From the DeKalb Bar President:
Don’t Just Make Those Resolutions – Make Them Work!

by Denise Warner

DBA President Denise Warner

Every New Year’s Day, millions of people resolve to make changes in their lives. Resolutions are testaments to improving our minds, bodies and souls. How many of us have pledged to stop procrastinating, start exercising, and be a nicer person this year? The promise may last one week or for the rest of your life. The important part is that you are moving forward.

In law school our professors did a great job in teaching us the federal rules of evidence and civil procedure (minimum contacts and International Shoe, anyone?). What law school did not teach us is that there is a business side of maintaining a successful law practice. A zealous attorney takes pride in reassessing his or her practice in order to provide quality legal representation.

I am no expert in practice or time management; however, I am a pretty good researcher. The American Bar Association and the State Bar of Georgia have fantastic resources to assist you in your quest to improve your law practice.

Marketing
As with any other business, attorneys are constantly trying to promote their practices. Some of the best ways to publicize your practice is to network and become active in community and professional organizations. Developing relationships creates trust and an opportunity to prove hard work and competency. There is nothing like receiving a referral from a former client or business associate. Advertising also produces clients. Don’t forget to take into consideration Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct, Part Seven, “Information About Legal Services,” when considering communicating with prospective clients.

Management
Whether you realize it or not, we began managing our professional careers while we were in grade school. How many times were you told to organize notes and focus on one project at time? Organization is a key factor in practice management. Take the time to organize files, business records, phone logs and your desk this week. Prioritize your to-do list. Not every task can be first.

Technology
Step up to the 21st century! Many people don’t like the idea of a phone or blackberry tied to their hip. However, these tools provide instant contact to computerized research tools and access to staff and clients. I was amazed at the number of software packages that address attorneys’ needs. The State Bar of Georgia provides a legal software library to help with technology planning and purchasing decisions. Software categories include: case management, finance, Internet/online research, litigation support and specialty practice aids.

Finance
From personal experience I can tell you that it is extremely important to have a financial business plan before starting a law practice. You can research, prepare for trial, and love the law all day long, but if you don’t bill correctly, you cannot maintain a practice. It may cost a little on the front end, but meet with a financial professional to discuss a business plan and budget. Many software packages can also relieve billing, expense report, and payroll headaches.

Work/Life Balance
Resolve to live a happy, healthy, and productive life. It is very easy to consume yourself with work. We live in a competitive society, and many of us will spend countless hours and energy to make sure our briefs are flawless, evidence is solid and cross examination questions are perfect. Consider the toll it takes on you – stress, bad health, and compromised relationships. Take the time to live life. Pizza and beer on Fridays with friends is a good thing! Playing soccer and basketball on Saturday afternoon with your children is a blast! Date night with your significant other is a must!

Please take the time to help the DBA in its resolution to move forward with increasing member benefits by completing the survey that will be emailed to you this month. What topics should the Board address in CLEs, guest speakers, and panel discussions that would assist you in managing your practice and strengthening your professional development?

I encourage you to visit the State Bar of Georgia and American Bar Association websites for forms and articles to get you on the right track to maintain your law practice New Year’s resolutions.