Practice Management Articles & Updates

Women in Law: Creating a Culture of Diversity

Highlighting the importance of gender diversity in the legal profession for the next generation of practicing attorneys.

by NWSidebar

Creating Amazing Videos and Avoiding Ethics Violations

Video is a powerful platform for connecting with new prospects, establishing a stronger online presence, and providing resources for your current clients. As part of our ethics day on Aug. 26, 2015, we will be covering how to create content — including video — that avoids common ethics violations. But what makes a good video […]

by NWSidebar

5 Powerful Books to Inspire Women Lawyers

The Bar’s Charity Anastasio, practice management advisor for the Law Office Management Assistance Program, shares her top titles for empowering women in the legal profession.

by NWSidebar

Making the Case for Case Management Software

Do you feel like you need a better system for file management? There are many options, but each case management software platform is a hub for handling all information and tasks related to your cases.

by NWSidebar

Can a Single Fee Agreement Combine Flat Fees and Hourly Fees?

In flat fee cases, sometimes the attorney wins and sometimes she loses. But sometimes an attorney stands to lose much more badly than others.

by NWSidebar

The ‘2xFISTed’ Bill

A bill is a communication with a client, which means it is a marketing opportunity. Use this “2xFISTed” acronym to remind you how to make your bill shine and increase the likelihood that it will both get paid promptly and speak to the value you offer your client when she looks at it.

by NWSidebar

Ever Consider Using Live Chat on your Law Firm Website?

Some bold lawyers have introduced “live chat” functions on their websites to get leads, but is this a good idea?

by NWSidebar

Exercise Can Make You a Better Lawyer

Some people might think there isn’t enough time in the day to be both a serious lawyer and a serious athlete. I disagree. In fact, I think some of the skills athletes must develop can actually improve and enhance a lawyer’s abilities, too — which makes it well worth your time.

by NWSidebar

Why You Should Check Out WSBA’s Lending Libraries

A while back, I was moderating a program on retirement that mentioned subjects covered in our Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) and Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) lending libraries. So I plugged the libraries, thinking I was being infinitely helpful. A couple of weeks later, as I reviewed the questions and comments from the program, one […]

by NWSidebar

12 ABA TECHSHOW 2015 Highlights

My second year at the ABA TECHSHOW was magical. I was no longer a deer in the headlights, unable to absorb the massive amounts of content and activities. I made a pact with myself to indulge in every aspect of the event. This is my countdown of what I learned, thought, and got.

by NWSidebar

Lessons from a Legal Tech Startup: One Month as a “Lawyer in Residence” at Clio

This February, I headed up to Vancouver, B.C. to have a kid and spend some time as a “lawyer in residence” at the legal technology startup Clio.

by NWSidebar

Atticus Finch in the 21st Century: The Soul of Lawyering in a Landscape of Change

The world is very different from when the iconic attorney Atticus Finch practiced law in To Kill a Mockingbird, published in 1960. His practice was likely the only one in town and people in need could not research other options on the Internet. They could, however, pay for his services — since he accepted whatever […]

by NWSidebar

Dreading Business Travel? Here’s How to Stay Healthy

Many of us commit to eating better, exercising more often, and eliminating unhealthy habits. But those best-laid plans often get jettisoned during business travel (or vacations).

by NWSidebar

Friday 5: Advantages of Being a Rural Attorney

Five reasons for becoming a rural attorney from three rural Washington attorneys. Ever fantasize about retiring to a sleepy little town on the Washington coast or a bustling wheat town on the Palouse? Why wait? Here are five reasons for becoming a rural attorney, gleaned from interviews with three rural Washington attorneys.

by NWSidebar

Jacobson v. INC Research LLC: Court Allows Supplemental Proceeding to Enforce Attorney Lien

Although attorney liens have existed in statutory form in Washington since 1863, they remain a comparatively “underdeveloped” remedy for lawyers pursuing payment. In particular, the lien statute — RCW 60.40.010 — does not include a specific procedure for foreclosing a lien. The federal district court in Seattle recently provided an illustration of one potential avenue: […]