student(3L) but I took law practice management last semester. You might want to check out our textbook. My professor and other friends that went solo after law school have said it took about 9 months for their firm to gain traction and start becoming an actual business.
Sorry to be blunt, but don't bother applying for those posted jobs, because law firms who are hiring want older people who are going to stay in those jobs, not an untrained teenager who would only stick around a few months at most. I get calls and emails from high school or college students often and don't have the time to show them the ropes. Your best best is to be willing to be a free intern, and even then, it would probably be a drain on the attorney's time. If you have any connections to lawyers like friends of your family, try that route. If there's a nextdoor.com group for your area, try posting a query there to see if anyone has connections to lawyers who might be willing to let you intern.
I highly recommend using Airtable for this type of project. https://airtable.com/
Airtable is a hosted FREE for individuals product that is like a database for words/ text. I use it to organize legal research. You can add a hyperlink of a case or upload a case pdf into a cell. It is easy to use and fantastic for tracking case law, clients, projects, etc.
I love Clio. It's great for me because my firm uses Google Apps, and it is seamless with it.
Here is a link to Paypal's fee structure. It depends on how much you process per month, and it's cheaper if you use paypal here.
I think that's the best approach. Or at the very least, establish a practice in another law shop that can refer you business. Maybe one that doesn't do criminal and can send you work? Maybe they do mostly real estate and general law stuff? Often they are the people's attorneys. But to learn the most you should work for a criminal lawyer initially. There's so much you need to learn that you can't get in law school nor in your own practice. You need to learn the practice of law.
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Also, you can sometimes get a free office in exchange for putting some hours in for another law firm.
Read this:
https://www.amazon.com/Directly-Into-Practice-Without-Missing/dp/B0006CO1G6
I bought a color, wireless Brother AIO for law school. Paid about $500 for it at the time, but have yet to even change a toner cart on it. This is after years of printing out reams and reams of cases and other documents. My spouse also printed all of her undergrad coursework on it.
Whatever you end up getting, be sure to check whether the printer allows you to print when ink/toner levels are low. That was my main concern and it took a bit of research to find a unit that wouldn't completely stop printing due to supply levels.
Highly recommend Brother HL-L2350DW. I did a lot of research when starting out in January and this thing is really efficient and the cartridges are pretty inexpensive.
Brother HL-L2350DW: https://www.amazon.com/Brother-Monochrome-HL-L2350DW-Two-Sided-Replenishment/dp/B0763WDSYZ/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=brother%2Bdw&qid=1637101863&s=electronics&sr=1-4&th=1
I’ve had this since 1L summer (first law clerk gig) and it’s never let me down. I’ve been gifted nicer bags but honestly this one is durable and has plenty of space.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business Full-Grain Colombian Leather Dual Compartment Flapover 15.6-inch Laptop Business Portfolio, Cognac https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QI2RHAU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_APRW6GSDRBQ40VF5CGQ7?psc=1
That being said, the saddleback bags are really great for the $$.
Always happens when many people are involved. My only suggestion regarding doing different things is to just break it up into distinct processes where you need to, but try to keep it consistent where possible.
As far as software goes it depends a little bit on your practice area, but generally:
Clio & Practice Panther - I favor these two just because of their integrations into other products. Smokeball Mycase
Many others, and a few newer ones that are specific to different areas.
There are a few more you can look at here: https://www.g2.com/categories/legal-practice-management
I've had a lot of success through upwork.com. And you pay them only for the hours they work. You need to screen the prospects, and sometimes they don't work out. But I've built a great team from people I met there.
What do you use for case management software?
Overwhelmed by the options here (http://www.capterra.com/law-practice-management-software/) but leaning towards CosmoLex ($50/month) which claims to do accounting and law practice case managment in one (https://www.cosmolex.com/) eliminating the need for something like Quickbooks.
There are some ideas at https://www.noodlesoft.com/forums/
For me, I used a few sets of rules and folders. I look for "tokens" such as "Patient name" and the match the text that follows.
I then use a few OCR based rules looking for names of clinics or their phone numbers and now I have a client name and a clinic name. It's already date stamped.
The easier rules are just to scan / OCR, then look for an account number. I now know it's a statement from x bank, the date is automatically added, and then I sort it to a folder.
Dropbox was breached in 2012. Check if you've been pwned https://haveibeenpwned.com/
I use my own local cloud server that backs up to Amazon S3 / Glacier.
Most state bars, the FTC, etc., will require your data handling and security be "reasonable". AWS is usually the first provider to become compliant with national and international standards https://aws.amazon.com/compliance/, can't get much more reasonable than that, cheapest for archival/backup purposes.
*For sharing data directly to client, I usually just use Google Drive if I can't email it, then delete it after 48 hours.
I've been using OneDrive and suffering the sync issues, though I haven't had any major ones apart from the silly "can't have certain characters in filenames to sync" bit. Which on that point, I found BulkRenameUtility to cure that problem.
Since then, I haven't had any major issues other empty folders mysteriously lingering for some hours (and one time, two days) after their deletion even from accessing OneDrive online and deleting them.
In turn, if I have any more issues, I think I'll keep my active caseload in free Dropbox and use OneDrive just for my research library and closed cases. I've been putting many of them into .rar files in OneDrive as a countermeasure to OneDrive's syncing problems, too, to eliminate the number of files it's trying to sync.
Depending on your state of residence you could also try Tresorit. It's hosted off shore, which I understand is prohibited by some state bars, but it uses a nearly unbreakable encryption system. [Tresorit]https://tresorit.com/contest/hacking-challenge)
Well, the UI is strongly Slack-like.
What's the value proposition over Slack? Or it's more PM oriented competitors (Hipchat, Flow, Asana, etc)?
People shouldn't hang their hat on Zapier. It's not integration. It's unidirectional-hand-hackery-as-a-service. Another company's service, to boot. And more intermediary servers.
Given they do it in the aggregate - but many think this is a direct violation of your ethical obligations to maintain client privacy and confidences. Hence the advent of a platform specifically designed for the legal industry.
If this is your whole pitch, I'd be worried. I have old school attitudes for an atty my age, but even I would acknowledge that these concerns are largely being left behind. Also -- doesn't this go out the window when you rely on Zapier?
Furthermore, the state bar opinions that are out there include the size, stability and sophistication of the host in the factors an attorney should evaluate in vetting communications platforms, cloud storage, etc. Google, Slack, and companies like that fit the bill better than some fly-by-night. (Your corporate address appears to be a residence.)
Many organizations find it much easier to separate their internal means of communication from external.
Corporate intranets and groupware are nothing new in 2016. They were nothing new in 2006 -- or 1996, for that matter. (Remember Lotus Notes?)
Your SEO is working at least -- kinda -- you're the second result if I google 'slack IRC GPL'.
At first I thought there was no community edition, or github. I'm not sure why that wasn't mentioned in your OP....except for the obvious reason that money is nice.
It sounds like the only task management software you have is an inbox. Best practices for task management start from the top down. I don't care if it's google tasks or a kanban board, but there has to be something, preferably that is sharable, that can organize tasks from pending->doing->done. Something like this for example.
For flexible project management look at Infinity:
It is not designed specifically for law practice. It is very flexible and can be configured all sorts of ways, and right now you can buy a lifetime deal: pay once and use it forever.
Also look at:
clickup
dubsado
monday
trello
Then of course there's law practice management software like:
Clio
Practice Panther
Both of which have lots of integrations and also work with Zapier.
MyCase is very popular as an all-in-one, but doesn't integrate with anything. More like a global solution if you just want one subscription that does most of everything for your law practice.
PS: There may be some webhosts that already have it ready to set up and launch, but haven't found one cheap enough.
Also, HoudiniEsq 2.0 can be used for free as a solo practitioner, so I'm going to experiment with that when I have the time.
I've looked at Nextcloud 19 (with OnlyOffice included) https://nextcloud.com/industries/legal/ and it might fit you as well, though more generic. Lots of support/pre-configured VMs out there.
This book helped me because it’s very specific and shares wins and losses when expanding:
Tiger Tactics: Powerful Strategies for Winning Law Firms https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732641110/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6Z81BWR9Z7ZHJYXHK02P
Clio sets up a folder for every client and separate folders for each matter. It does this automatically when you open the file in Clio. So, the Drive Root Directory has a folder called Clio. The Clio folder has a separate folder for each client. Each client folder has separate folders for each matter. You then manually set up folders inside the matter folder, as needed. You can access your documents using Google's objectively superior search functionality. You can also access the documents from inside Clio. Clio also has excellent case management, timekeeping, and billing features. Also, you can scan documents directly to the matter folder in Drive and it automatically populates in Clio. This is the scanner I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PH5Q51P/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Someone a year ahead of me recommended this book once they started as an associate. I haven’t read it, so I can’t say if it’s actually helpful!
Business Basics for Law Students, Fourth Edition (Essentials) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735557446/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_F3ZDMEESX5PJ9WK9APEC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
A credit card is the best way to complete your financial requirement without having sufficient money. It is more valuable in your life to purchase any product or service without paying on purchasing time. You can download the Bajaj Finserv app to apply for a <strong>credit card</strong>. It is a very easy and user-friendly app.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q3V4PWQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share I recommend this one. I also try weekly to get a 20 min run during lunch. It helps to work close to home or have gym nearby (outside). Could not agree more W #3
The law is a cruel mistress.
I highly recommend this book.
But like other commenters have said, it sounds like you're in a toxic environment. It's shitty that they'll berate you rather than patiently teach you.
Read the book. Get out. Not necessarily in that order.
If you're at a decent firm and have West Law, I highly recommend seeing if you have access to Practical Law. They have form documents for just about every commercial transaction you can think of (with versions that are drafted in favor of each party) as well as descriptions/drafting notes as to why the clause is in there and alternative things to consider when negotiating.
If you don't have access to that, then as far as books go, I'd recommend these:
The first goes over software license agreements, NDAs, professional service agreements, SOWs, SaaS/PaaS/IaaS, maintenance agreements, etc.
The second covers all kinds of outsourcing agreements, most of which include IT outsourcing (SaaS, dev work, etc.). The appendices are great as they have form term sheets, MSAs, SOWs, etc.
For exhibits being sent out of house? No tabs. Produce electronically on a DVD.
For my trial exhibits? Avery 1701s are $2.78 a set on Amazon with free Prime shipping. 1701 is the 1-25 numbers. 1702 is the 26-50 set. And so on.
https://www.amazon.com/Avery-Collated-Dividers-Allstate-Letter/dp/B0044AD03Q
I would also read this timeless classic on the subject (you can get it used) - how to start and grow a law firm. https://www.amazon.com/Start-Practice-Career-American-Association/dp/1590312473/ref=asc_df_1590312473/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312186864233&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12525881901966854658&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hv...
My law partner wrote this book. It is super helpful for small firm marketing. If you PM me your name and address, I will mail you a free copy. Unfortunately we don't have any of the e-versions to give out. Tiger Tactics: Powerful Strategies for Winning Law Firms https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732641110/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5Pf6CbE1HAZ3Y
I started a small law firm seven years ago. For me, the five most helpful books are: - The Lean Startup - Black Swan by Nassim Taleb - The Innovator's Dilemma - The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything - Thinking Fast, and Slow
None of those are directed at law firms or lawyers, but I found that thinking and reading differently from other lawyers helped me get creative ideas.
This approach makes sense, but if you are going to custom build something (by yourself or with others) you owe it to yourself to read "The Lean Startup" and get familiar with iterative development frameworks like Scrum and Kanban. I recommend the Lean Startup book either way--it will help you make better business decisions about your practice overall.
We use these, but ours have pockets on the front which are handy for principal documents. These are used for general correspondence alongside a lever arch for any court docs.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Transfer-Spring-Pocket-Foolscap/dp/B000I6NTFE
I borrowed this book from an older attorney and it's been very helpful.
This is starting to get a bit dated, but perhaps you will find it useful.