Making the AskBy Ed FinkelAugust 2015Article, Page 20What can female attorneys - and firms that want to hire and keep them - do to ensure that their compensation and opportunities keep pace with their talent and commitment?
Rule change makes it easier to clear ‘mystery money’ from IOLTA accountsBy Matthew HectorJune 2015LawPulse, Page 10Unidentified funds rattling around in your IOLTA account? Effective next month, amendments to Illinois Rule of Professional Responsibility 1.15 make it easier to dispose of them.
We’re All in This TogetherBy Richard D. FeliceJune 2015Column, Page 8Oregon and California could join Washington in authorizing LLLTs.
Plan to GrowBy Ed FinkelMarch 2015Article, Page 24Lawyers and practice advisers explain the importance of strategic planning to long-term success.
The sting of IOLTA overdraft alertsBy Matthew HectorMarch 2015LawPulse, Page 14Since 2011, banks have been required to report IOLTA-account overdrafts to the Illinois ARDC. The resulting investigations often uncover bookkeeping mistakes that get lawyers into trouble.
Feeling Secure in the CloudBy Ed FinkelJanuary 2015Article, Page 20You're probably already using the Internet to access remote servers - aka cloud computing - whether you know it or not. And you should be. But make sure you understand the risks.
The Rise of the Freelance LawyerBy Ed FinkelDecember 2014Article, Page 576More solos and small-firm lawyers are hiring stay-at-home moms and others on a project-by-project basis as the need arises. The lawyers they hire are trading full-time employment for freedom.
2014 Compensation & Benefits Survey: 5 Key FindingsBy Timothy A. SlatingNovember 2014Article, Page 528How much do ISBA members earn? How many hours do they work? What are the most popular practice areas? Survey respondents answer these and other questions.
Alternative Billing Comes to Main StreetBy Ed FinkelOctober 2014Article, Page 476Firms that serve corporate clients are no strangers to non-hourly billing strategies. But other attorneys are finding that consumer-friendly pricing can be lawyer-friendly as well.
Accepting credit-card payments? Mind your trust-account ps and qsBy Mark S. MathewsonSeptember 2014LawPulse, Page 418Make sure retainer-fee payments by credit card are going into your trust account and not your general office account, an ISBA ethics opinion admonishes.
The Powerful Practice Technology You Already HaveBy Ed FinkelSeptember 2014Article, Page 428The technology that can transform your practice by dramatically saving you time and money may already be in your office - if you'd just learn to use it.
Make Your Personal Style Work for YouBy Ed FinkelAugust 2014Article, Page 380Afraid you're too shy to get up and do what needs to be done to market your practice? Fear not. Good marketing is more about listening than talking.
A Family Lawyer’s Guide to Tending Client RelationshipsBy Janan HannaMay 2014Article, Page 224Choosing the right clients and managing their expectations may be the two most important jobs for any family law practitioner.
Good Is Not So BadBy Karen ErgerApril 2014Column, Page 198Perfectionism won't make you perfect. In fact, it might actually inhibit your performance.
The Business Case for Disability Diversity in Legal EmploymentBy Cheryl L. AndersonMarch 2014Article, Page 132Legal employers increasingly recognize that diversity in their workplace is important to success. Yet many overlook disability diversity. Here's why that's a mistake.
The Ratings GameBy Janan HannaMarch 2014Article, Page 124Sites like Avvo that rate lawyers and encourage consumer reviews are evoking reaction positive and negative in the legal community – and posing interesting ethical challenges.
Practice-Launching Tips for Solos and Small FirmsBy Ed FinkelFebruary 2014Article, Page 72Time to strike out on your own? Veteran practitioners help you get off to a good start - and avoid common missteps - with tips on marketing, billing, retainers, client management, and more.
Low Cost Technology for Highly Productive LawyersBy Ed FinkelJanuary 2014Article, Page 20Now more than ever, great technology tools - many especially designed for lawyers - are amazingly affordable if not free. But don't forget the crucial difference between "frugal" and "cheap."
Advance payment retainers in dissolution of marriage cases are subject to disgorgementDecember 2013Illinois Law Update, Page 612On October 3, 2013, the Illinois Supreme Court held that advance payment retainers paid in dissolution of marriage cases are subject to disgorgement pursuant to the "leveling of the playing field" rules in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (the "Act").
Limited Scope, Expanded OpportunityBy Ed FinkelOctober 2013Article, Page 508Recent Illinois Supreme Court rule changes enable lawyers to represent clients in litigation for only a portion of a case. Proponents say that's good for lawyers, clients, and judges.
New supreme court rules a boon to limited-scope representationBy Adam W. LaskerAugust 2013LawPulse, Page 386Amended Rules 11, 13, and 137 create business opportunities for lawyers by making it easier to represent clients for part, but not all, of a lawsuit or transaction.
Rainmaking in Dry TimesBy Ed FinkelJune 2013Article, Page 288How do you attract new clients and retain existing ones in this economy? Consultants and Illinois lawyers offer battle-tested tips.
The Lawyer’s iPad: Using Tablets in Your PracticeBy Maria KantzavelosMay 2013Article, Page 232Can you really use your mobile device to practice more effectively? Tech experts say "yes" and tell you how.
