Manage a Practice with Practice HQ
We recently launched our new member benefit, Practice HQ. Organized by the lifecycle of a law practice, this one-stop microsite houses together high-quality practice information in one place.
Once you have opened your firm and decided what steps you will take to build your book of business, you can focus your energy on your firm's day-to-day tasks. There are two main components to this: providing legal services to clients, and managing the business side of your firm. For members who are looking for resources on how to manage a firm, Practice HQ has everything you will need. This section of the website is broken down into nine sub-sections of managing your practice:
Practice Management
From free online CLE dedicated to helping you practice smarter without creating extra work for yourself to practice management software recommendations, the content in this sub-section will help you get your systems and processes in place.
Document Management
When can I destroy my records? Do I have to give my former clients their files? This sub-section is a go-to resource for your most common questions on file management. You will also find tips on how to perfect your paper and electronic filing systems, move to a paperless office, and purge files ethically.
Time, Billing & Accounting
Law firm environments present unique financial issues, including trust accounting and client costs advanced. Understanding the different components of your firm's financial system — and how they tie together — is critical to remain in compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct and run a successful firm. Practice HQ has everything you will need to be successful.
Limited Scope Representation
If you are interested in offering limited scope representation to prospective clients, this section is for you. It assembles the key legal references, background information, and resources about limited scope representation in Illinois.
Legal Research
Fastcase is free legal research for members. In this sub-section, you fill find a compilation of CLE courses dedicated to Fastcase, whether you need an introductory seminar that covers the basis or more advanced tips designed to enhance your skills.
Technology
Technology is essential to running any business. But what kind of equipment do you really need, and how much should you be spending? The whitepapers and checklists will help you pick and choose the technology that is right for you and your firm. The free online CLE and articles will help you avoid common mistakes that could lead to a malpractice suit and build out a technology plan to help you budget related expenses.
Time Management
You want to practice smarter, not harder. In an age of information overload, this section has advice on how to increase efficiency and drive profitability.
Hiring and Firing
Whether a solo practitioner or part of a small firm, if you are thinking about bringing on an associate to expand your firm, you may not know where to start. Practice HQ tackles everything you need to know, from the costs of hiring and training a new employee to the laws that affect you as an employers.
Clients are what keep us in business. The resources in this section will help you communicate effectively — and ethically — with even the most difficult clients to establish deep and long-lasting relationships.
To benefit from these and other resources, log in to the ISBA website and visit Practice HQ today.