Past Lunch and Learn Programs

Presented by Mary Ellen Hickman of Hickman Consulting Partners, LLC

2020 was far from easy. It tested all of us. That said, there are law practices that are thriving. Let's make 2021 one of your best years yet!

During this presentation we will talk through who needs your services - some more than ever - in these challenging times, how to adjust your marketing to attract better clients, and how to make your marketing more efficient so that you spend less time and money on marketing and get more out of it.

Ms. Hickman will show you some easy ways to measure results so that you know just what is working and how well. We'll end with an open Q&A so that you can ask questions about which specific tactics are likely to work best for your practice.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 25-page, 2MB PDF)

Presented by Tom Martin of Goldblatt Martin Pozen, LLP

December is going to be crucial time for businesses as they make operational and purchasing decisions heading into the new year. This year, business planning takes on even greater importance and should reflect greater flexibility as there is so much uncertainty.

During this program Mr. Martin will get you up to speed on workplace issues such as personal protective equipment (PPE), COVID testing, medical leave, unemployment insurance, and other legislation focused on economic recovery.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 26-page, 531kb PDF)

Presented by Michael Maschke and Brandon Barnes of Sensei Enterprise, Inc.

With Windows 10 becoming the most popular operating system for desktop and laptop computers, it’s important to understand the potential wealth of information a forensic analysis will provide. Windows 10 and Digital Forensics will offer insight on popular artifacts that may help with your case.

Presentation (This is a 31-page, 2.2MB PDF)

Presented by Erin Page of Fastcase

Hosted by Erin Page, Senior Law Librarian with Fastcase Legal Research, this session will cover all the new features and content in the Fastcase platform as well provide a refresher on best practices in legal research.

Fastcase is a Bar member benefit and the leading next-generation legal research service that puts a comprehensive national law library and smarter and more powerful searching, sorting, and visualization tools right at your fingertips. The Fastcase collection includes cases, statutes, regulations, court rules, and constitutions. Fastcase also provides access to a newspaper archive, legal forms, and a one-stop PACER search of federal filings.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 32-page, 1.3MB PDF)

Presented by Margeaux Thomas of Thomas Law Office, PLC

This session focused on a typical day for a Business Litigation Attorney practicing law in Virginia, Maryland & Washington, D.C., and all the elements involved in creating the foundation of a successful business litigation firm. It explored the different types of business litigation practices; the nuts and bolts of starting and successfully maintaining a growing practice; the basics of practice and case management; marketing; social networking and the use of search engine optimization; the importance of a healthy attorney-client relationship; production of blogs and content and finally, some helpful tips I've learned along the way!

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 14-page, 564 kb PDF)

Presented by Tim Bedford of Ruby Receptionists

While law firms can be as diverse as the lawyers who founded them, when it comes to size, location, specialty, and more, nearly all share a common goal — the desire for growth. So how can law practices ensure growth by increasing their revenues and expanding their client bases?

In this seminar, we’ll explore this question by examining:

• The state of the legal industry
• Expectations of today’s law clients
• Three focus areas that deliver consistent growth
• Tips for maximizing efficiency to increase revenue
• Ways to increase conversions and expand your client base
• How to retain existing clients and turn them into referrals

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 30-page, 1.1MB PDF)

Sponsored by Thomson Reuters

Disruption brought about by COVID-19 has upended many a best-laid plan. In the space of about two weeks, most of the United States went from living life as normal to operating under an entirely new paradigm.

 What is abundantly clear is the greater shift to a solely digital world. Social distancing and government restrictions have had significant impacts. People are spending more time online. Web browsing is up. Virtual meetings are the norm. Social media use is increasing.

Join the webcast to:

• Gain insights on how law firms are handling business development given the current climate
• Learn digital strategies that will allow your firm to remain relevant and visible
• Review ideas on how to reallocate your firm’s digital marketing approach

Preview agenda
Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 33-page, 1.6MB PDF)

Presented by Tasha (TC) Cooper of UpwardAction LLC..

During this training TC Cooper will share essential tips and tools for hosting your very own safe, professional, and effective livestream shows. You will learn what to do when hosting your livestreams on major social media platforms as well as practical tools to leverage your time, energy, and money.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 21-page, 434kb PDF)

Presented by Jessica Medina of Jessica Medina LLC.

Managing your own law firm requires a delicate balance of both purposeful and profitable work. Jessica Medina, former lawyer turned financial counselor and coach, discussed how to approach your firm finances for success, how to measure the health of your already up and running business, and how to keep it healthy during difficult times.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 30-page, 728kb PDF)

Presented by Sharon D. Nelson and John W. Simek of Sensei Enterprises.

Lawyers across the nation are now working from home. Before the pandemic, most law firms didn’t have a remote access plan in place. As firms have scrambled to keep their employees productive, the biggest obstacle has been technology.

Our experts talked about the tech and security issues raised by working remotely. Topics included the equipment you need; collaboration and video conferencing software; accessing the law firm network securely; making sure you have sufficient bandwidth; checking the security of your home router; virtual private networks (VPNs); remote access through LogMeIn and other software; the dangers of home machines vs. firm-issued devices; handling mail and telephones; using the cloud; and how cybercriminals are attacking home networks to get into law firm networks.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 33-page, 1.24mb PDF)

Presented by Sundeep Hora of Alderman, Devorsetz & Hora PPLC and Nathan Finch of Motley Rice LLC.

During this program covered:

• Understanding the pros and cons of remote depositions/li>
• Maintaining eye contact (keeping the deponent in the hot seat) during your examination
• Using the Zoom interface and whether to upgrade to the commercial version
• Managing exhibits including whether to use a technician provided by the court reporter
• Using adequate lighting and backgrounds
• Dealing with off-camera conduct such as lawyers feeding answer to the deponent

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 17-page, 775kb PDF)
Handout Zoom screen sharing using Airplay (This is a 13-page, 374kb PDF)

Presented by Niki Irish of the D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program.

Working from home is often challenging, doing so now is a whole other story.  Are you noticing your productivity isn’t what you hoped it would be? Do you feel unfocused and overwhelmed?  You are not alone -- you are living through a pandemic!

Yet even in a pandemic there are steps you can take to help. This session provided practical strategies to help with focus and organization, address ways to create healthy boundaries between work and home and explore evidence-based practices to manage stress.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 19-page, 950kb PDF)

Presented by Thomas B. Martin, Rachelle Llontop and Kevin Hilgers of Goldblatt Martin Pozen LLP. (Online Only)

During this program covered:

When to Return to the Workplace

• ReOpen DC Stages
• Mayor’s Orders

Preparing the Workplace for a Return to Work

• Workplace Health and Safety Requirements and Guidance
• ADA/DC Human Rights Act Issues

Managing COVID-19-Related Issues in the Workplace

• Federal and D.C. Employment Protections Requirements
• Responding to a Positive Case

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 27-page, 139kb PDF)

Presented by Geoff Gilbert of Coach for Executives. (Online Only)

While some stress is good and can be productive, too much stress can hurt you and your practice. Learn short-term tactics and longer-term strategies to manage stress so the you can achieve your revenue goals and the objectives you’ve set for yourself and your practice.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 50-page, 866kb PDF)

Presented by Seth Price of Price Benowitz LLP. (Online Only)

Join Seth Price as he shares with us how his small firm continues to thrive, lessons learned on how to prepare for disasters, and permanent law firm management changes he’s made to adapt to the “new normal.”

No video or handouts for this program.

Presented by Richard Volin and Phil Harper of WellNest Professional Cleaning. (Online Only)

During this program we will discuss some of the legal issues that employers face as they reopen safely. We will focus on cleaning and disinfecting considerations and techniques to help employers implement guidelines by the CDC, OSHA, State Executives, and others.

No video for this program.
Presentation (This is an 19-page, 656kb PDF)

Presented by Grace Maupin of Carr Workplaces. (Online Only)

This unique program will provide business solutions to teleworking and detail how lawyers use on-demand services to continue operations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Attendees of this program will discover new ways to navigate the challenges of the Safer-at-Home orders and engage in discussion about how to service clients and scale their firms while working from home.

Program highlights will include: The New Normal (adapting); Information about Carr Workplaces; Virtual Memberships; New! “Work from Home Plan”; Legal Support; Staying Connected to Carr Workplaces at Home; and Health & Safety in the Workplace.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is an 16-page, 1.4mb PDF)

Presented by Joe Scrofano of Scrofano Law PC.

Numbers tell you the reality of your business. We pay attention to the things we measure. Law firm owners should keep track of key metrics to help manage and grow their business. Find out how using a “dashboard” can help you, among other things, track leads, prospective clients, and measure growth. We review key formulas for measuring marketing, sales, production, and financial controls and how doing so can lead to better decision making and revenue growth for your small firm.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is an 18-page, 568kb PDF)

Presented by Julia Shapiro of Hire an Esquire.

This presentation addressed remote work highlighting concerns unique to the legal industry. We covered topics ranging from technology and security to project management and the psychology of selecting and motivating your team while working remotely.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 51-page, 638kb PDF)

Presented by Zamani and Associates PLLC..

Participants learned about the practical aspects of family law settlement negotiation, mediation and collaborative practice during the pandemic in a 30-minute session with Sogand Zamani, family law specialist.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 13-page, 575kb PDF)

Presented by Sarah Moore Johnson of Birchstone Moore LLC..

During this program Ms. Johnson covered the practical issues involved in creating and executing wills and other instruments under the D.C. Electronic Wills Act as well as developments in Maryland and Virginia.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 40-page, 465kb PDF)

Presented by Mark Rollins of the Rollins and Chan Law Firm.

This program focused on all the steps from marketing to bringing the client through the door and thereafter. We also reviewed the technology needed to make your practice paperless.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 25-page, 1.83mb PDF)

Presented by Maddy Martin of Smith.ai. (Online Only)

Participants learned how to run a more productive, professional, and profitable law practice through smart integrations and automations. This program touched on ways to improve everything from lead qualification to intake; new-client engagement; and case management using affordable software and services all without needing a computer science, marketing, or business degree.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 49-page, 1.1mb PDF)

Presented by Mary Ellen Hickman of Hickman Consulting Partners, LLC..

It's a tough time for all. That said, countries, markets, and businesses have faced incredibly difficult circumstances before - and recovered. We discussed how to rethink and retool your marketing so that you can set your firm up to recapture business and even grow while staying connected and relevant in this time of remote work and social distancing.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 20-page, 1.9mb PDF)

Presented by Manny Cosme of CFO Services Group.

This was a follow-up to the April 14 program, COVID-19 Help for Small Firms - What are my Loan Options? During this update, we covered the current status of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. We also explored some of the options moving forward, and what you need to know if you got funding.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 66-page, 1.7mb PDF)

Presented by Niki Black of MyCase.

During this talk participants learned about new and innovative tools to help streamline their law practice. By thoughtfully implementing these emerging technologies, you can save time and money, making you a more effective and responsive lawyer.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 29-page, 1.3mb PDF)

Handouts

• How to Create a Remote Working Plan for Your Law Firm
• Top Technology Tools to Streamline Your Law Practice
• The Bionic Legal System
• Software for Your Small Firm

Presented by Nakia Gray of Gray Legal, P.C.

In a matter of days, COVID-19 completely changed how we operate our day to day lives. For lawyers who have traditionally worked full-time in a physical office, the sudden transition to being fully remote may be challenging. Nakia Gray has been successfully practicing law virtually for the last five years. During this program, Nakia shared her favorite software, tools, applications, and marketing techniques. Her tips, which every lawyer can easily implement right now, will help you keep your law firms afloat during this pandemic.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 26-page, 2.7mb PDF)

Presented by Manny Cosme of CFO Services Group.

Well...here we are. COVID-19 has hit, and we are neck-deep in a crisis. If you run a small business or non-profit organization, then you are probably hurting right now. Don't worry too much, there is help on the way.

The Federal government, most state governments, some local governments, and a handful of private foundations have stepped forward to offer their financial assistance during this time...specifically to small businesses and small non-profits. The good news is that there are many programs now available. The bad news is that you can get a bit lost in knowing what is out there, what the criteria to apply are, and what will REALLY help YOU in your unique situation.

During this special program we explored the options that are available to you, explained the criteria for each option, and helped you decide how to move forward.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 53-page, 2.0mb PDF)

Presented by Maddy Martin of Smith.ai.

Participants learned how to run a more productive, professional, and profitable law practice through smart integrations and automations. This program touched on ways to improve everything from lead qualification to intake; new-client engagement; and case management using affordable software and services all without needing a computer science, marketing, or business degree. Improve the efficiency and efficacy of your communications and operations, so you can spend more time lawyering (for the clients you most want to work with) and less time laboring.

Presentation (This is a 39-page, 2.3mb PDF)

Presented by Mark LeFever of USI Affinity.

Selecting malpractice coverage is important for lawyers in a firm of any size. How much coverage is needed? How much should it cost? How does the cost of defense affect the premium and coverage? How can a fee dispute affect coverage? What happens if the lawyer changes providers? What is cyber coverage? This informative program explored these topics and other issues such as: where malpractice claims originate; malpractice insurance policies; how to determine appropriate coverage; and selecting a carrier, policy, and broker.

Presented by Geoff Gilbert of Coach for Executives.

Why spend ten hours at work each day if your goal is to bill five? You shouldn't have to spend this much time at work to reach your goals. During this program we discussed what to do differently to get each day off to the best possible start, which activities to focus on first, and how to restructure each day to make sure that you achieve your goals. Participants learned how to boost productivity for themselves and their team, increase the profitability of their firm, and still have time for a personal life. Geoff also included tips on how to meet your goal for billable hours if you need to work from home and how you can protect your firm's profitability in this challenging time.

Presentation (This is a 64-page, 951kb PDF)

Presented by Benjamin Takis of Takis Nonprofit Law PLLC.

Whether you are leading your own small firm, a partner at a bigger firm, or an associate just starting your career, networking is an essential step in building a long-lasting and fulfilling career as a lawyer. Despite this, in law school and at most law firms, we are taught little about how to network effectively. During this presentation, Benjamin Takis discussed methods for effective networking, including where to find and build connections, what to say at networking events and follow-up meetings, and how to cultivate relationships over the long-term.

Presented by Sharon D. Nelson and John W. Simek of Sensei Enterprises. 

To begin at the beginning, a data breach and a cyber attack are not the same thing. Our presenters explained the differences, with concrete examples. They turned to the lawyer ethical duties outlined in ABA Formal Opinion 483 on a lawyer's ethical obligations after a data breach or a cyber attack. You may be surprised at how much the opinion moves lawyers toward keeping replicated data in the cloud! What do you have to tell your clients? What do you have to tell third parties? Are you required to have an Incident Response Plan? What are the elements of an Incident Response Plan? Yes, it's a bit dicey, but our experts provided a roadmap to follow to keep you safe from ethical sinkholes!

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 43-page, 1.8mb PDF)

Presented by Dina Eisenberg of OutsourceEasier

You've lost 3-4 paralegals or associates this year and you don't know why or what to do about it.  Is it them or is it you? During this program, attendees learned how to identify the problem and got advice on how to retain their employees from Onboarding Mentor, Dina Eisenberg.

Presentation (This is a 16-page, 175kb PDF)

Presented by Niki Irish of the D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program.

The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.The primary symptoms include persistent exhaustion, feeling negative towards one's career, and reduced productivity. Does this speak to you?  During this presentation we discussed the concept of burnout and its effects on the mind, body and relationships, and gained a better understanding of the strategies to prevent, respond to and recover from it.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 25-page, 1.5mb PDF)
Handouts (This is a 11-page, 434kb PDF)

Presented by Geoff Gilbert of Coach for Executives

Most lawyers (and businesses) focus too much on expenses and not enough on increasing revenue.  Attendees learned how to balance their efforts so revenues far outgrow expenses.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation (This is a 77-page, 158kb PDF)

Presented by Michael D.J. Eisenberg of The Law Office of Michael D.J. Eisenberg (Hands-On)

Mr. Eisenberg is a D.C. lawyer and blogger at www.TheTechSavvyLawyer.Page. He provided a series of rapid-fire, 5-minute, tips and tricks to help those less comfortable with technology become more efficient using computers in the workplace. He shared some tricks he uses and has taught to other attorneys over the years. As a practicing lawyer, he will identified some of the Professional Responsibility traps for attorneys that can result from uninformed computer use.

Click here to watch a video of the program
Presentation  Download and Save. This is a 110-page, 5.3 MB PDF

Presented by Michelle C. Thomas of M.C. Thomas & Associates, PC. 

Between managing clients, counsel and court, practicing divorce and family law can be challenging. During this session, Michelle C. Thomas will provide insight on how to not just survive but thrive as a divorce and family lawyer. 

This program will provide valuable information about how to develop, manage and grow a flourishing divorce and family law firm while minimizing the stress that often accompanies divorce practice. From recent changes in the law to law office management, the session will cover a wide array of issues that arise in divorce and family law and provide viable solutions. Topics include: the nuts and bolts of starting a divorce law practice; how to become a well-respected divorce law practitioner; managing a multi-jurisdictional practice; the various niches within this practice area and the importance of selecting one; how to keep up with the fast-paced changes in the law; common mistakes and pitfalls; the basics of practice and case management; as well as marketing and business development advice. 

If you have ever wondered how to "get more divorce clients" or simply get better ones, then you should not miss this session.

Presentation Download and Save. This is a 24-page, 726KB PDF.

Presented by Matthew Geary of Fastcase. 

During this program, Mr. Geary explored search methods and techniques to achieve better search results and lead attendees through a step by step, hands-on, experience using Fastcase's many tools and features. Fastcase is a bar member benefit and the leading next-generation legal research service that puts a comprehensive national law library and smarter and more powerful searching, sorting, and visualization tools right at your fingertips. The Fastcase collection includes cases, statutes, regulations, court rules, and constitutions. Fastcase also provides access to a newspaper archive, legal forms, and a one-stop PACER search of federal filings through our content partners.

Presented by Mary Ellen Hickman of Hickman Consulting Partners, LLC.  (Holiday Edition)

During this session, Ms. Hickman discussed simple, cost-effective, holiday marketing tactics to help you get more clients now and generate additional business in the new year. For those who had already decided on their marketing for next year, she presented ways to make those marketing tactics work better. If you're just starting out, she shared which marketing tactics tend to work best, which to avoid, and how to make sure that the time and money you invest in marketing get the best results.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation Download and Save. This is a 17-page, .98MB PDF.

Presented by Niki Irish of the D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program. 

In today's society, life can feel like it is moving at lightning speed. As daily demands, obligations and responsibilities feel more and more overwhelming, it becomes easy to avoid taking action on tasks such as keeping up with client emails, organizing files, and paying attention to your own mental health. While avoidance may offer temporary relief, it can also spiral into increased feelings of anxiety, disorganization, and stress. If you have found yourself in this position, you are not alone! During this program, participants discovered techniques to help manage daily physical and mental clutter so they could improve productivity and decrease stress. Participants learned how to become more efficient and productive by better managing their: 

•  Time; 
•  Physical space/work environment; and 
•  Brain space. 

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation Download and Save. This is a 36-page, 1.95MB PDF.
Handouts Download and Save. This is a 5-page, 939kb PDF.

Presented by Matthew Geary of Fastcase. 

This program provided an introduction, and general overview, of the features available with Fastcase, a Bar member benefit and the leading next-generation legal research service that puts a comprehensive national law library and smarter and more powerful searching, sorting, and visualization tools right at your fingertips. The Fastcase collection includes cases, statutes, regulations, court rules, and constitutions. Fastcase also provides access to a newspaper archive, legal forms, and a one-stop PACER search of federal filings.

Presented by Mike Maschke of Sensei Enterprises.

Year after year, Apple continues to release new hardware models and updates to its iOS operating system. Digital forensic capabilities have grown over time and now we are able to recover more data than ever that may be vital to your case. During this program, participants learned about the some of the new types of information that forensics can uncover, along with updates on capabilities to recover communications and other important user generated data.

Click here to watch a video of the program. 
Presentation  Download and Save. This is a 10-page, 1.31 MB PDF.

Presented by Greg Cooke of USI Affinity. 

Selecting malpractice coverage is important for lawyers in a firm of any size. How much coverage is needed? How much should it cost? How does the cost of defense affect the premium and coverage? How can a fee dispute affect coverage? What happens if the lawyer changes providers? What is cyber coverage? This informative program explored these topics and other issues such as: where malpractice claims originate; malpractice insurance policies; how to determine appropriate coverage; and selecting a carrier, policy, and broker. 

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation Download and Save. This is a 28-page, 1.2 MB PDF.
Application & Highlight Sheet Download and Save. This is a 4-page, 1.7 MB PDF.
Highlight Sheet & Form Download and Save. This is a 2-page, 1.3 MB PDF.

Presented by business and marketing strategist Mary Ellen Hickman of Hickman Consulting Partners LLC. 

Need more - and better - clients? During this program, participants learned how to identify the best clients for their unique practices, where to find those clients, and how to attract more of them. This applies to well-established firms, fast-growing firms, and new practices. 

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation Download and Save. This is a 19-page, 1.14 MB PDF.

Presented by Susan Borke of BorkeWorks.  

You know only too well how stressful it is to deal with people, especially during a negotiation. Avoid the default reactions of flight, fight, or freeze by learning effective behaviors you can use to regulate yourself and engage your counterpart. Susan Borke shared practical, proven behaviors you can implement to negotiate effectively. 

At the end of this session, you will: 

• Understand the negotiation process 
• Review how to prepare for a negotiation 
• Learn techniques to engage more effectively with your counterpart in any negotiation 
• Approach negotiations with more confidence

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation  Download and Save. This is a 13-page, 274kb PDF.
Reflection and Integration Worksheet  Download and Save. This is a 1-page, 275kb PDF.

Presented by Thomas Martin of  Goldblatt, Martin, Pozen LLP and Jane Lemley Rasmussen of The Law Firm of Jane Lemley Rasmussen.

Attorneys in solo or small firm practice may find themselves in need of additional capacity, specialized knowledge, or co-counsel and want to engage another attorney outside their firm to fill that need.  This program reviewed the various opportunities and arrangements under which attorneys can work with each other as co-counsel, of counsel, freelance attorney, and contract attorney.  Attendees learned about the characteristics of these different arrangements; how to structure them; considerations for selecting, onboarding, and working with another attorney; when and how to notify your clients; and operational and ethical issues associated with working with other attorneys.  If you are a solo or small firm lawyer who has been considering working with other attorneys or already has been, view this program to get practical tips and real-world examples that will help you appropriately structure, manage, and maximize these working relationships. 

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Presentation Download and Save.  This is a 30-page, 819kb PDF.
2019 Contract and Freelance Lawyer Resource Guide Download and Save. This is a 2-page, 129kb PDF.
2019 Of Counsel Resources Download and Save. This is a 2-page, 122kb PDF.
IRS Understanding Employee vs. Contractor Designation (link)
The CPA Journal, Employee Versus Independent Contractor (link)

Presented by Maddy Martin of Smith.ai

Many small-firm and solo attorneys are spread thin, yet they hesitate to filter out distractions and hand off time-consuming tasks. Whether you're missing calls and leads, struggling to follow-up with existing clients and capture late payments, or just looking to run a more efficient and profitable law firm, the right communication systems can help you get more done. Cut out bad habits, reduce interruptions, and automate workflows to yield more qualified leads, happier clients, and better work/life balance.

Attendees learns 7 basic and advanced techniques for incorporating tools that promote professionalism and productivity their your operations with minimal investment of time, energy, and money:

1. Manage inbound communications with smart phone systems & web chat.
2. Automate lead capture & qualification.
3. Hand-off new client intake.
4. Streamline appointment scheduling & reminders.
5. Consistently collect payments.
6. Systematically refer "bad" leads.
7. Integrate your communications into your existing systems: CRM, website, calendar, billing system, email, SMS/chat, and more.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Handout - Download and Save. This is a 45-page, 2.25 MB PDF Document.

Presented by Carr Workplaces. 

This event took place at 1717 K Street, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. (Off-site program) Sponsored lunch was provided for this event. During this program, held at a Carr Workplaces office on-demand location, you were able to discover and explore: how other lawyers use Carr's on-demand offices; the services and packages offered (including specials for D.C. Bar members); how mail and phone calls are handled;  the security and confidentiality protocols used; how to maximize on the services offered; enjoy a special group tour of the facility and more! 

Presented by Maggy Sterner, Brand and Business Coach.

Having a simple, powerful, and compelling elevator pitch that simply and clearly communicates what you do makes it easy to get more business, both directly and from referrals, period. A little lawyer-speak goes a long way, but it often confuses the people (clients, referrals and top talent) you are trying to attract.

In this highly interactive workshop, you will learn:

• What a brand is and how it's connected to your elevator pitch
• What a good elevator pitch is and what it isn't
• How to craft yours in a super-simple way that communicates PRECISELY what you do so people say, Wow. I need you.

When you can articulate what you do in a way people can understand, you will dramatically improve:
your firm's ability to recruit the right, top talent who are aligned with your mission;
your personal ability to stand out from all the other lawyers or firms who do the same thing; and
and your ability to attract more of the right clients.

Click here to watch a video of this program.
Handout - Download and Save. This is a 31-page, 9.41 MB PDF Document.

Presented by Donna Mahan, CPA and Robin Meisner Cameron, CPA of E. Cohen & Company, CPAs.

Thinking of setting up your own small practice but feeling overwhelmed by the accounting and tax concepts? Join us for an introductory discussion of:

Handout - Download and Save. This is a 19-page, 325 kb PDF Document. 

Presented by Tatia Gordon-Troy of Ramses House Publishing LLC.

Being a published author carries a certain amount of prestige and helps to position you as an expert in your field. Publishing articles in well-known periodicals or a book for lay people or fellow attorneys can lead to public speaking engagements, conference panel participation, and even additional clientele.  This program covered the ins and outs of getting published to help you decide if it is right for you and your practice.

Handout - Download and Save. This is a 30-page, 3.3MB PDF Document.

Presented by Deborah Schaefer, CPA.

Increasing profits is the goal of most businesses. The challenge for lawyers can be especially overwhelming. There are only so many hours available to work each day and raising rates may not be an option. Evaluating and managing matter profitability can provide a means to increase income. 

Handout - Download and Save. This is a 40-page, 859 kb PDF Document.

Presented by Hani Ramadan and Kerstin Veltze of Capital One.

Capital One Escrow Express for Lawyers is a state-of-the-art virtual sub-accounting system where you can manage and track escrow funds easily and efficiently. Decide when, where and how you want to process account transactions with secure, 24/7 web-based access via Intellix, Capital One's online treasury management portal. Go online to view your entire escrow relationship, open and close sub-accounts, make allocations and transfers, download or run statements on demand and more.

Presented by Sogand Zamani of Zamani & Associates PLLC.

This session focused on the unique issues involved with building a family law practice in the District of Columbia. Ms. Zamani explored: 

• a typical day of a family law lawyer;
• the nuts and bolts of starting a family law practice;
• handling clients;
• practice management tools;
• valuable books and resources;
• networking opportunities;
• marketing and more!

Handout - Download and Save. This is a 2-page, 93 kb PDF document.

Presented by Jonelle Ocloo of the Law Offices of Jonelle Ocloo.

The issue of immigration is constantly in the news. Recently there have been a lot of changes to immigration policy in the United States. Have you thought about getting into immigration law or expanding your immigration law practice? This session provided information about being an immigration lawyer and building an immigration law practice in Washington, D.C. Topics included: the nuts and bolts of starting an immigration law practice, the various niches within this practice area, how to keep up with the fast-paced changes in the law, common mistakes and pitfalls, the basics of practice and case management, as well as marketing and business development advice.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Slide presentation - Download and save.  This is a 17-page, 846 kb PDF document.

Presented by Nakia Gray of Gray Legal, P.C.

Ms. Gray actively uses contract lawyers and virtual staff in her practice. During this program, she shared valuable insights on how you can incorporate these resources in your firm. She also shared best practices and practical advice on how to hire and use virtual staff and contract lawyers to help you scale up your small firm.

Click here to watch a video of the program.
Slide presentation - Download and Save - This is a 14-page, 2.45MB PDF document.

Presented by Dina Lynch Eisenberg of OutsourceEasier.

Are you tired of doing everything? Has your practice become unsustainable? Do you want to scale up in 2019 without adding overhead? Use Outsourcing to grow your law practice and reclaim your time. 

During this program, participants identified the projects that they could easily delegate, learned how outsourcing marketplaces work and discovered the steps to getting exactly the outcome they wanted at the price point they wanted. 

Presented by David Nayer of Fastcase.

During this (in-person only) program, Mr. Nayer explored search methods and techniques to achieve better search results and led attendees through a step-by-step, hands-on, experience using Fastcase's many tools and features. 

Fastcase is a Bar member benefit and the leading next-generation legal research service that puts a comprehensive national law library and smarter and more powerful searching, sorting, and visualization tools right at your fingertips. The Fastcase collection includes cases, statutes, regulations, court rules, and constitutions. Fastcase also provides access to a newspaper archive, legal forms, and a one-stop PACER search of federal filings through our content partners. 

Presented by Chelsey Lambert of Lex Tech Review (pre-recorded program).

Do you find yourself using the same sentences, paragraphs, clauses or signature lines in your documents and emails? Quick Parts in Microsoft Word and Outlook gives you the tools you need to turn these commonly used items into a powerful library of insert-able text. We tackled template options, and format fixes to help you save time by creating documents, letters or work-product in a flash. 

Bonus! We covered a handful of programs that integrate with Microsoft Word and Outlook that supercharge your automation capabilities. 

Presented by Greg Cooke of USI Affinity.

Selecting malpractice coverage is important for lawyers in a firm of any size. How much coverage is needed? How much should it cost? How does the cost of defense affect the premium and coverage? How can a fee dispute affect coverage? What happens if the lawyer changes providers? This informative program explored these topics and other issues such as: where malpractice claims originate; malpractice insurance policies; how to determine appropriate coverage; and selecting a carrier, policy, and broker. 

Presentation - Download and Save. This is a 20-page, 868 kb PDF document

Presented by Thomas Martin of Goldblatt, Martin, Pozen LLP.

This course provided a general overview of employment law and human resources best practices for small firms in the District of Columbia. Topics included:

• Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation;
• Workplace Investigations; 
• The Fair Labor Standards Act;
• The Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Medical Marijuana;
• D.C. Leave Laws;
• Employee Handbooks; and
• Onboarding, Discipline, and Separation.    

Presented by Diana Stepleton of Ruby Receptionists.

Worried that you're missing calls from potential new clients? Want to provide an outstanding caller experience that will set your practice apart? Phone calls to businesses are on the rise, and that next call could be your next big client. Be ready! 

Topics addressed included: 

1. Taking advantage of click-to-call technology on your website and Google listing; 
2. Addressing the needs of mobile callers;
3. Reviewing and improving your caller's journey; and  
4. Building trust and WOWing callers through customer experience best practices. 

Program Materials - Wow Your Way to New Clients 
Presentation -  Download and Save. This is 28-page, 4MB PDF document.

Presented by Susan Borke of BorkeWorks.

Being prepared for a negotiation often makes a real difference in its ultimate success, so why do so many people fail to take this most important step? There are many excuses but they all boil down to this: most people really don't know how.  

In this presentation, participants learned a practical, easy to implement approach to use when preparing for negotiations. This presentation included how Ms. Borke and others have used the 3 R's of effective negotiation preparation successfully. Once you understand and begin to practice the process, you'll reap the benefits of being a more effective negotiator.  

Program Materials - Your Negotiation Readiness Index
Presentation - Download and Save. This is an 11-page, 566 kb PDF document.

You can watch a recording of the program here.  Before you watch, download and score "Your Negotiation Readiness Index", found above.

Presented by Aaron Pease of Highbridge Law Firm, LLP.

During this program we discussed:

• The Basics (Blockchain, Smart Contracts, Cryptocurrencies, Tokens, DAOs and why you need to understand this technology);
• Counseling Clients in Blockchain (Learn the market sectors with low hanging fruit where your clients can capitalize); 
• Talking to Lawyers (and Judges) about Blockchain (How blockchain will affect litigation and business relationships); and  
• The Technology Adoption Curve (How long before blockchain becomes ubiquitous).

Click here for the video presentation. 
For the slide presentation - Download and Save. This is a 76-page, 6.6 MB PDF document.

Presented by Jeffrey Asjes, Product Manager and Software Development Attorney at Fastcase.

This program provided an introduction, and general overview, of the features available with Fastcase, a Bar member benefit and the leading next-generation legal research service that puts a comprehensive national law library and smarter and more powerful searching, sorting, and visualization tools right at your fingertips. The Fastcase collection includes cases, statutes, regulations, court rules, and constitutions. Fastcase also provides access to a newspaper archive, legal forms, and a one-stop PACER search of federal filings.

Presented by Delores Dorsainvil Nicolas of the D.C. Office of Disciplinary Counsel and Abraham Blitzer of Abraham Blitzer Law.

Good and bad outcomes are expected when practicing law. But what do you do when a bar complaint has been filed against you? Do you run and hide? Or worse yet, do you exact revenge on the complainant? During this program, Disciplinary Counsel and Respondent's Counsel shared tips and practical advice on how to deal with a bar complaint.

Program Materials: Notice to Respondent of Complaint and Original Proceedings Diagram

Presented by Nicole Bradick of Theory and Principle.

The market is exploding with great options for off-the-shelf legal technology -- so when is it time to think about building your own technology? Where do you even begin? This talk provided lawyers with an overview of how to make the build versus buy decision, the software development process, how to hire a team to help, and common pitfalls to look out for.

Presentation - Download and Save. This is a 44-page, 1.8MB PDF document.

Presented by business and marketing strategist Mary Ellen Hickman of Hickman Consulting Partners LLC.

It can be challenging to choose the right marketing for your practice. During this session, we discussed which marketing activities work best for different types of law firms and which take the least amount of time and money. For those whose marketing activities were already working well, we talked through the easiest ways to make them work even better; how to optimize current marketing activities, including what to cut and what to keep; and how to measure whether or not your marketing is actually working. For those who were just beginning marketing efforts, we outlined exactly how to get started, fast!

Presentation - Download and Save. This is a 14-page, 2.68MB PDF document.

Presented by Niki Irish of the D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program.

You are a high achiever and everyone seems to know it, except YOU. Do you ever feel like you are faking your way through accomplishments or don't deserve them? Do you believe your success is due to luck, timing, or connections? Do you find yourself terrified of making mistakes no matter how far into your career you are? During this program attendees learned about "imposter syndrome," the belief of not being good enough common among high achievers. This program explored the impact of imposter syndrome on your career and provided tips and strategies to embrace a different mindset. 

Watch a video recording of the program here.

Presentation - Download and Save.  This is a 28-page, 1.97MB PDF document.
Program handout - Download and Save. This is a 2-page 45 kb PDF document.
Program handout - Download and Save. This is a 1-page 220 kb PDF document. 

Presented by Mary Ellen Hickman of Hickman Consulting Partners LLC.

Participants learned how to identify and communicate what makes their firm different from other law practices; how to express the value they give their clients in dollars and cents (and charge more); and how giving potential clients a choice helps them choose you. 

Presentation - Download and Save.  This is a 19-page, 1.79MB PDF document.

During this OFF-SITE program, held at the Carr Workplaces office on-demand location at 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW - Suite 200, participants discovered and explored: how other lawyers use Carr Workplaces' on-demand offices; the services and packages offered (including specials for D.C. Bar members); how mail and phone calls are handled; the security and confidentiality protocols used; and how to maximize on the services offered.  They also enjoyed a special group tour of the facility and more! 

Presented by Brian Brown of Big Law Business Development, LLC.

Competing against Big Law to win work is not without its challenges. In-house counsel will tell you that they cannot take a chance on their "bet the company" litigation without the backing of a big firm, in case something goes awry. Standing in line with all of your competitors hoping to win work from in-house counsel or depending on word of mouth is great. But what about the Underserved Recession Proof Industries (URPI) that are not glamorous enough for big law and who fly under the radar, making millions of dollars per year with little to no fanfare or publicity? During this workshop participants learned how to find, identify and relationship build with URPI decision makers (typically CEOs/Presidents/Owners) and how to win new work on value and not on rates.

Presentation - Download and Save. This is a 23-page, 1.2MB PDF document.

Presented by Kim Natovitz, CLU, CLTC of TriBridge Partners, LLC.

During this program participants learned how to better prepare for unexpected emergencies and protect their ability to earn income. Topics included: 

• How to obtain coverage that is affordable;
• At what age to purchase insurance;
• Who gets disabled and why does it happen;
• The inherent disadvantage for women and how to address it; and  
• Little known facts about what happens when someone becomes disabled.

Presented by Tatia Gordon-Troy, Esq. of Ramses House Publishing, LLC.

This program was designed for attorneys who want to raise their professional status and reputation by writing a book. It covered the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of self-publishing to help you decide if publishing a book is right for you. Participants reviewed:

• Motivating factors; 
• Choosing a topic; 
• Finding time to write; 
• Knowing your audience; 
• Choosing the right publishing professionals for help; 
• The best time to publish a book; and 
• Publishing formats and distribution.  

Presentation - Download and Save. This is a 23-page, 3.11MB PDF document.

Presented by Jason Zuckerman and Eric Bachman of Zuckerman Law.

This session focused on the unique issues involved with building an employment law practice in the District of Columbia. They explored: the different types of employment law practices; the nuts and bolts of starting an employment law practice; handling clients; practice management tools; valuable books and resources; networking opportunities; marketing and more!

Presentation - Download and Save. This is an 18-page, 162 kb PDF document.

Presented by Jonelle Ocloo of the Law Offices of Jonelle Ocloo, LLC.

The issue of immigration is constantly in the news. Recently there have been a lot of changes to immigration policy in the United States. Have you thought about getting into immigration law or expanding your immigration law practice? This session provided information about being an immigration lawyer and building an immigration law practice in Washington, D.C. Topics included: the nuts and bolts of starting an immigration law practice, the various niches within this practice area, how to keep up with the fast-paced changes in the law, common mistakes and pitfalls, the basics of practice and case management, as well as marketing and business development advice.

Presentation - Download and Save. This is a 17-page, 924 kb PDF document.

Presented by Mike Mooney of USI Affinity.

Selecting malpractice coverage is important for lawyers in a firm of any size. How much coverage is needed? How much should it cost? How does the cost of defense affect the premium and coverage? How can a fee dispute affect coverage? What happens if the lawyer changes providers? This informative program explored these topics and other issues such as: where malpractice claims originate; malpractice insurance policies; how to determine appropriate coverage; and selecting a carrier, policy, and broker.

Program Presentation - Download and Save. This is a 26-page, 459 kb PDF document.

Participants visited Carr Work Places, 1717 K Street NW to learn how office-on-demand services work. During this program, they explored: how other lawyers use Carr's on-demand offices; the services and packages offered (including specials for D.C. Bar members); how mail and phone calls are handled; the security and confidentiality protocols used; and how to maximize on the services offered. They also enjoyed a special group tour of the facility!

Program handout - Download and Save. This is a 14-page, 1.0MB PDF document.

Presented by Mary Ellen Hickman of Hickman Consulting Partners LLC.

During this session attendees learned:

• How to identify the right client;
• How to determine the best sources of those clients (based on personal experience or typical good sources of business for their particular practice area);
• How to increase the number of good clients they get from those sources; and 
• Whether or not they needed to expand those sources.

Presented by Fastcase.

This program provided an introduction, and general overview, of the features available with Fastcase, a Bar member benefit and the leading next-generation legal research service that puts a comprehensive national law library and smarter and more powerful searching, sorting, and visualization tools right at your fingertips. The Fastcase collection includes cases, statutes, regulations, court rules, and constitutions. Fastcase also provides access to a newspaper archive, legal forms, and a one-stop PACER search of federal filings.

Program Presentation - Download and Save. This is a 14-page, 499 kb PDF document.