Although it has not been a difficult winter (thus far) for Maryland, most of us are probably starting to look forward to spring and getting back outside. In addition, there still may be some items to follow in the General Assembly which ends April 8.
Now that spring is approaching, let us take this issue of Tech Talk to think about how to prepare for the warmer weather and do some spring cleanup both professionally and personally.
SPRING CLEANING FOR LAW FIRM MANAGEMENT
Whether you are a solo, small, mid-sized or large firm, this could be a good time to look at how your firm is managed and how it might be made more efficient. Although good management has many of the same qualities regardless of firm size, the mechanics are different. Below are some links to some helpful tips for both Solo and Small Firms and Mid-sized and larger firms. For those with full time office managers or administrators, feel free to forward this information.
GENERAL TIPS
From the ABA Law Practice Management Section’s July/August, 2012 issue of Law Practice. “The New Normal: Law Firm Profitability” – This has excellent tips on measuring profitability for any size private practice.
SOLO/SMALL FIRMS
From the ABA GP/Solo and Small Firm Section’s January/February, 2013 issue of GP Solo, “The New Normal: Practicing in a Down Economy” – This article is specific for issues related to solo and small firms.
MID-SIZED/LARGE FIRMS
“Dealing With the "Leadership Vacuum" in Law Firm Management” by Joel Rose. This includes some good checklists for management teams.
From Law Practice Today, “Eight Things Keeping Law Firm Management Awake at Night” Although a few years old, it is amazing how on-target this article was and how much is still the same for firms.
Leadership ROI: Investments that Increase Profitability and Productivity by Thomas Clay of Altman Weil
SOME BUSINESS BOOKS WORTH READING
Not all of these are for law firms but sometimes we should look at it from a different perspective. All are available for e-readers and tablets
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Differenceby Malcolm Gladwell
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap - and Others Don't by Jim Collins
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
From Altman Weil – Recommended Reading for Law Firm Leaders (size does not matter)
SPRING OVERHAUL FOR OUR HEALTH
Now that spring is almost here, we need to be ready to get out and moving.
American Heart Association – A great site for information on all things healthy
10 Step Program to Get You Off the Couch and Into the Gym – Although humorous, the tips are really excellent and practical for everyone.
HealthFinder.gov - Sponsored by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, this site has drug information and newsletters (on topics such as diet and fitness) that can be lifesavers.
WebMD.com – Highly rated by doctors and one of the most professional health websites providing trustworthy and latest health and medical news and information. Offering credible health information, online community and more.
Drugs.com and RXList.com - One of the best health sites which provides news and information about prescription drug for professionals and consumers. Drugs.com site features a database for prescription and patient information. RXList.com contains information about most popular drugs and their side effects, interactions and more.
RealAge.com -One of leading health websites providing personalized plan to help people sleep better, eat healthier, look younger and live a longer life.
And finally the 63 (??) Best Health and Fitness Apps from the Greatist.com which is a good site for information about getting and staying healthy.
