ABA Journal

Mind Your Business

43 ABA Journal Mind Your Business articles.

Top 4 unexpected culture killers for post-COVID-19 hybrid work

While individual schedules will vary, on any given day, firms will have a segment of their team in the office, and another segment dispersed. After more than a full year of working remotely, this will be yet another disruption for law firms to endure.

How law firms should approach collections for financial success

By many accounts, law firms got through the financial challenges of 2020 by making deep cuts to expenses. And while that strategy seems to have worked, firms have likely reduced spending as much as they can and will have to focus on other aspects of the revenue cycle to propel their recovery.

Should you incorporate your firm as an S corporation?

The business entity you select for your firm has enormous implications for your annual tax liability. In addition, determining whether to make additional tax elections with the IRS can be one of the more confusing aspects when establishing a law firm. Which structure is right when you start your firm? Should you start with one structure and modify it down the line? What tax advantages could you gain from a change?

Demographics as destiny: Making the case for law firm diversity and inclusion

“For many years now, it has been well documented and reported that promoting diversity is an unequivocal pathway to success, and of the many routes that lead to law firm advancement, this pathway is simpler and less expensive to achieve.”

What associates have to know about making a lateral move to a new market out of state

The days when attorneys remained loyal to one firm for decades are, for the most part, long gone.

How to make a professional transition during the COVID-19 pandemic

Do you find yourself living with the stark reality of having to make a transition during COVID-19? Are you looking at changing practice areas or making a move to a new firm? Change in the best of times can be daunting. Add to that the various challenges we are currently facing with restrictions and lockdowns, and it may seem insurmountable. But it doesn’t have to be.

Who’s Zooming who in the lateral partner market?

During my firm’s annual review meeting to discuss a tumultuous 2020, luckily, my phone rang. It was a law firm partner curious about the state of the lateral partner market.

Top tips for lawyers to boost their online reputations

In today’s online-centric world, lawyers often get just one click and one page of search engine results to make their cases to prospective clients. It’s the first and maybe only opportunity to showcase their credibility to clients in an increasingly competitive market.

How law firms can be—and stay—effective during the COVID-19 crisis

As it has done to other professions within the business community, the coronavirus pandemic has severely disrupted normal functioning in the field of law. From closed courtrooms to quarantined clients, we are dealing with a new and challenging set of issues. But with the right planning and a strategic approach, we can overcome these obstacles and continue to effectively serve our clients.

How late-career litigators can reinvent themselves as law firm mentors

“Do you have a minute?” In my job, the answer to that question has to be “yes”—almost always. No one arrives in your office with a pained look on their face, unless it involves something that needs to get done now. Maybe it doesn’t rise to the level of a practice crisis or emotional emergency, but the lawyer across from you wants to complete this task right away.

The COVID-19 consequence: Emerging talent is at risk

For those students who did not land an entry-level job at a BigLaw firm, the circle is truly vicious as they attempt to launch their careers in an unwelcoming and unstructured environment, write Jonathan Greenblatt and Bryan Parker of Legal Innovators.

Thanks for nothing: When should lawyers end an email with ‘thank you’?

Writing a professional email is difficult enough. And choosing an appropriate signoff can be daunting, with so many options to choose from: “Thank you” (or just “Thanks”), “Sincerely,” “Best,” “Regards,” “Yours” or nothing at all (as in, “—Jon”). The list goes on.

7 tips for cost-efficient and effective law firm marketing during COVID-19

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, successful law firm marketing had a different tone and message than it does now, and marketing will continue evolving in the coming months. Consider these seven marketing pointers from lawyer and author Tiana H. Hardison.