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.
How can firms create a culture that prioritizes health and well-being? In this On Balance Podcast, Tish Vincent and Rob Mathis talk to Anne Brafford about positive strategies for supporting well-being in the workplace. They focus on concrete ways firms can address problems and emphasize the positive effects that result from investing in a healthier work environment, including better productivity, increased client satisfaction, and greater profitability.
Anne Brafford (JD, MAPP, PhD in progress) is a former equity partner at Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius LLP and the founder of Aspire, an educational and consultancy firm for the legal profession.
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 June 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
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.
In June:
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.
In August:
Podcast: On Balance with featured guest John Reed, who talks about essential marketing strategies for lawyers and how marketing differs from business development.
Law Practice Today—The Attorney Well-Being Issue
In July:
Podcast: On Balance with featured guest Shawn Healy, who talks about the prevalence of depression in the legal profession, why it’s so common, and how to practice wellness in a way that addresses depression before it reaches a crisis point.
Law Practice Today—The Diversity & Inclusion Issue
In June:
Podcast: On Balance with featured guest Andrew Elowitt, who has over 25 years of experience as both an executive and business lawyer with New Actions, a management consulting and coaching firm.
Law Practice Today—The Finance Issue
Limited Scope Tool Kit
In May:
Podcast: On Balance with featured guest Patrick Krill, Director of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Legal Professionals Program
Law Practice Today--The Future of the Law Issue
In April:
Webinar Recording: Evernote as a Law Practice Tool
Webinar Recording: Microsoft Office 365
Law Practice Today--The Young Lawyers Issue
In March:
Essential Apps to Increase Efficiency in Your Law Practice
Law Practice Today--The Marketing Issue
In February:
Office 365 Trust Center
Microsoft Office Blogs
Book: Microsoft Office 365 for Lawyers, 2nd Edition
Law Practice Today--The Women in the Law Issue