The National Creditors Bar Association Law Practice Management Blog

Law firms cite to a lot of things, like cases.  But, when it comes to modernizing business management tactics, law firms cite traditional barriers, like cost and effort.  Law firm culture is a static one, embracing of the status quo, at all costs.  If you’re a lawyer, you’re probably willing to remain on the Titanic, as it recedes below the water line, because jumping into a life boat seems like a significant and uncomfortable change.  You’re convinced that the ship can be righted, right up until the bitter end; and so, you ride your server down to the ocean floor.   Part of the problem is that lawyers tend to ignore business management issues until they can’t anymore.  And, even when obvious and solvable problems arise, lawyers still stick their heads in the sand.  It’s easy to convince yourself that it’s easier to do nothing, while your business falls apart.   In law school, lawyers are taught to be reactive problem solvers; and, they never forget that.  ...

Yes, it’s hard to believe; but, it’s 2019, everyone.  DO NOT PANIC.   This is a good thing.  What’s good is that the turning of the calendar is just another opportunity to improve your business management.  Now, what business owner among us would NOT want that opportunity.   So, let me tell you what you need to do in 2019, that you haven’t done yet:   This is the year you turn your law firm into a high performance machine.  You’re currently driving a Chevrolet Chevette; by the end of next year, I want you to be rolling up in a Ford Mustang.  And, Ford is the optimal analogy here; your job one this next year, is to build the law firm version of Ford’s assembly line.  Build systems, save time, do more work, make more money.  Rinse, repeat.   Don’t view the notion of a high-performing practice, as many attorneys do, as a bad thing.  Embrace operational efficiency, and it will pay dividends.  Now, I know that your inclination as a lawy...