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Archive for the ‘Law Practice Management’ Category

Don’t Miss This Year’s TECHSHOW!

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

The American Bar Association’s annual TECHSHOW is fast approaching! This year’s not-to-be missed silver jubilee celebration will be held in Chicago from April 11 to 13, 2011. Continuing its tradition of bringing technology and lawyers together, this year’s show promises to be an information-packed, fun-filled event.

I am thrilled to be co-presenting a session entitled ‘BlackBerry Love’ along with Dan Pinnington of PracticePro. This session will celebrate all things BlackBerry. First, we will offer some tips and tricks for increasing your BlackBerry proficiency and making the most of your smartphone. For example, did you know you can (more…)

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What Will It Cost — A Discussion About Fees for Legal Work

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

A discussion about legal fees can be awkward as many of us don’t like to discuss money. However, it is important to have an idea what a professional’s services may cost before the work begins.   In this blog, we explore our approach to this sometimes uncomfortable but essential subject.

By the end of a client’s initial meeting with us to discuss having legal work done, such as the preparation of a will and powers of attorney, we are generally in a position to provide a block-fee quote for one or more options that may have been discussed.  Depending upon the client’s circumstances, we may recommend more than one option and will provide a quote for each option.  Where a client’s estate planning needs are complex due to the assets owned or the family or business situation, it may not be possible to quote a block-fee.  (more…)

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Is Managing a Law Office Part or All of What You do?

Saturday, September 18th, 2010

Here is an exciting conference you shouldn’t miss.  TLOMA (The Law Office Management Association) has put together what promises to be a highly rewarding and educational conference, aptly named the “2010 TLOMA Educational Conference”. It runs from September 22 to 25, 2010 at the Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino in Windsor, Ontario. This year’s theme is “RiseUp, ReNew and ReBuild”. It is surely one of this year’s conferences not to be missed! (more…)

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Opening Your Law Practice 2010, October 18, 9-4:30

Friday, September 10th, 2010

I just wanted to take a moment to spread the word about an upcoming Law Society CLE program. If you have taken the plunge, are considering opening your own firm, or have ever considered such a venture, you will want join me and other speakers at this exciting and informative session.  I will be sharing technology tips and tricks and how I use social media to develop my network and stay connected. This program offers essential and practical information on preparing a viable business plan and operating a successful law practice. Some of the topics that will be canvassed include: 

  • Getting and maintaining clients;
  • Staffing, marketing, and networking;
  • Billing and collecting;
  • Using technology to become more efficient.

Mark your calendars today! Visit http://ecom.lsuc.on.ca/cpd/product.jsp?id=CLE10-0100601 for further details and registration information.

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Scanning Solution for the Mobile Lawyer – Neat!

Monday, March 1st, 2010

As a wills and estates lawyer, I often meet with elderly or hospitalized clients in their residence or hospital room.   When I meet clients at my office, it is a simple matter to use our office equipment to scan documents such as deeds, birth certificates, financial statements, and insurance policies which we ask clients to bring.  However, when visiting clients outside of the office I have to ask if the client will allow me to take documents away for scanning at the office — not something that either I or the client really want to happen.  (more…)

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Our Website Wins an Award!

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

We are pleased to learn that our website was selected as the winner in the Small Firm/Solo category for Canadian law firms (an honour shared with Hyndman Law of Toronto).  The announcement appeared in the December 2009 edition of the National, a magazine published by the Canadian Bar Association.  A slate of Canada’s top legal technology experts selected law firm websites in each of ten categories.  As one of the judge’s explains,   “Neff Law Office (Professional Corporation) is a great small firm site that is warm and inviting to personal, not corporate clients.  The site makes you want to meet with Donna Neff and give her your business.”   Follow this link to see the full article:   www.tinyurl.com/ydjk5lq

Thank you, CBA!  We are honoured to have our website recognized in this way.

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Backups in a Paperless Office

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

After speaking recently at the 4th Annual Solo and Small Firm Conference (May 6-7, 2009, Toronto), I have received emails asking for more information, especially on the topic of ‘going paperless’ in a small law office. In responding to those email queries, it occurred to me that my answers might be helpful to others. This is the first of what may be several blogs in which I share my answers. This one is about my thoughts on backups. For the office that goes paperless, reliable, frequent backups are critical as there is no paper copy available. (more…)

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Annual Solo and Small Firm Conference, May 2009

Sunday, May 10th, 2009

 

Just back from Toronto where I co-chaired (with Dan Pinnington) the 4th Annual Solo and Small Firm Conference and Expo (May 7, 2009) which was a great success.  The conference was sold out!  Throughout the day, there were many enthusiastic and very positive comments from attendees.    It was great to see the results of months of planning and preparation.  Lots of great, practical ideas were shared.  Attendees were extremely engaged with speakers and with each other.   The fact that we were all together for the day made for great networking opportunities (continental breakfast, buffet lunch and cocktail reception at the end of the day meant that no one had to leave to get food elsewhere).  (more…)

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