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.
Focusing on a new aspect of attorney mental health, On Balance Podcast hosts Tish Vincent and JoAnn Hathaway are joined by Olivia Ash and Jeff Zapor to discuss the prevalence of loneliness in the profession and its effect on lawyers. Olivia shares her research on loneliness in legal professionals and describes the drivers behind their sense of isolation. Jeff talks about his personal experience with loneliness and addiction during law school and as a young lawyer and shares his story of recovery. Together, they offer insight into this issue and the need to promote healthy, connected relationships in the profession.
Olivia Ash is an ERISA compliance consultant at Compliancedashboard, LLC and is adjunct faculty at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.
Jeff Zapor is an attorney and licensed professional counselor and a clinical case manager at the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program at the State Bar of Michigan.
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 August 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 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
In January:
Podcast: On Balance with featured guest Terry Harrell, the executive director of the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, and a member of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being. They discuss the “Well-Being Report” created by the Task Force, which was written to be a road map forward for the profession as it shifts its mindset on lawyer well-being.
Law Practice Today—The Attorney Well-Being Issue
In December:
Law Practice Today—The Technology Issue
In September:
Podcast: On Balance with featured guest Clio CEO Jack Newton. Hosts talk about the 2018 Legal Trends Report and what it reflects about the legal industry. They discuss the data that’s included in the report and how attorneys can use this information to improve the business side of their practice.
Podcast: On Balance with featured guest Rocket Matter CEO Larry Port, who talks about what it means to be a lean law firm, addressing common misconceptions and the core ideas that make the system successful.