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Law Firm Business Plan Outline
If you want to be successful, you should consider how your law firm will operate well before you open your doors. A business plan is your roadmap to the future – you can show it to banks, suppliers or others whom you deal with when starting your practice. A business plan tells them that you… Read More »
Categories: Finances, PrecedentsLaw Firm Budget Precedent
Budgeting and managing your cash flows are a big part of staying in business. It is an old adage that what gets measured gets done: if you have set out straightforward financial goals and expectations that are to be met within a reasonable timeline, you will be able to judge if you are meeting, exceeding… Read More »
Categories: Finances, PrecedentsFraud and Cybercrime Dangers
Frauds targeting lawyers and their clients are getting more sophisticated. Law firms, particularly real estate firms, are sought-after targets for cyber hacking and phishing scams because they tend to have large sums of money in their bank accounts and are involved in transactions in which funds are regularly wired to outside parties. Our Fraud Watch… Read More »
Categories: Cyber dangersManaging the Security and Privacy of Electronic Data in a Law Office
[Note: this booklet was published in 2004. While it still contains valuable content, we refer you to our Cyber Dangers page for a more up-to-date assessment of cyber security issues facing law firms.] Clients, lawyers, and law office staff routinely work with electronic documents and data. Protecting the security and confidentiality of that information is… Read More »
Categories: Cyber dangers, Managing BookletsManaging the Finances of Your Practice
Taking an active role in managing the finances of your practice is key to building a successful law practice. Foresight, active planning, appropriate internal controls, and an ongoing review of current finances are critical if your practice is to be successful and profitable. This booklet (Download PDF) reviews the steps you can take to better… Read More »
Categories: Finances, Managing BookletsManaging a Mentoring Relationship
This booklet (Download PDF) provides practical advice and guidelines on how both mentors and mentees or protégées can build mentoring relationships that are productive and successful. It also explains the guidelines under which LAWPRO will waive surcharges on claims made against lawyers acting as mentors in a mentoring relationship. Find a mentor or mentee: Many… Read More »
Categories: Managing Booklets, MentoringManaging the Practice of Investing in Clients
The practice of lawyers investing in clients’ businesses is current and growing. Past experience with this type of activity (which includes taking equity positions in the form of shares of stock) has taught us that this practice raises significant issues which need to be managed. This booklet (Download PDF) will explain the issues you should… Read More »
Categories: Conflicts of Interest, Ethics, Finances, Managing BookletsModel Technology Usage Policy
This model policy is a supplement to LAWPRO Magazine: Cybercrime and law firms, published December 2013. This Technology Usage Policy precedent discusses the appropriate use of computing and information resources. 1. Computer Security Users must not share their accounts or passwords with others, and are only authorized to use their own accounts to access… Read More »
Categories: Legal Technology, PrecedentsSuccessful Lawyer: Powerful Strategies for Transforming Your Practice
Gerald A. Riskin, published 2005 (available as 256 page book or 6 audio CDs, 330 mins) Global management consultant and trusted advisor to many of the world’s largest law firms, Gerry Riskin goes beyond simple concept or theory and delivers a book packed with practical advice that you can implement right away. By using the… Read More »
Categories: Book, Firm Management, Legal Careers, Solo and Small FirmHow to Start and Build a Law Practice Platinum 5th Edition
Jay G. Foonberg, published 2004, 704 pages This classic ABA bestseller has been used by tens of thousands of lawyers as the comprehensive guide to planning, launching, and growing a successful practice. It’s packed with over 600 pages of guidance on identifying the right location, finding clients, setting fees, managing your office, maintaining an ethical… Read More »
Categories: Book, Finances, Firm Management, Legal Careers, Marketing, Solo and Small Firm