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2023
September 21, 2023 – Five Things Lawyers Need to Know about QuickBooks and the Trust Account
Presented by Jill Frillman of Bookkeeping, Etc., Inc.
Is your firm using QuickBooks to manage the trust account? Join us for a Lunch and Learn session with Jill Frillman, the founder and owner of Bookkeeping Etc., Inc. to learn how to do so efficiently and securely.
Managing the trust account of a law firm can be a daunting task, but with Jill's expert guidance, you can learn how to use QuickBooks to streamline your processes and ensure compliance.
September 14, 2023 – Law Firm Growth with Jennifer Kasman
Presented by Jennifer Kasman of JR KASMAN PLLC
One of the first things Ms. Kasman did when launching her firm was attend Basic Training & Beyond with Dan Mills at the D.C. Bar. As her firm enters its tenth year of operation, Jennifer will share invaluable insights and tips for start-up success. She will provide a comprehensive start-up business checklist, share lessons she learned during her own journey, and offer effective time management tools to help you excel in running your own law firm or expanding your client base. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Jennifer's expertise and enhance your legal career.
Handout (This is a 3-page, 198 kb PDF)
August 17, 2023 – Discover Smokeball: The Legal Practice Management Solution for DC Lawyers
Presented by Sara Sultan of Smokeball
Join us for a lunchtime webinar to learn how Smokeball’s legal practice management software helps law firms like yours increase productivity and efficiency while allowing you to work less, from anywhere. As part of our partnership with the DC Bar, DC lawyers are now eligible for a unique 10% discount on Smokeball services.
In this free webinar, we will cover the following topics:
- How Smokeball helps firms engage, sign and intake new clients.
- How to best leverage Smokeball for your specific area of practice.
- Utilizing Smokeball’s MS Word and Outlook integration, as well as our extensive library of Florida-specific legal and court forms.
- Live Q&A session with a Smokeball expert.
Handout (This is a 9-page, 714 kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
August 3, 2023 – Dealing with Law School Debt
Presented by Jessica Medina, Former Lawyer | Accredited Financial Counselor
Student loan debt can be an overwhelming burden for lawyers, causing significant delays in important life milestones such as owning a home, getting married, starting a family, and pursuing fulfilling careers. Navigating through the complexities of student loan repayment has become even more challenging in recent years, leaving many unsure of the best approach.
Ms. Medina will guide us through a range of effective student loan repayment strategies. Drawing from her personal experience in conquering her own mortgage-sized debt, she will provide valuable insights and share the framework she uses to help her clients manage their substantial loan burdens. These insights and strategies will empower you to navigate this complex landscape and regain control of your financial future.
Program Slides (This is a 35-page, 2MB PDF)
(The slides are for D.C. Bar members only and may not be distributed, copied or transferred beyond a member’s possession.)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
July 27, 2023 – Officing with Carr Workplaces
Presented by Carr Workplaces
Carr Workplaces is a DC Bar partner working to help attorneys as they navigate setting up or expanding their practices. From mailing address services to phone reception and administrative support, we provide an array of options designed to support firms as they grow into their own offices, and beyond.
In-person only at Carr Workplaces (1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW). Lunch will be provided and space is limited so register early.
July 20, 2023 – Law Firm Liability Exposures: How to Protect Your Firm Against Cyber Liability Claims
Presented by Mark Lefever of USI Affinity
This program will cover cyber liability exposure for law firms and include cyber risk management tips and information about cyber liability insurance.
USI Affinity is the Bar’s member benefit for malpractice insurance.
Handout (This is a 22-page, 973 kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
June 15, 2023 – Powerful Marketing Tactics for Small Law Firms: How to Attract More of the Right Clients
Presented by Mary Ellen Hickman of Hickman Consulting Partners
One of the biggest challenges for any small law firm is how to attract the right clients for your unique practice, and to keep those clients steadily knocking on your door. During this program we'll discuss how to identify the best clients for your practice, where to find those clients, how to attract more of them, and what to charge. I'll then show you how you can tailor this to fit your stage of growth: a new firm, a fast-growing practice, or a well-established firm. We'll talk through concrete examples from different types of practices—including yours, if you'd like—and end with an open Q&A. You'll leave with a practical plan that you can implement immediately.
Handout (This is a 25-page, 2MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
May 11, 2023 – Freelance Lawyer Freedom: How to Create a Lucrative, Flexible, and Rewarding Business as a Freelance Attorney
Presented by Sonrisa Lewis, Esq. of Lewis Legal and Freelance Lawyer Academy
Our speaker, Sonrisa Lewis, Esq., a seasoned freelance attorney, will guide lawyers through the essential elements to consider when starting and growing a freelance business. She will touch on the benefits of building a freelance business; some of the more technical aspects of doing so; and provide a few little-known tips, tricks, and secrets. Topics of interest will include reasons for freelancing, how to set your rate as a freelance attorney, and where to find clients and work.
This webinar is a must-see for any lawyers interested in learning about using their skills to create a unique lifestyle and business as a freelancer.
Handout (This is a 35-page, 5MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
May 4, 2023 – The Rise of AI in the Legal Profession: Lawyers Brace for Impact
Presented by Sharon D. Nelson of Sensei Enterprises, Inc.
ChatGPT AI is “hotter than hot” in legal circles – and brings with it all sorts of ethical considerations. Our speaker will take a close look at what ChatGPT means for the legal profession.
Will ChatGPT replace some lawyers? ChatGPT itself answered our questions on that topic, as well as describing how lawyers are successfully using AI today and planning to use AI in the future. Are there perils for lawyers using AI? Yes, quite a few. Join us for an in-depth look at the AI revolution that began in November 2022 and continues to dominate legal headlines today.
Click here to watch a video of the program.
April 27, 2023 – Crafting a User-Focused Legal Website: A Comprehensive Guide to 6 Essential User Experience (UX) Elements
Presented by Tim Ito and Boney Pandya of Marketing Nice Guys
Join marketing experts Tim Ito and Boney Pandya from Marketing Nice Guys in this hour-long webinar where they will guide attorneys through the six crucial user experience (UX) elements that can make or break a legal website. By understanding the principles of user-centered design, lawyers can create a website that not only looks professional but also engages and converts potential clients.
In addition to the six UX elements, Tim and Boney will share valuable insights on other "Do's and Don'ts" that attorneys should consider when building their website. At the end of the session, attendees will also have the chance to win a copy of their latest book, Small Business Digital Marketing Handbook, which provides practical advice on 12 digital marketing channels.
This webinar is a must-attend for attorneys who want to build a powerful online presence and attract more clients to their practice.
Handout (This is a 20-page, 7MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
March 2, 2023 – Law Firm Compensation & Bonuses: Planning for 2023
Presented by Brenda Barnes of B2 Management & Consulting, LLC and Camille Stell of Lawyers Mutual Consulting & Services.
Join Brenda Barnes and Camille Stell for a roundtable discussion about law firm compensation. They are co-authors of the newly published book RESPECT – An Insight to Attorney Compensation Plans.
Discussion will include:
- Compensation trends
- Managing Partner compensation
- Business origination credit
- Compensation carve-outs
- Compensation system biases
And More.
Handout (This is a 42-page, 1.0MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
February 16, 2023 – Stop Wasting Time on Tire-Kickers
Presented by David Skinner and Karen Dunn Skinner, of Gimbal Canada
If you try to attract everyone, you're going to waste a lot of your valuable time on people you can't (or don't want) to serve. It doesn’t have to be that way. Learn to create a value-packed, business-generating asset designed to filter out the tire-kickers.
It’s an easy, low-cost marketing strategy for lawyers who want to attract more of the right kind of clients.
In this 45-minute webinar, you’ll learn:
- Six things an effective lead generator should do.
- Different types of lead generators you can try.
- Exactly what to put into your lead generator.
- How to make it available to potential clients.
PLUS you’ll get a worksheet you can use to plan your lead generator as we go along.
Increase the number of potential clients coming into your practice who are ready to work with you.
Handout (This is a 9-page, 519 kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
January 26, 2023 – How to Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) That Save Time and Money in Your Law Practice
Presented by David Skinner and Karen Dunn Skinner, of Gimbal - Practice Management Advisors
You probably didn’t wake up this morning thinking, “I need some SOPs." But I bet you did wake up saying, “my day is completely packed, how am I ever going to get it all done?” Sure, SOPs are boring but they're THE KEY to getting more done! How do we know? Because we're the leading legal process experts. We’ve taught thousands of lawyers around the world how to create SOPs that are making them more successful.
If you don't have a written process for a task you do more than once:
- Routine tasks will take longer than they should (especially if you don't do them very often)
- Errors will creep in, and
- You'll never find the time you need to scale your business & get all the work done!
Join this free webinar and learn to:
- Create processes using our step-by-step method.
- Build a library of SOPs that will save you time and make you money.
- Use your SOPs to facilitate delegation and drive up your productivity!
Presentation (This is a 12-page, 4MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
2022
December 15, 2022 – Take a Tour of MyCase
Presented by Valerie Amparan, of MyCase.
Join us as we showcase all of the exciting things happening at MyCase! Having recently joined the LawPay family, MyCase is the fastest growing legal practice management software. MyCase is easy to adopt and use so you can spend more time doing what matters most.
In this session, you’ll learn how this powerful practice management tool can help you:
- Digitize your client intake.
- How to create a compelling profile.
- Manage your prospective client pipeline.
- Track all case details, files, and communication in one place.
- Automatically track time, generate invoices and get paid faster.
- Keep all finances in order with all-new MyCase Accounting
Click here to watch a video of the program.
November 10, 2022 – Modern Business Development: Winning Clients & Talent Online
Presented by Sameena Safdar Kluck, CEO of Amplify Your Voice LLC.
How do you normally engage with clients, prospects, and potential new hires? Are you mostly sending emails or issuing client alerts and newsletters? Why not reach out to them where they already are - on social media?
In this exciting session, social media and personal branding strategist, and former lawyer, Sameena Safdar Kluck will cover:
- Why engaging online is crucial for your business.
- How to create a compelling profile.
- What are the two things you should do if you only have 10 minutes free for social media.
- How you decide which social media platforms to use.
- How to amplify your clients and employees online to drive your network.
Click here to watch a video of the program.
October 20, 2022 – Thriving Not Just Surviving: Boundary Setting in Practice
Presented by Niki Irish of the D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program
Building and maintaining a successful law practice requires dedication and hard work. To sustain your peak performance and achieve success, you will need to take care of yourself as well as your clients. Self-care is a challenge for many lawyers. Setting healthy limits in your work relationships, whether with clients or colleagues, is essential. This presentation will explore why, when, and how to set firm, clear boundaries to help you take care of yourself, find a sense of control, and enhance your emotional well-being.
Click here to watch a video of the program.
October 6, 2022 – Valuing a Law Firm
Presented by Ellen Freedman of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Michael Molder of AILA Limited
One of the most influential factors in law firm valuation is whether or not business is actually transferrable. There is often an intensely personal nature to the attorney-client relationship. It is said that clients hire lawyers, not firms. And often that is true.
You might think you can go to a Business Broker or CPA and let them tell you your firm’s value. But they often tend to lack the necessary experience with law practices to apply the right factors. You might think that you can rely on your Profit & Loss, but gross revenue and gross profit are just two factors, of many, to take into consideration.
This course will demonstrate the application of factors that influence value by reviewing case studies of three actual firms with similar revenues, yet very different values.
This program was not recorded.
September 22, 2022 – Cyber Exposure for Law Firms
Presented by Mark Lefever of USI Affinity
Why lawyers are prime targets for a cyber-attack and what they can do to protect their law firm.
Presentation (This is a 16-page, 947kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
September 15, 2022 – Upgrade Your Personal Operating System
Presented by Anne Collier of Arudia
Learn how to transform the way you think to be an island of calm in a tsunami of fear and doubt.
Handout 1 - Upgrade Your Personal Operating System (This is a 19-page, 2 MB PDF)
Handout 2 - Compartmentalize Your Stress to Optimize Your Success (This is a 6-page, 2 MB PDF)
Handout 3 - Actualized Leader Worksheet (This is a 10-page, 552kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
September 8, 2022 – How to Build a Brand as a Lawyer
Presented by Tim Ito, principal and co-owner of Marketing Nice Guys and Janet Falk, owner, Falk Communications and Research .
One of the marketing challenges faced by lawyers running their own private practice is gaining visibility in the marketplace. Many lawyers innately understand that this aspect of "building a brand" is critical in terms of their practice succeeding, yet many don't know how to go about it. In this interactive webinar hosted by Marketing Nice Guys and Falk Communications and Research, we'll explore the following key concepts:
- Why build a brand?
- How to develop a brand narrative.
- The 6 ways to build your brand through marketing.
- The role of public relations & media.
Presentation (This is a 46-page, 7 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
August 18, 2022 – Officing at Carr Workplaces
Presented by Carr Workplaces
Learn how office-on-demand services work for your law firm.
Click here to watch a video of the program.
August 11, 2022 – 5 Steps to Grow Your Law Firm Online
Presented by Annette Choti of Law Quill
Learn the exact steps you need to take, in the correct order, to grow your law firm online and gain more clients.
Presentation (This is a 26-page, 23 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
July 28, 2022 – Vetting Technology
Presented by Sharon Nelson and John Simek of Sensei Enterprises, Inc.
Legal technology services promise the moon and sometimes deliver less. This session will focus on the process of selecting and vetting legal technology for your practice.
Presentation (This is a 43-page, 4 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
June 9, 2022 – Working with Clients in Trauma: Serving Them, Protecting Yourself
Presented by Katharine Manning of Blackbird DC
Special care is needed when working with clients in trauma. This session explores a trauma-informed approach to interviewing and witness preparation, including the ways that trauma affects the brain, how to ask questions in a way that will obtain the information you need without needless re-traumatization, recognizing and managing the effects of trauma during the interview, and how to communicate information in a way that a person in trauma can understand it. Attendees will leave with a list of helpful resources to know when working with those in trauma, including where to find a domestic violence shelter, the suicide hotline number, and how to report suspected child abuse.
Presentation (This is a 38-page, 10 MB PDF)
Resource Handout (This is a 1-page 105kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
May 19, 2022 - Manage the Challenges of Going Back to In-Person
Presenter: Ingela Onstad of Courageous Artistry
Social interactions can be rife with challenges, and these challenges have increased for many of us in the pandemic. Whether working with colleagues, staff, juries, or clients, many of us have seen an increase in our hesitance to return to in-person interactions. This presentation introduces skills that teach us to manage our expectations of both ourselves and others, with a focus on coping skills and grounding strategies.
Presentation (This is a 30-page, 700 kB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
May 12, 2022 - How to Improve Your “Stage Presence”
Presenter: Ingela Onstad of Courageous Artistry
We all find ourselves performing on different "stages" in our careers, whether in client negotiations, pitching to prospective clients, in the courtroom, or any other type of public- facing presentation. This presentation teaches skills that target voice use, physical presence, and anxiety management in order to present our most confident selves in high-stress situations.
Presentation (This is a 40-page, 1 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
April 28, 2022 – 5 Steps to Creating Great Marketing Content as a Lawyer
Presented by Tim Ito and Boney Pandya of Marketing Nice Guys
This webinar will focus on how to create great marketing content as a private-practice lawyer, using it for brand awareness as well as customer acquisition and lead generation. We’ll cover the 5 steps of creating great content:
- Planning & Strategy
- Approach (the 6 approaches to great content)
- Tools & Tactics
- Implementation (Executing the content types that are good options for lawyers)
- Optimization
We’ll leave time for questions and follow up too.
At the end of the presentation, we’ll do a book giveaway as the presenter, Tim Ito, will give away a signed copy of his book, The BS Dictionary: Uncovering the Origins and True Meanings of Business Speak.
Presentation (This is a 49-page, 6 MB PDF)
Free: The Do-It-Yourself Marketing Playbook For Lawyers
Click here to watch a video of the program.
April 21, 2022 – How to Start or Expand Your ‘Low Bono’ Legal Practice by Joining the DC Refers Panel of Attorneys and Mediators
Presented by Charlie Lemley of Wiley Rein and Jennifer Lyman of Jennifer Lyman Consulting
Interested in adding "low bono" to your legal practice? Come learn how you can start or expand your “low bono” legal practice by joining the DC Refers panel of attorneys and mediators.
DC Refers is an online referral service and 501(c)3 non-profit organization that seeks to place individuals who earn between 200% and 400% of the federal poverty guidelines (and thus typically do not qualify for pro bono legal services) with qualified attorneys and mediators who have agreed to charge between $75-$150/hour for their services.
DC Refers was created in 2017 to increase access to justice for people of modest means in DC. Many DC residents earn too much to qualify for free legal services from pro bono lawyers or nonprofit legal aid providers, but do not earn enough to afford the rates that most lawyers charge for their services. People whose income falls between 200-400% of the federal poverty guidelines thus often have limited (if any) options for obtaining legal assistance. DC Refers seeks to fill that justice gap.
Come with questions ready to learn how you can expand your practice and help the wider DC community.
Presentation (This is a 23-page, 2 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
March 24, 2022 – Negotiation Essentials
Presented by Maxwell E. Bevilacqua of Max Negotiation
You're negotiating everyday - especially as lawyers. Learn a structured vocabulary for navigating conflict, the emotional mechanics of negotiation, review common pitfalls, and practice pressure-tested tools in "Negotiation Essentials" with Max Bevilacqua, Principal and Founder of Max Negotiating.
Presentation (This is a 26-page, 3 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
March 10, 2022 – How Can DocuSign Help a Law Firm Manage Agreements
Presented by Rob Everette, Lucy Nagasawa, and Rory Sullivan of DocuSign
How can DocuSign help a law firm manage agreements? DocuSign was founded on the principle that everyone has a system of agreement, whether they know it or not. In this program, you will learn how to streamline processes through easy-to-use e-signature and document management solutions like engagement agreements, affidavits, depositions, and other key documents. With DocuSign’s new remote online notary solution, it can provide a one-stop-shop for many firms depending on the state they are in.
Presentation (This is a 17-page, 704 kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
February 24, 2022 – Perfect Your Pitch| Grow Your Revenue and Reputation with a Clear Marketing Message That Attracts Your Ideal Clients
Presented by David Skinner and Karen Dunn Skinner of Gimbal
In this highly interactive presentation, you will be introduced to a simple, proven communication formula that’s been used in thousands of movies and has been adopted by some of the world’s top brands.
You will understand how to apply this framework to create a clear message that will speak to your clients and grow your reputation and the revenue of your law practice.
This session will give you the opportunity to apply the framework and begin clarifying your firm’s message. Your clients will pay attention and respond. Your sales will go up. You’ll see the results you always knew were possible.
When you clarify your message:
- Your website starts working for you,
- Your colleagues and staff become a powerful sales force, and
- Your clients will repeat a viral message that spreads.
Presentation (This is a 14-page, 2MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
January 20, 2022 – Next Level Online Oral Communication & Advocacy Skills
Presented by Christine Clapp and Michele Morrissey of Spoken with Authority
Whether attorneys are in a virtual meeting, on the phone, around the proverbial “water cooler,” or anywhere else, their ability to speak and communicate with confidence to colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders will enhance their practice — just as a lack of confidence will frustratingly hold them back. In this session, participants will learn a set of powerful insights and practical strategies that will rapidly enhance their speaking skills and oral advocacy — whether they are speaking online or in-person, to an audience of one, several, or many. Get ready to develop presentations skills in a way that will elevate presence and expand influence!
Participants will:
- Explore the six elements of professional presence with photo and video examples
- Assess personal strengths and weaknesses with regard to body language, vocal quality, facial expressions, filler words, eye contact, and physical setting
- Start enhancing strengths and mitigating weaknesses
January 13, 2022 – How to Detect, Mitigate, and Respond to a Cyber Attack
Presented by Rob Saland of QOMPLX
According to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, 43% of Cyber-attacks are aimed at small businesses; however, only 14% of small businesses are prepared to defend themselves. The fact of the matter is that attackers are lazy. Rather than identify a specific entity to target, they look for easy-to-exploit vulnerabilities which often map back to small and medium sized firms. In this program, we will breakdown an actual attacker scenario on a small firm, what defenders try as mitigation tactics and why they typically miss, as well as practical (and no/low cost) steps your firm can take to mitigate IT risk.
Presentation (This is a 12-page, 240 kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program
January 6, 2022 – Are You Lawyering or Laboring? 7 Steps to Reduce Interruptions & Chores and Run a Highly Productive Law Firm
Presented by Maddy Martin of Smith.ai
Many small-firm and solo attorneys are spread thin, yet 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.
You'll learn 7 basic and advanced techniques for incorporating tools that promote professionalism and productivity into your operations with minimal investment of time, energy, and money:
- Manage inbound communications with smart phone systems & web chat
- Automate lead capture & qualification
- Hand-off new client intake
- Streamline appointment scheduling & reminders
- Consistently collect payments
- Systematically refer "bad" leads and generate more referrals
- Integrate your communications into your existing systems: CRM, website, calendar, billing system, email, SMS/chat, and more.
If you're not familiar with the latest business and communications management technology, services and processes, you'll learn how to get started, with an efficient setup that maximizes impact with minimal time, effort, and cost.
If you're already using one or more of these services or processes, you'll come away with actionable ways to get more out of them, for greater operational efficiency, marketing results, client satisfaction, and profitability.
Presentation (This is a 45-page, 1MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
2021
December 9, 2021 – How Hive Mind Can Help Your Law Firm
Presented by Pratibha Agarwal of Agarwal Law Group, Sara Kropf of Kropf Moseley PLLC, and Jane Lemley of Harrison & Johnston, PLC.
Since 2017, a group of eight local law firm founders has met regularly to share information and seek advice about running their own firms, improving business development, and meeting professional career goals. They hail from different professional backgrounds and handle myriad practice areas, but they share the goal of improving their law firms and their careers. Three members of this “mastermind” group will describe how the group has helped them over the years, sometimes in unexpected ways. They will discuss how they meet as a group both pre-COVID and during COVID, including monthly phone calls and yearly retreats. The presentation will cover what topics they discuss as a group, how they decide on agendas for meetings, and what has worked (and not worked) for their group. Finally, they will offer practical advice to those thinking about starting their own mastermind groups.
Click here to watch a video of the program.
November 18, 2021 – A Higher Bar: How to Exceed Client Expectations in a Virtual World
Presented by Tim Bedford of Ruby.com.
How can law practices use a client experience mindset to set themselves up for success?
Join us as we answer this question and more in this upcoming webinar. Topics covered include:
- The state of the legal industry.
- Innovations in technology affecting growth.
- Expectations of today’s legal clients.
- Three focus areas that deliver consistent growth.
- Ways to increase conversions and expand your client base.
- How to retain existing clients and turn them into referrals.
- Ruby’s 24/7/365 virtual receptionist and live chat solution.
Presentation (This is a 35-page, 3MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
November 4, 2021 – Tax Planning: Top 7 Things You Can Do Before Year End
Presented by Kim Bey of Bey & Associates, CPAs, PC.
Experience has taught us that many small firm owners waste thousands of dollars every year in taxes they don't really owe. Tax codes change continually. What was true five years ago isn’t always true today. Who can keep up?
During this session you will learn how to decrease your tax burden using key tax strategies including:
- Determining whether your home office qualifies as a business expense.
- Ensuring you are maximizing your retirement.
- Setting up the right type of corporate entity. One type isn’t right for all businesses.
- Avoiding the single most expensive tax mistake of all;
- and much more!
Presentation (This is a 39-page, 5MB PDF)
October 21 — Protect Your Law Firm from the Biggest Security Threats of 2021, Without Having to Become a Security Expert or Waste Your Valuable Time
Presented by Tom Lambotte founder and CEO of Security+
Lawyers have made significant advancements in their adoption and advancement of technology over the past ten years, primarily fueled by the global migration to the cloud. Thanks to this progress, it is easier than ever for a small law firm to get access to and configure the technology needed to practice.
Unfortunately, the simplification of technology introduced an often-overlooked downside that exposes thousands of small law firms to the risk of suffering a data breach. This is because the responsibility of security practices resides under ‘taking care of technology myself.’ While cloud technology has made most things more straightforward, cybersecurity threats have become more complex, and lawyers often do not possess the skills, knowledge, or time to protect themselves adequately.
So how do you fully secure your law practice from the ever-growing list of cyber threats so that you can be at ease and so you can count on more than hope to protect you? Join us to tap into expert knowledge to advance the security measures of your law firm quickly.
Presentation (This is a 82-page, 12MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
October 14 — What Small Firm Lawyers Need to Know about Malpractice and Cyber Insurance
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 are the insurance issues surrounding the pandemic?
This informative program will also explore topics and issues such as where malpractice claims originate, how to determine appropriate coverage, and how to select a carrier, policy, and broker. We will discuss how a firm can protect itself against a cyberattack and how to be prepared when one does occur including, what cyber insurance does and does not cover.
Presentation (This is a 41-page, 888 kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
September 16 — Local SEO for Law Firms: How to Rank Higher in Google & Sign Better Cases for Free
Presented by Casey Meraz
In this program we will cover the strategies and tactics SEO companies don’t want you to know about and how your law firm can rank for important keywords in your market that will bring your firm new cases. In this presentation we will review how local search works and the tactics you need to implement to increase your visibility and grow your law firm for free.
Presentation (This is a 46-page, 3MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
September 9 — Automating Billing and Accounting for Lawyers: How to Select the Right Solution
Presented by Deborah Schaefer
Billing and accounting software is one of the most critical solutions for any law firm. Proper accounting and recording of all fees and costs that are billed and collected directly impact the earnings of a law firm. There are many potential solutions for law firm billing and accounting, and it is often difficult to know which one to choose. The selection process should include planning, identifying wants and needs, proper evaluation of potential solutions and defining a practical implementation schedule. Properly selecting and implementing the best solution is critical to the law firm adoption and success of a time billing and accounting software.
Presentation (This is a 37-page, 2MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
August 19, 2021 — Write Your Marketing Plan Today!
Presented by Mary Ellen Hickman of Hickman Consulting Partners, LLC
Think of this as marketing made simple. During this session we will talk through how to identify the right target audience, define your unique point of difference, and choose which of the many marketing and communication channels – advertising, social media, content marketing, and more – will work best for you and your firm. You will learn to target, streamline and prioritize, and measure success. You’ll leave with a brief, written outline of a marketing plan that is strategic, practical, and effective.
Presentation (This is a 28-page, 2MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
August 5, 2021 — Hands-On with Fastcase
Presented by Erin Page of Fastcase
During this program, we will explore search methods and techniques to achieve better results and lead you 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.
Click here to watch a video of the program.
June 17, 2021 — The Future of Law Post-Pandemic: A Roller Coaster Evolution
Presented by Sharon Nelson and John Simek of Sensei Enterprises, Inc
In October 2020, Clio's Legal Trends Report was officially released in conjunction with the Clio Cloud Conference 2020. Clio CEO said that, after the pandemic hit, we moved ten years into the future in ten weeks.
Want a taste of the future of law? Here’s how lawyers are rapidly morphing their practices.
- 96% say they'll store firm data in the cloud.
- 95% say they'll support electronic documents and signatures.
- 96% say they'll accept electronic payments.
- 96% say they'll use practice management software.
- 83% say they'll meet clients through videoconferencing.
As Yogi Berra once said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” Join us for a look at how law firms are transforming the future of law.
Presentation (This is a 15-page, 1MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
June 10, 2021 — 20 Ways to Increase Your Law Firm's Online Visibility
Presented by Annette Choti of Law Quill
More online visibility means more traffic to your website and more clients! Learn 20 different ways to make your law firm have a larger digital footprint online. — Work smarter not harder!
Presentation (This is a 21-page, 3MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
May 27, 2021 — Next Level Online Oral Communication & Advocacy Skills
Presented by Christine Clapp of Spoken with Authority
Whether attorneys are in a virtual meeting, on the phone, around the proverbial “water cooler,” or anywhere else: their ability to speak and communicate with confidence to colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders will enhance their practice — just as a lack of confidence will frustratingly hold them back. In this session, participants will learn a set of powerful insights and practical strategies that will rapidly enhance their speaking skills and oral advocacy — whether they are speaking online or in person, to an audience of one, several, or many. Get ready to develop presentation skills in a way that will elevate presence and expand influence!
Participants will:
- Explore the six elements of professional presence with photo and video examples.
- Assess personal strengths and weaknesses with regard to body language, vocal quality, facial expressions, filler words, eye contact, and physical setting.
- Start enhancing strengths and mitigating weaknesses.
May 13, 2021 — Collaborative Law Practice
Presented by Alice Ahearn and Emily Baker of Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP
Do you problem solve in your practice? Do you interact regularly with opposing counsel or even clients that you disagree with?
Join Family law attorneys Alice Ahearn and Emily Baker as they provide an overview on how collaborative law is practiced in DC and Virginia, the “basics” of getting trained and becoming a collaborative practitioner, and tips and tricks collaborative practitioners use in “getting to yes.” Other topics include:
- The benefits of creating a dialogue between counsel and/or clients.
- Communication and listening tips collaborative practitioners use to break through emotional and logistical barriers to resolution.
- And more...
Collaborative practice is a modern way to approach many types of disputes. Come learn more about this alternative method of dispute resolution and how you can integrate these techniques into your practice.
Presentation (This is a 9-page, 389kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
May 6, 2021 — The 5 Most Common Trust Accounting Mistakes & How to Overcome Them
Presented by Tom Boyle of TrustBooks
This course will walk you through the most common trust accounting mistakes that small law firms make. We will provide real world case studies with practical takeaways that you can implement in your practice immediately. The focus will be on overcoming trust accounting challenges by using TrustBooks. If you’re looking to understand where attorneys get in trouble with their trust account and get a better handle on yours… this will be a great, hands-on course for you.
Presentation (This is a 20-page, 403kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
April 29, 2021 — QuickBooks Online Crash Course (Attorney Edition)
Presented by Manny Cosme of CFO Services Group
In a hurry to start using QuickBooks Online? Learn the top three things you need to start using QuickBooks RIGHT NOW. This presentation is designed to help small business owners take the first step in getting their finances in order. Special emphasis will be placed on using QuickBooks to help attorneys manage client retainers in their IOLTA account.
Participants will learn how to do the following in QuickBooks Online:
- Track bill and expenses
- Record invoices and cash received
- Use the “Banking Center” to automate work
- Reconcile bookkeeping records with their bank (and why that’s important!)
- Manage monies in an IOLTA account
Required: Computer with Internet access
Recommended: QuickBooks Online subscription
Presentation (This is a 126-page, 10 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
April 22, 2021 — Office On-Demand| Flexible Law Office; The New Normal
Presented by Grace Maupin of Carr Workplaces
This unique program will highlight novel ways to manage and grow your solo or small practice while promoting post-pandemic sustainability for your business.
With more litigation happening than ever, D.C. Bar members will learn about Carr Workplaces' professional business solutions to teleworking and discover in-depth how lawyers use services on-demand and have adapted while servicing clients both remotely and also in-person during a pandemic.
  
Program Highlights:
About Carr Workplaces – Running a successful flexible law office means trusting your team. Discover why Carr Workplaces, has been entrusted to serve hundreds of the DC legal community members for the last 13 years.
 
*D.C. Bar Members receive a 20% discount on CW membership services.*
Flexible Law Firms – This pandemic demonstrated that the legal community could be, at once, nimble, mobile, and successful. Learn how our on-demand virtual plans can be customized to meet your firm's needs, whether you are 100% remote or embracing a hybrid-flex approach.
 
Virtual Memberships – With solutions ranging from using a D.C. mailing address to enjoying a dedicated private suite - we will demonstrate how to scale your law practice while managing legal costs and risks. We will demonstrate how our offerings ensure you grow in the right direction as we transition out of this pandemic and beyond.
 
Legal Support – Carr Workplaces has customized its service offerings to support firms. Members can take advantage of the following on-demand services:
- On-site or virtual Notary Public
- Administrative support 
- Deposition services 
- Court reporting 
- Printing, binding, and document duplication
- Local and overnight courier services
- Court filings services
- Virtual IT Support
Health & Safety in the Workplace – Carr Workplaces prioritizes our clients' and team members' health and safety. Learn more about how we have modified our spaces and implemented new measures to ensure our clients' and guests' well-being.
Presentation (This is a 18-page, 6 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a short promo video.
Click here to watch a video of the program.
April 15, 2021 — Departing Employees, Data Theft, and Digital Forensics
Presented by Michael Maschke and Brandon Barnes of Sensei Enterprises, Inc.
When previous employees take confidential corporate data (and more than half of them do!), valuable intellectual property may end up in the hands of a competing company or be used as an advantage when former employees start their own firm. From attached USB devices to Dropbox/file sharing websites, come and learn the ways digital forensics is being applied to investigate employee data theft.
Presentation (This is a 29-page, 2.1 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
April 8, 2021 — Pivoting Your Immigration Practice in the New Normal and Under a New Administration
Presented by Jonelle Ocloo of the Law Offices of Jonelle Ocloo, LLC
So much has changed since a year ago. Not only has COVID-19 changed the practical aspects of managing immigration law clients and dealing with the government agencies but with the new Biden administration, we now have immigration legislation in Congress. Join us for a discussion on how to pivot your immigration practice in 2021. Topics covered will include:
- How has practice before the USCIS and Immigration Courts changed during the pandemic?
- Concessions and exceptions that USCIS has made during the pandemic.
- How have interactions with your clients changed in the new normal of COVID?
- Gearing your immigration practice for the possibility of new immigration laws and regulations.
Presentation (This is a 12-page, 1.0 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
April 1, 2021 — What Lawyers Need to Know about Malpractice Insurance and Cyber Insurance
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 are the insurance issues surrounding the pandemic?
This informative program will also explore topics and issues such as where malpractice claims originate, how to determine appropriate coverage, and how to select a carrier, policy, and broker. We will discuss how a firm can protect itself against a cyberattack and how to be prepared when one does occur including, what cyber insurance does and does not cover.
Presentation (This is a 43-page, 2 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
March 25, 2021 — The Wonders of Microsoft Teams for Collaboration with Ease
Presented by Catherine Sanders Reach of the Center for Practice Management at North Carolina
If your firm has a Microsoft 365 Business Standard (and up) subscription and you haven’t explored Teams you are missing out! Teams combines the functionalities of Slack, Zoom, and SharePoint in one platform that integrates with your other Microsoft applications seamlessly. Use it for internal communication, collaborating on documents, video/audio conferencing and creating channels for matter collaboration. So many possibilities, come see how your firm can take advantage of this robust tool.
Presentation (This is a 21-page, 1.5 MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
March 4, 2021 — Advanced Referral Marketing: Tactics & Strategies to Consistently Increase Leads to Your Firm
Presented by Maddy Martin of Smith.ai
Many solo and small-firm attorneys rely on referrals to generate new clients. That seems smart, and it’s a practice backed by data. The 2017 Clio Legal Trends Report told us that 62% of people who are looking to hire a lawyer ask friends and family for recommendations. That remains true today.
You might find yourself with a solid client following and peer network. Perhaps your clients and peers refer new prospects to you, resulting in a stream of somewhat well qualified leads, fairly often. But that’s not what you need to level-up your firm’s growth, because it is not a strategy. Most often, referrals are inconsistent and unpredictable, and sometimes even unqualified.
A strategy means you have control, and it involves development, planning, procurement, and execution. A great strategy is predictable, repeatable, scalable, and most critically: owned, budgeted, and directed by you.
In just one hour, learn why referral marketing, as you’re currently doing it, is not optimized as a true “growth strategy,” and how to adopt a far superior referral marketing plan that drives consistent, high-quality leads you can rely on for predictable, substantial revenue growth.
Presentation (This is a 17-page, 202 kb PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
February 18, 2021 — Top Tax Savings Strategies in 2021
Presented by Kim Bey of Bey & Associates CPAs PC
Experience has taught us that many small firm owners waste thousands of dollars every year in taxes they don’t really owe. During this session participants learned key tax strategies to:
- avoid making the single most expensive tax mistake of all
- slash the risk of an IRS audit
- qualify for home office deductions
- develop retirement savings plans
A video recording is not available for this program.
Presentation (This is a 40-page, 12MB PDF)
February 4, 2021 — Innovative Marketing in the COVID-19 Era
Presented by Sharon Nelson and John Simek of Sensei Enterprises
Many lawyers have suffered a decline in business and income with the impact of the pandemic and an uncertain economy. Marketing was always a necessity but often lawyers were too busy to focus on it. Some lawyers now have more time to market and are anxious to ramp up their practice and their revenues. Join Sharon Nelson and John Simek from Sensei Enterprises as they share their most successful and innovative marketing strategies with you. You will come away with tools you can immediately put into action on behalf of your law firm!
Presentation (This is a 51-page, 9.8MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
January 28, 2021 — Building Resilience During Challenging Times
Presented by Niki Irish of the D.C. Bar Lawyer Assistance Program
It is a new year, yet the challenges of 2020 remain. What can help us meet those challenges is increasing our resilience.
Resilience is a person’s ability to withstand and bounce back from adversity and hardship. While personality research shows lawyers as a population tend to be quite low in resiliency, it is a trait anyone can learn and develop. In this program, participants will learn evidence-based practices for building resilience to cope with adversity, adapt to change, and overcome challenges.
Presentation (This is a 27-page, 4MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
January 14, 2021 — An Introduction to NextChapter by Fastcase
Presented by Erin Paige and Tim Shadoan of Fastcase
NextChapter is an online software for attorneys to prepare, manage, and file bankruptcy cases with the court. The web application guides the attorney through the complete bankruptcy process efficiently by introducing a revolutionary linear model which has become its signature Bankruptcy Web Workflow®.
NextChapter offers flexible pricing options, clean design, and awesome customer support. Attorneys can prepare Chapter 7, 11, 13, business, personal and emergency bankruptcy cases using NextChapter. Another benefit of the software is its number of case management tools for law firms and their clients. These features include a document assembly tool, client portal, calendaring, notices inbox, and client texting, and much more.
Presentation (This is a 26-page, 4MB PDF)
Click here to watch a video of the program.
2020
December 17, 2020 — How to Market Your Firm in Challenging Times
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)
December 10, 2020 — Pandemic Response| Business Planning Considerations with Covid-19
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)
November 19, 2020 — Windows 10 and Digital Forensics
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)
November 5, 2020 — An Introduction to Legal Research on the New Fastcase 7
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)
October 22, 2020 — A Day in the Life of a Litigation Attorney
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)
October 15, 2020 — Practice Perfect: Strategies for Growing Your Firm
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)
October 8, 2020 — The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Your Firm’s Online Reputation
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)
August 27, 2020 — Livestream Like a Pro: Essentials for Hosting Safe and Professional Livestreams on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Periscope
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)
August 20, 2020 — Managing a Profitable Practice with Purpose: Financial Strategies for Small Firm Lawyers
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)
August 6, 2020 — Security for Lawyers Working Remotely
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)
July 30, 2020 — Conducting Video Depositions Using Zoom
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)
July 16, 2020 — Finding Your Footing: How to Stay Sane When Working from Home
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)
July 9, 2020 — Returning to Work Safely Amid COVID-19
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)
June 25, 2020 — How to Reduce Stress and Still Meet Your (Revenue) Goals
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)
June 18, 2020 — You Can’t Put the Genie Back in the Bottle: Managing a Law Firm in the New Normal
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.
June 16, 2020 — A Clean Return to Work
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)
June 11, 2020 — Law Office Space and the New Normal
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)
June 4, 2020 — Managing Your Firm Through Metrics
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)
May 28, 2020 — Going Remote in the Legal Industry
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)
May 27, 2020 — Virtual Practice and ADR with Sogand Zamani
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)
May 26, 2020 — How Do you Execute Estate Planning Instruments in the Pandemic?
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)
May 21, 2020 — From Client to Court: The Basics of Running a Small Firm in 2020
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)
May 14, 2020 — Affordable Tools, Tech, and Talent to Run a Small Law Firm Remotely?
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)
May 7, 2020 — Overcoming the Crisis: How to Retool your Marketing to Stay Connected and Relevant
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)
April 30, 2020 — Federal Funding... Now What?
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)
April 23, 2020 — Top Technology Tools for Remotely Practicing Law
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
April 16, 2020 — How to Continue to Serve Your Clients While Social Distancing
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)
April 14, 2020 — Law Practice Continuity: COVID-19 Help for Small Firms| What are my Loan Options?
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)
April 9, 2020 — Automations to Run a Highly Productive Small Firm
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)
April 2, 2020 — What Solo and Small Firm Lawyers Need to Know about Malpractice and Cybersecurity Insurance
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.
March 26, 2020 — The Easiest Ways to Increase Productivity And Profitability In Your Firm
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)
March 12, 2020 — Networking 101 for Lawyers
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.
February 20, 2020 — A Lawywer's Ethical Obligations After a Data Breach or Cyber Attack
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)
February 6, 2020 — Buh Bye Revolving Door: 5 Tips to Tame Turnover Troubles
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)
January 16, 2020 — Running on Empty: Burnout in the Legal Profession
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)
January 9, 2020 — Increasing Revenue and Reducing Expenses in Your Practice
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)
2019
December 12, 2019 — Tech Talk for Attorneys: Using Computers Efficiently in the Workplace
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
December 5, 2019 — A Day in the Life of a Divorce & Family Law Lawyer
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.
November 14, 2019 — Hands-on with Fastcase
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.
November 7, 2019 — Help, I Have No Time for Marketing
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.
October 24, 2019 — Clearing Clutter: Tuning in to Time, Space and Mind
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.
October 10, 2019 — Fastcase 101
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.
September 26, 2019 — iPhone Forensics: An Update on Capabilities from the Trenches
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.
September 12, 2019 — What Small Firm Lawyers Need to Know about Malpractice and Cybersecurity Insurance
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.
August 22, 2019 — Growing Your Practice: The Secret To Getting More Good Clients
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.
August 8, 2019 — Avoiding Flight, Fight or Freeze When Negotiating
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.
August 1, 2019 — How to Work with Lawyers: Co-Counseling, Contracting, Of Counsel & Other Methods of Collaborating for Mutual Benefit
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)
July 25, 2019 — Lawyering or Laboring: 7 Steps to Reduce Interruptions & Chores and Run a Highly Productive Law Firm
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:
- Manage inbound communications with smart phone systems & web chat.
- Automate lead capture & qualification.
- Hand-off new client intake.
- Streamline appointment scheduling & reminders.
- Consistently collect payments.
- Systematically refer "bad" leads.
- 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.
July 18, 2019 — Office On-Demand for the 21st Century Law Firm
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!
July 11, 2019 — Pitch Power: Refresh Your Elevator Pitch, Attract More of the Right Clients
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.
June 13, 2019 — Accounting Concerns of the Small Practitioner
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:
- Choice of business entity
- DC business registration, property tax returns, tax filings
- Accrual accounting versus cash accounting
- The benefits of QuickBooks
- IOLTA accounts and monthly reconciliations
- W-9s and 1099s
- Employee vs independent contractor
- Quarterly income tax payments
- SEP-IRA retirement plans
Handout - Download and Save. This is a 19-page, 325 kb PDF Document.
April 25, 2019 — Getting Published: Writing to Solidify Your Professional Experience
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.
March 28, 2019 — Increasing Law Firm Profitability: More Than Just Raising Rates
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.
March 7, 2019 — Managing IOLTA with Capital One
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.
February 21, 2019 — A Day in the Life of a Family Law Lawyer
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.
February 7, 2019 — A Day in the Life of an Immigration Lawyer
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.
January 24, 2019 — How to Leverage Virtual Assistance and Contract Attorneys to Increase Profits
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.
January 17, 2019 — Outsourcing 101 for Lawyers
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.
Presentation - Download and Save - This is a 17-page, 3.13MB PDF document.
2018
December 13, 2018 — Hands-on with Fastcase
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.
December 6, 2018 — Automation in Word and Outlook
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.
November 29, 2018 — What Small Firm Lawyers Need to Know about Malpractice Insurance
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
November 15, 2018 — HR Basics for Small Firm Lawyers
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.
Presentation - Download and Save. This is a 34-page, 323 kb PDF document.
November 8, 2018 — Stop Missing Calls and Start Delighting Callers
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:
- Taking advantage of click-to-call technology on your website and Google listing;
- Addressing the needs of mobile callers;
- Reviewing and improving your caller's journey; and
- 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.
October 25, 2018 — Improve Your Negotiation Effectiveness Now
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.
October 18, 2018 — Blockchain: 3 Ways to Make it Pay
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.
October 11, 2018 — Fastcase 101
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.
September 27, 2018 — What to do When Disciplinary Counsel Comes Knocking
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
September 20, 2018 — A Software Development Primer for Lawyers: When, Why, and How to Build Your Own Digital Products
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.
September 13, 2018 — Help, I Have No Time for Marketing!
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.
August 23, 2018 — Imposter Syndrome: Know it, Name It, Tame It
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.
August 16, 2018 — Standing Out: How to Set Yourself Apart from Other Law Firms
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.
August 9, 2018 — Office On-Demand for the 21st Century Law Firm
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!
July 12, 2018 — Big Law Business Development for the Small Firm Lawyer: Looking for Work In All the RIGHT Places
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.
June 28, 2018 — What Small Firm Lawyers Need to Know about Disability Insurance
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.
June 7, 2018 — Earn More, Attract More, and Reach More Through Self-Publishing
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.
April 19, 2018 — A Day in the Life of an Employment Lawyer
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.
April 12, 2018 — A Day in the Life of an Immigration Lawyer
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.
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April 5, 2018 — What Small Firm Lawyers Need to Know about Malpractice Insurance
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.
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March 22, 2018 — How to Use an Office-On-Demand Service
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!
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March 8, 2018 — Growing Your Practice: The Secret to Getting More of the Right Clients
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.
January 11, 2018 — Fastcase 101
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.
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