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.
The Michigan Supreme Court recently ordered the state’s trial courts to “limit access to courtrooms and other spaces to no more than 10 persons, including staff, and to practice social distancing and limit court activity to only essential functions.” On Balance hosts JoAnn Hathaway and Tish Vincent talk with Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack about what this new order means for Michigan lawyers during the COVID-19 pandemic. She urges lawyers to stay in touch with the State Bar of Michigan for the most up-to-date recommendations during this crisis.
They also discuss the Michigan Supreme Court’s order to replace mental health questions on the Michigan Bar Examination application. The change seeks to destigmatize mental health and encourage law students and new lawyers to seek mental health help when needed.
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 March 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
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 March:
Working Remotely
Podcast: All Things Microsoft!—Tools & Tips for Lawyers with Ben Schorr
Making Better Use of LinkedIn (Part 2)
Risk Management Resources
March 9, 2020 Upcoming NABE Webinar: Pandemic Preparedness—Avoiding Panic & Doing the Right Things
Law Practice Today—The Marketing Issue
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.
Law Practice Today—The Solo and Small Firm Issue
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