Time Management Tips for Lawyers
A lawyer's time is his or her most valuable
asset, especially when the client is being billed by the hour. Every time the
phone rings or an email hits the inbox, the clock starts ticking. Time
management skills are important to busy professionals whose time is in constant
demand. These tips for time management can help even the busiest attorneys to
be efficient and productive every day of the work week.
The To-Do List
It's crucial to keep a comprehensive running
list of tasks to be completed. The most effective way is to break it down by
client name or by project name for transactional attorneys. Chances are this
list will be so long that all items won't be completed every day, so form a
habit of updating the list each time there's a change. Narrow down the list
each day by identifying the high-priority tasks that must be completed by end
of business.
Set Deadlines
Deadlines carry a negative connotation, but they
don't have to mean something bad. A solid deadline can help a lawyer prioritize
client matters by creating a sense of urgency for certain tasks above others.
Use a triage system, similar to a medical professional. Target the items with
short deadlines first and forget about the rest of the to-do list. Create a
ticker system in the calendar to sound an alarm or send an email when the day
and time comes to address the next task. This can help create focus on the
files at hand and alleviate stress about any work waiting in the pipeline.
Time management is an important skill for any lawyer to develop (Courtesy Paul Becker, Flickr CC)
Block Out Distractions
Tune out distractions in the office and focus on one matter at a time. If possible, place the phone on Do Not Disturb mode and close the email window to avoid temptation. If co-workers continue to drop by for a chat, grab the file and a legal pad and head to the nearest open conference room to avoid further distraction. Develop daily rituals, like updating your to-do list, responding to emails and returning phone calls at the same time each day. Creating a pattern to the flow of work helps to maintain focus and minimize stress/frustration about the more mundane tasks.
Avoid Multi-Tasking
Clients deserve to have their lawyer's undivided attention, particularly when being charged by the hour. Concentrate on one file at a time so legal issues don't get muddled and the time charged to the client remains accurate.
Another valuable time management tip for attorneys is to r minimize failed marketing activities—especially time-intensive ones, such as golf outings, conferences, lunches, etc—and find new, easier ways to develop clients, such as through Legal Services Link. (Create a free profile and start generating clients today at www.LegalServicesLink.com)
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Posted - 05/28/2015
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