The Bottom Line

The newsletter of the ISBA’s Standing Committee on Law Office Management and Economics

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2018 Articles

7 reasons law firms should adopt cloud technology now By Adam Citron March 2018 If your law firm has yet to embrace the benefits that come along with a 100% cloud-based environment, now would be an excellent time to start.
Billing practices that keep clients happy By Kerry M. Lavelle May 2018 With the right approach to billing, most clients will appreciate your hard work, advocacy, and passion as their lawyer.
Financing your first year in practice By Kerry M. Lavelle May 2018 Starting your own practice comes with financial risks. This article addresses the traditional ways to stay afloat while you get your practice up and running.
HAL takes the bar exam By Dan Breen December 2018 In the realm of technological development, the legal industry is slower to adopt widespread change than most other industries, but we are at a point where the profound impact of artificial intelligence technology will be felt by the vast majority of legal practitioners.
How to set yourself up for hiring success By Jennifer M. Danish November 2018 Hiring can be a time-consuming and stressful process, but a well-thought-out approach helps you recruit and hire individuals who will be critical to your firm's success.
How to use Facebook to create top of mind awareness By Nicole Sartori November 2018 Some easy, relatively inexpensive and effective ways for your firm to use Facebook to gain that “top of mind awareness” to reach potential clients.
Identifying and recruiting firm leadership By Alex Rechenmacher March 2018 Looking for someone to steer the ship? Author Alex Rechenmacher identifies four types of potential recruits for your firm's top positions. 
If everyone is so busy, why is cash flow so low? By Kerry M. Lavelle May 2018 There are a few rules you need to follow to keep collections high, receivables low, and clients understanding that they are receiving value and hard work in exchange for paying their legal fees on time. 
Law firm financial management: Practical tips and suggestions—Part 2 of a multi-part series By John W. Olmstead May 2018 Part two of a multi-part series of practice tips and suggestions for effective financial management.
Law firm succession/exit strategies: Succession & transition plan By John W. Olmstead November 2018 A case study of a nine-attorney law firm whose three founders wanted to retire and needed a succession and transition plan.
Marketing: Why it has to be done By Kerry M. Lavelle March 2018 It is not just one person’s obligation to bring in business in a law firm—everyone should speak proudly about where they work and how they add value.
The necessities: The difference between wants and needs By Kerry M. Lavelle December 2018 Tips on how to get your law office up and running.
Quick tips and tricks for taking better notes By Alex Rechenmacher December 2018 The key to useful note-taking—a skill that will help you manage your cases more effectively—is to develop reliable habits.
A refresher on the ‘five tool attorney’ By Kerry M. Lavelle November 2018 There are five necessary tools that an attorney should possess or have the ability to develop to add great value to your law firm.
Should initial client consultations be free? By Kerry M. Lavelle March 2018 Should clients pay for an initial consultation or not? Author Kerry Lavelle discusses the pros and cons of each option.
Simple advice to ward off fraudsters By Kevin J. Stine December 2018 Security breaches can be minimized by simply following some basic rules regarding passwords and email use.
What are the ‘externalities’ of practicing law? By Kerry M. Lavelle May 2018 To build your book of business, meet referral sources, and become a better lawyer, it is critical for attorneys to participate in activities outside of the firm and courthouse.
What is the business reason for concentrating your practice in a specific area? By Kerry M. Lavelle March 2018 It is difficult to be great in multiple areas of the law. But is there an economic benefit to focusing your practice?