7 modern terms that have lost their original meaning
We often write about the myriad of ways technology is changing the legal profession. From online legal research to instantaneous eFiling, it seems technology keeps making us faster and more efficient. What is slow to change, however, is the language we use to describe the things we do. In fact, many of our most commonly […]
3 ideas for exercising creativity in your law firm
If you had to use one word to describe legal professionals, it probably wouldn’t be “creative.” Indeed, law schools and paralegal programs intentionally teach us to think methodically. Every problem can be solved using good old IRAC – Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion. We rely on precedent to persuade judges and, in fact, are often chastised […]
Bringing effective legal project management to your team
For decades, the term “project management” invoked images of construction workers and engineers huddled around a set of blueprints, scheming to raise a building from the ground up. It was rarely, if ever, applied in the legal setting. In recent years, however, the legal profession has embraced the concept of project management. In fact, the […]
The 7 PDF skills you need to successfully eFile in Illinois
You’ve probably heard by now that Illinois State Courts now require electronic filing of court documents almost without exception. As discussed in earlier posts, the courts are rather particular about the formatting of these electronic documents. Scanned PDFs are discouraged. Electronic signatures must be affixed in different formats, depending on the identity of the signatory. […]
4 tips for meeting filing deadlines—every time
There may be no more deadline-intensive industry than the law. Courts, agencies, and clients are unforgiving when it comes to timeliness. Some days, it feels like it’s all one can do just to keep on top of the calendar. And this is no small issue – according to the American Bar Association, calendaring mistakes are […]
To scan or not to scan: eFiling requirements for Illinois
By now, most legal professionals in Illinois are familiar with the eFiling requirements imposed by state courts. But do you really know the mechanics of eFiling? For example, do you know when scanned documents are allowed and when they’re not? How about electronic signatures – do those need to be scanned? The rules surrounding scanning […]
How the science of persuasion impacts the legal profession
It is undeniable that lawyers and other legal professionals rely heavily on persuasion. In fact, some lawyers refer to persuasion as an art form. But the person many people consider the foremost authority on this subject thinks that persuasion is actually a science. Robert Cialdini is a professor emeritus of psychology and marketing at Arizona State University. His “Six Principles of Persuasion,” are […]
The importance of start-up and shutdown rituals: Part 2
In the first part of this series, we discussed the importance of rituals and how morning-time rituals can improve daily feelings of health and wellness. In the high-stress world of law firms, having end-of-day rituals can be just as critical. Deadlines, demanding clients, and the constant pressure for perfection can leave us at wit’s end […]
Recent tech mistakes in law firms—and learning from them
While modern technology has certainly made life easier for legal professionals, it has also created a whole host of problems. Emails, instant messaging, social media, and web-based time-trackers are undeniably convenient. Each, however, carries a risk for costly tech mistakes in law firms. These risks undoubtedly exist in any office environment, but law offices are […]
The importance of start-up and shutdown rituals: Part 1
Despite all the modern office technology aimed at making life easier, things seem to constantly get more complicated. Smartphones keep us chained to our email inboxes around the clock. Texting and instant messaging are quick and relatively unobtrusive ways to keep a work conversation going well past business hours. All this convenience is fine and […]