Law Firm Marketing—Mining and Minding Your Referral Base and NetworkBy John W. OlmsteadLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, March 2026While traditional marketing has its place for increasing revenue, don't underestimate the power of referrals from past clients, attorneys, or other professionals to generate business. It's never too late to form a referral base for your firm!
Robots in Robes? Introducing the AAA’s “AI Arbitrator”By William TaschLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, March 2026The American Arbitration Association is exploring AI in alternative dispute resolution with its new "AI Arbitrator." AI arbitration just may address some challenges for certain categories of disputes, even if significant questions about the approach remain unresolved.
Another Year, Another Flurry of Illinois Employment Legislation Brings Expanded Employee Rights and Employer ObligationsBy Daniel Canales & Jennifer LongLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, February 2026Governor J.B. Pritzer signed over 200 bills in late 2025, all of which have become effective on or by January 1, 2026. Several statutes may impact labor and employment law practice, including the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act, Illinois Human Rights Act, Wage Payment and Collection Act, Military Leave Act, and more.
The Art of Attorney Networking: From Sidebar to Social Hour (Part II)By Elizabeth H. Schaller & Robert V. SchallerLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, February 2026Part II of this two-part article discusses the benefits of building a network for an attorney to grow their practice. Networking requires work, which may be difficult for the classic introvert; however, with a polished elevator pitch, prepared questions, and clearly defined requirements for a strategic partner, anyone can become a master networker.
Multi-Factor Authentication Is No Longer Optional for Legal ProfessionalsBy Brandon P. WoudenbergLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, February 2026This article emphasizes that multi-factor authentication (MFA) is essential for legal professionals, not just a 'best practice.' It highlights the increasing cyber threats in the legal industry and the need for attorneys to protect clients' data. It offers simple MFA options and discusses the risks of not using this security feature. Ultimately, the minor inconvenience of setting up MFA is worthwhile for the protection it provides against data breaches, reputational damage, malpractice claims, and disciplinary issues.
The Art of Attorney Networking: From Sidebar to Social Hour (Part I)By Elizabeth H. Schaller & Robert V. SchallerLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, January 2026This two-part article discusses the benefits of building a network for an attorney to grow their practice. Effective networking fosters genuine, long-term relationships with potential referrers—relationships that lead to recommendations when clients are in need.
The Intersection of Conventional Productivity Tips and TechnologyBy Jennifer M. DanishLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, January 2026Technology can be a powerful tool in an attorney's practice, from establishing task priority, minimizing interruptions, and increasing cognitive bandwidth; however, it is important that technology is used as an enhancer and not a substitute for independent judgment.
A Retainer Reminder and RefresherBy Michael J. MaslankaLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, January 2026At the outset of any engagement, attorneys must be precise about the nature of the fee arrangement being offered to the client. This article underscores the importance of compliance for every stage of the attorney-client relationship, including the initial retainer phase.
Beware AI “Hallucinations”: Bankruptcy Court Sanctions Counsel for Fake Citations in In re MartinBy Julia Jensen SmolkaLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, October 2025Avoid the pitfalls of AI, and the sanctions that were imposed in In re Martin, by familiarizing yourself with 6 practical takeaways and recommendations for practitioners when employing AI usage in your practice.
How To Stop This $475,000 Email Scam From Happening to Your Law FirmBy Mark C. PalmerLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, October 2025Heed the warning of Thomas v. Corbyn Restaurant Dev. Corp. and ensure that your firm is handling client funds through strict protocol and stringent judgment with 4 tips to protect your practice.
Responding To Work-From-Home Accommodation Requests in a Post-Covid EnvironmentBy Josh HeidelmanLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, October 2025In the wake of the pandemic, it may be more difficult for employers to argue remote work is not a reasonable accommodation. Learn more about developing case law on the topic and steps employers can take to strengthen their positions in court.
Thirteen Red Flags for Spotting Problem ClientsBy Matthew BensonLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, October 2025The purpose of this article is to provide a list of phrases that problematic or regrettable clients say or make reference to in initial consultations, or "red flags," so that they can be spotted early and encouraged to find counsel more suited to their disposition. If a client exhibits any of the following, it might be wise to question the wisdom of allowing them to hire you.
AI in the Small Law Firm—The Need for a Formal Written PolicyBy Edward J. Jarot, Jr. & William D. LohrmanIntellectual Property, September 2025For all the power that AI offers, small firms are strongly encouraged to develop and refine an express and comprehensive policy for the use of chatbots, generative AI, and the other AI tools.
AI in the Small Law Firm—The Need for a Formal Written PolicyBy Edward J. Jarot, Jr. & William D. LohrmanLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, April 2025Carefully drafted policies are especially critical in the setting of a small firm, where the attorney is constantly torn between performing legal services while also balancing the legal and ethical limitations and pitfalls. For all the power that AI offers, small firms are strongly encouraged to develop and refine an express policy for the use of chatbots, generative AI, and the other AI tools currently available, along with those that will be created in the immediate future. This article contains a sample AI policy.
New Workplace Laws in 2025: What Employers Need to KnowBy Lindsay DreisLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, April 2025Illinois has passed several new laws and made significant amendments to its key statutes governing employment that have gone into effect as of January 1, 2025. These modifications largely provide employees with broader protections and the ability to access documents concerning their employment as well as place more transparency requirements on employers.
Phone Calls Ignored, Emails Unanswered: Fixing the First Impression Problem for Law FirmsBy Mark C. PalmerLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, April 2025The legal technology company Clio played “secret shopper” for its 2024 Clio Legal Trends Report. Clio reported dismal results on how law firms are doing on first impressions. The purpose was to test how easy it is for prospective clients to get in touch with law firms through phone or email, and how effectively law firms answered their questions. See how Clio's research can help you and your firm make a positive first impression on prospective clients.
The Value—and the Challenges—of Bar Association Membership for Your Firm: Cultivating Meaningful Participation from Day OneBy Jennifer M. DanishLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, April 2025This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of membership in bar associations and professional organizations, with particular emphasis on the meaningful integration of new attorneys into these networks. The discussion will highlight how supportive law firm leadership facilitates young lawyers' navigation and maximization of benefits within these organizations. While the ISBA serves as a prime example, the principles discussed are applicable to other local, national, and practice-specific associations. Ultimately, a thoughtful and strategic approach, particularly one that invests in junior attorneys, can yield significant returns in professional growth, firm cohesion, and business development.
Take Your Firm From Surviving to ThrivingBy Jeff SchoenbergerLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, March 2024Simple steps to take your law firm from surviving to thriving.
Cybersecurity and Law FirmsBy Charles Y. Davis & Taylor IngramLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, January 2024This article explores the key cybersecurity challenges facing law firms and provides best practices to mitigate these risks effectively.
Moving Your Law Office? Check This List FirstBy Dana M. ConsidineLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, May 2022A helpful checklist for relocating your law office.
Niching Down Your Practice: Why and HowBy Cheryl A. MorrisonLaw Office Management and Economics, Standing Committee on, April 2022Finding your niche practice areas can help you make more money, work less, and have more time and energy to enjoy life.
