Publications

Illinois Bar Journal
Articles on Law Practice and Office Management

Correspondence from Our Readers October 2009 Column, Page 486 Dressing for distress - nylons and sandals;  Settlement agreements: do the release first.
How-to advice for rookie associates By Helen W. Gunnarsson October 2009 Lawpulse, Page 490 Make sure you’re taking the steps that will help you thrive as a new member of the firm.
Telling a prospective client “I’m just not that into you” By Helen W. Gunnarsson October 2009 Lawpulse, Page 490 ISBA lawyers offer various ways to deliver the message, but all agree that you can’t be afraid to tell would-be clients “no” if representing them doesn’t feel right.
From Sheepskin to Shingle By Helen W. Gunnarsson September 2009 Article, Page 448 Can you really go straight from law school into solo practice? What are the surest ways to succeed — or stumble?
Tech tools for solos By Helen W. Gunnarsson September 2009 Lawpulse, Page 438 Every sole practitioner needs a smart phone, a laptop, a scanner, and a good backup system. Here's why.
Dress for Courtroom Success, Not Distress By Helen W. Gunnarsson August 2009 Article, Page 402 Q. Whats the best way to dress for court? A. The way the judge says you should.
Social networking 1.0 By Helen W. Gunnarsson June 2009 Lawpulse, Page 278 Despite the newfangled options, blogs and e-mail discussion groups are still excellent ways to connect with other lawyers.
Should You Use Fastcase and How? By Helen W. Gunnarsson April 2009 Article, Page 178 Whether you make it your primary online research tool or use it to supplement Westlaw or Lexis, Fastcase can save you money. Lots of it. Here’s how.
Lawyer Lincoln By Daniel W. Stowell and John A. Lupton February 2009 Article, Page 74 A look at Abraham Lincoln's legal practice in antebellum Illinois.
Weathering the Storm By Karen Erger February 2009 Column, Page 98 Don't make bad economic times worse with bad management decisions.
1099s for deadbeat clients? By Helen W. Gunnarsson January 2009 Lawpulse, Page 10  A law-office management expert puts forth the option of sending a nonpaying client a 1099 for the value of your services. Is it really OK to do so?
Taking Down Your Shingle By Helen W. Gunnarsson January 2009 Article, Page 20 Selling or otherwise closing your private practice? Don't forget to take care of important business before you do.
Bacon-Saving Support Staff By Karen Erger October 2008 Column, Page 536 Don't think your support staff can make or break you? Think again.
In the Wake of the Flood: A Reminder about Disaster Readiness By Karen Erger August 2008 Column, Page 422 Plan for disasters natural and manmade now, while the river is in its banks.
Law-Firm Compensation Systems Explained By Helen W. Gunnarsson June 2008 Article, Page 288 Wondering whether your firm's compensation scheme needs an overhaul? Here's a look at what others are doing.
A solo's advice on going solo By Helen W. Gunnarsson March 2008 Lawpulse, Page 118  A young sole practitioner's take on the perils and pleasures of hanging out your shingle.
Are e-mail disclaimers really necessary? By Helen W. Gunnarsson February 2008 Lawpulse, Page 66 They really are, some lawyers say. In fact, you should put them at the beginning, not the end, of your messages, other lawyers say.
Law Firm Marketing 101 By G. M. Filisko January 2008 Article, Page 20 You didn’t go to law school to be a salesperson, but you still have to sell yourself to prospective clients. Here’s how.
Disciplining Attorneys and Other FLSA-Exempt Employees for Attendance Problems By Jon D. McLaughlin November 2007 Article, Page 600 Suppose your associate or paralegal shows up late for work. Can you dock her pay without transforming her fram an exempt to a nonexempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act?
Asked and Answered August 2007 Column, Page 435 What kind of client file system is best for your firm?
Asked and Answered July 2007 Column, Page 375 Can small p.i. firms compete with bigger ones?
Asked and Answered June 2007 Column, Page 320 Opening an IOLTA account.
Asked and Answered May 2007 Column, Page 266 Can a disbarred lawyer be a paralegal?
Ethical Challenges When Lawyers Sell Non-Legal Services By Jennifer E. Smiley and Michael L. Shakman May 2007 Article, Page 258 A review of the ethical rules that apply when lawyers seek to broaden their practices by offering non-legal services.
Choosing the Right Retirement Plan for Your Law Firm By Michael R. Maryn April 2007 Article, Page 198 A summary of leading tax-favored retirement plans, along with advice for selecting the best one for you and your firm.
IOLTA change allows trust accounts to earn highest rate By Helen W. Gunnarsson March 2007 Lawpulse, Page 118 Amended RPC 1.15, effective June 1, requires lawyers to place nominal or short-term client funds with banks that pay the same return on IOLTA as on non-IOLTA accounts.
Accepting Payment by Credit Card: Priceless? By Helen W. Gunnarsson January 2007 Article, Page 18 Setting yourself up to accept credit card payments has its advantages - and its risks. 
Asked and Answered November 2006 Column, Page 620 Calendaring for the budget-conscious small firm.
The Safer Sharer By Karen Erger June 2006 Column, Page 322 Office sharers must keep their practices separate and their confidences secret.
Calendars, Conflict-Checkers and More - Using Tech Tools to Manage Data By Carl R. Draper March 2006 Article, Page 134 Here are some high-tech ways to reduce data overload and stay on top of your fast-moving practice.
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