Solo By ChoiceSolo By ChoiceHow to Manage Files, Deadlines, and ConflictsHow to Manage Files, Deadlines, and Conflicts
Beverly Michaelis, J.D.Practice Management Advisor
ABA Profile of Legal Malpractice Claims 2004-2007
ABA Profile of Legal Malpractice Claims 2004-2007
What are the Odds?What are the Odds?
1 in 61 in 6
1. Lost or Misplaced Files
2. Advice Not Documented
d dl
Common MistakesCommon Mistakes
3. Missed Deadlines
4. Missed Court Notices
5. Undetected Conflicts
Case Files
Avoid Claims by Effectively Managing
Deadlines
Conflicts
How to Manage Case FilesHow to Manage Case Files Organize PaperOrganize Paper
Form Good HabitsForm Good Habits
1. Indexed?2. Secured?3 Organized?3. Organized?4. Stored?
Be a Filer, Not a PilerBe a Filer, Not a Piler
“Friends Don’t Let Friends Print E-Mail.”
Organize Digital FilesOrganize Digital Files Use TechnologyUse Technology
Document Management Software
Case Management Software
Desktop Search Engines
Last, But Not Least …Last, But Not Least …
“Clever is the Pessimist, for She Makes Backups.”
How to Manage Deadlines Enter Dates Immediately Enter Dates Immediately and Automaticallyand Automatically
Allow Enough Lead TimeAllow Enough Lead Time Use FollowUse Follow--Up DatesUp Dates
Synchronize Each DaySynchronize Each Day Avoid eAvoid e--Court PitfallsCourt Pitfalls Filing the Correct Document?
Creating Rules to Forward e-Notices?
Training Staff?Training Staff?
White-listing Court Domains?
Backup Your CalendarBackup Your Calendarwith a Tickler Systemwith a Tickler System
How to Manage ConflictsHow to Manage Conflicts
Who Should I Track?Who Should I Track?
1. Clients and Adverse Parties
2. Related Parties
3 D li d Cli t3. Declined Clients
4. Prospects
5. Pro Bono Clients
What’s in a Name?
SSN or TIN
DOB
123 ABC Street
FKA
When Should I Run a Conflicts Check?When Should I Run a Conflicts Check?
1. First Contact
2. File Opening
3 N P t E t C3. New Party Enters Case
Use a DatabaseUse a Database
Efficient
Protected
Accessible
Portable
Not Alone?Not Alone?
1. Sharing Office Space?
2. Of Counsel?
Practice TipsPractice Tips
Document the File
Always Specify Relationships
ConclusionConclusion1. Follow the Tips
2. Use Resources
3. Help Available in Many Areas,3. Help Available in Many Areas,including Trust Accounting
Beverly MichaelisPractice Management Advisor
www.osbplf.orgBooks – Forms – CLE - Consultations
Practice Management [email protected]
503-639-6911 or 800-452-1639
http://twitter.com/OreLawPracMgmt
http://oregonlawpracticemanagement.wordpress.com/
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