Whether you began practicing law last week, last year, or 20 years ago, you probably discovered the hard way that the basics of running a business and managing a law practice isn't something you learned how to do in law school. Accounting problems, managing employees, high technology costs and learning curves, and building a client base keep you from doing what you really want to do—practicing law. Thanks to PRACTICE ez™, help is now as near as your computer or phone.
For assistance call our practice management advisors or email us at pmrchelpline@michbar.org.
The State Bar of Michigan and Legal Talk Network podcast series, On Balance, features a diversified array of legal thought leaders. Hosted by JoAnn Hathaway of the bar’s Practice Management Resource Center and Tish Vincent of its Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program, the series focuses on the need for interplay between practice management and lawyer wellness for a thriving law practice.
Though they may serve the common purpose of advising and advocating for their clients, lawyers are unique individuals with different approaches to the practice of law. As such, each lawyer’s professional identity within the legal system will reflect the lived experiences and personal values they hold as individuals. But sometimes professional identity is not easy to define on your own! Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program director Ryann Peyton talks to hosts Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway about the program’s model and how mentorship has positively affected Colorado attorneys at many stages of their careers.
The Practice Management Resource Center has partnered with the ABA Law Practice Division to provide members with a monthly issue of Law Practice Today, bringing you the most current information and trends in the legal industry from legal professionals. Law Practice Today focuses on the practical side of being a lawyer; you'll also find articles on business and career development, and managing your practice and technology.
Read the January Issue | Archives
Get the e-Zine & Other Practice Management Updates
For many years, the Bar's Practice Management Resource Center has offered a lending library that ships printed copies of books upon request. As an enhancement to that service, a free online library is now available that allows members to download e-books and audio books to office computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Unlike the lending library, which requires return shipping, the downloadable library items are free to members and will automatically delete after the designated lending period expires. Follow these PRACTICE ez™ instructions to borrow a book today!
How to Borrow on Your Mobile Device
How to Borrow on a Computer
How to Borrow for a Nook
How to Borrow on a Kindle
50 New e-Books and Audio Books!
- 20 Retirement Decisions
- Partner Track
- Mining the Social Web
- Project Manager
- Your Billable Life
- Why I Failed
February 26–29, 2020, Chicago
Bringing Lawyers & Technology Together
ABA TECHSHOW has over 32 years of experience bringing lawyers and technology together. Legal work today is dependent on technology. ABA TECHSHOW teaches you how it can work for you. Through the expansive EXPO Hall, CLEs, presentations, and workshops, all of your questions will be answered. Learn from top legal professionals and tech innovators.
As a member of the State Bar of Michigan, you can register for ABA TECHSHOW 2020 at a special reduced rate. This $150 discount only applies to registrants that qualify for the Standard registration. Register online and include this unique discount code: EP2014 at checkout to receive the discount. Learn More
The Michigan Supreme Court recently adopted comprehensive amendments to Michigan’s civil discovery rules. The New Civil Discovery Rules will be effective on January 1, 2020. To prepare practitioners for this change, the State Bar of Michigan is posting educational resources and events. Learn More
In February:
Making Better Use of LinkedIn (Part 1)
Podcast: On Balance—Ryann Peyton, the Colorado Attorney Mentoring Program director, talks about how their program has positively affected Colorado attorneys at many stages of their careers.
In January:
Law Practice Today—The Attorney Well-Being Issue
In December:
Podcast: On Balance—Barron Henley offers insights on lawyers’ ethical responsibilities for data security. He outlines various security measures lawyers should employ in their practice and advises them to be upfront about security with their clients.
How to Safely Pass Credit Card Fees to Your Clients
Law Practice Today—The Technology Issue
In November:
Podcast: On Balance—Barron Henley talks about the implications for the new rules of technology competence and explores what core technologies and training firms need to ensure compliance.
Michigan is the 37th State to Adopt Duty of Technology Competency
Affordable Technology for Small-Firm Productivity
Podcast: On Balance—Jeff P. Wasserman talks about his work for the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems as the Judicial Outreach and Development Director. Jeff is a former attorney and a recovering gambling addict.
Law Practice Today—The Ethics Issue
In October:
(Don’t Do) Death By PowerPoint
ABA TECHSHOW 2020
Law Practice Today—The Management Issue
In September:
Podcast: On Balance—Katie Hennessey talks about the recently adopted amendments to the civil discovery process, and with these rules becoming effective on January 1, 2020, how Michigan lawyers can prepare.
Law Practice Today—The Diversity & Inclusion Issue
In August:
Podcast: On Balance—Olivia Ash and Jeff Zapor discuss the prevalence of loneliness in the profession and its effect on lawyers.
Vetting Technology: A Herculean Task
Law Practice Today—The Big Brother Issue
In July:
Podcast: On Balance—Anne Brafford talks about positive strategies for supporting well-being in the workplace including focusing on concrete ways firms can address problems and emphasize the positive effects that result from investing in a healthier work environment.
Law Practice Today—The Future of Law is Here Issue
In June:
Be Flexible, Be Successful, Be Essential
Podcast: On Balance—Dr. Noelle Nelson offers simple techniques for connecting with clients of all personalities and temperaments and teaches lawyers how to be an ally, even if they disagree with their client.
Law Practice Today—The Client Perspectives Issue
In May:
Podcast: On Balance—Dr. Liane Davey, Ph.D, discusses a better way to engage in and resolve workplace conflict, building a healthier, more productive team dynamic in the process.
Law Practice Today—Women in the Law Issue
In April:
Podcast: On Balance—Allison Shields talks about how lawyers can do more in less time. They discuss the importance of setting goals and avoiding the discouraging pitfall of creating never-ending to-do lists.
Law Practice Today—The Young Lawyers Issue
In March:
Podcast: On Balance—Victoria Vuletich talks about what the law school experience is like for the current generation of students including: restructuring trends in the legal profession, technology advancements, shifting student learning styles, and increased support of student mental health.
Law Practice Today—The Niche Marketing Issue
In February:
Podcast: On Balance—JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk to Harry Nelson about the opioid crisis and his book, The United States of Opioids: A Prescription For Liberating A Nation In Pain. They discuss the needs for reform in healthcare laws and greater access to treatment for opioid addictions.
Podcast: On Balance—Judge Michelle Rick and attorney Kim Jones talk about Michigan’s rule changes for limited scope representation that aim to lessen the justice gap.
Law Practice Today—The Careers Issue