07.21.21

Do Not Go Phish: How To Reduce Your Risk of Cyberattacks

Phishing schemes have been a threat for years. But the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have intensified the risk, with criminals applying new twists on their approaches. Among other developments, law firms are increasingly targeted, due to their wealth of confidential information and the high value that firms place on their reputations. Of course, reputational damage […]

06.25.21

Lawyers’ Professional Obligations in Regard to Legal Technology
Joy A. Long

For far too long, the rate of technology adoption across the legal industry has lagged far behind innovation. As datasets grow larger and litigation costs rise, it is critical for the legal profession to embrace technology and new innovations that help to safeguard client data and to facilitate better outcomes. Related Read: Get Smart: Law Firms […]

05.12.21

What Is the Latest on Business Meal and Entertainment Expenses?

The deductibility of business meals and entertainment for federal income tax purposes has received renewed attention in recent months. The IRS’ final regulations on the deductibility of such expenses under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and a provision in December 2020’s Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) change the rules of the game. Here is […]

04.30.21

2021 Legal Market: Why This Year Could Mark an Inflection Point
Justin L. Sylvan

It is safe to say that the legal industry has never seen a year like 2020. But, a recent study of the legal market suggests that disruptions to law firm operations could end up being the impetus that the industry needs to finally adapt to the market’s competitive realities.   The 2021 Report on the State […]

03.10.21

Millennial Matters: Understanding Your Younger Attorneys

Millennials — generally defined as people born between 1981 and 1996 — make up the largest segment of today’s workforce, which includes the legal industry. With Baby Boomers increasingly leaving their practices and the overall job market changing in light of the pandemic, law firms must focus on recruiting and retaining younger attorneys to ensure […]

02.19.21

Is a Dedicated Sales Team the Answer to This Economy?
Thomas Pierce

The practice of law is almost always stressful, but current conditions make this period and the near future more anxiety-producing than ever. Law firms are balancing the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty and ongoing pressure to bring in new business. This has led some to follow the lead of other professional services and create dedicated teams […]

01.26.21

Study Digs Into Changes and Challenges for Small Firms
Justin L. Sylvan

Few areas of life are going unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout. But according to research from Thomson Reuters, one thing has remained nearly constant: The challenges confronting small law firms and firms’ response, or lack thereof. Although these top-line findings may seem discouraging, the 2020 Report on the State of U.S. […]

12.30.20

Best Ways to Optimize Your LinkedIn Connections in 30 Minutes a Week
Julie Savarino

Is it possible for busy lawyers and other professionals to develop business and clients using LinkedIn for only 30 minutes a week? And to do so without posting content? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Read on for best practices, how tos, and tips. LinkedIn 2021 LinkedIn has now been around for over […]

11.25.20

AI: From Hollywood Science Fiction to the Legal World
Joshua Goldschmidt

Artificial intelligence (AI) — the use of computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence — is no longer just the plot of Hollywood’s next dystopian movie. AI is already integrated in many aspects of our daily life including Netflix, Amazon and Spotify recommendations, phone-face recognition technology and what we see on social media. […]

10.07.20

Cost-Cutting for Sustainability: Three Areas to Target

U.S. law firms of all sizes and practice areas have had their financial foundations shaken as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Firms that were flying high less than a year ago now find themselves scrambling to survive the economic fallout. One obvious place to begin is cost-cutting. Several other areas make likely candidates. Staffing […]