Solo By ChoiceSolo By ChoiceHow to Manage Files, Deadlines, and ConflictsHow to Manage Files, Deadlines, and Conflicts

Beverly Michaelis, J.D.Practice Management Advisor

ABA Profile of Legal Malpractice Claims 2004-2007

ABA Profile of Legal Malpractice Claims 2004-2007

What are the Odds?What are the Odds?

1 in 61 in 6

1. Lost or Misplaced Files

2. Advice Not Documented

d dl

Common MistakesCommon Mistakes

3. Missed Deadlines

4. Missed Court Notices

5. Undetected Conflicts

Case Files

Avoid Claims by Effectively Managing

Deadlines

Conflicts

How to Manage Case FilesHow to Manage Case Files Organize PaperOrganize Paper

Form Good HabitsForm Good Habits

1. Indexed?2. Secured?3 Organized?3. Organized?4. Stored?

Be a Filer, Not a PilerBe a Filer, Not a Piler

“Friends Don’t Let Friends Print E-Mail.”

Organize Digital FilesOrganize Digital Files Use TechnologyUse Technology

Document Management Software

Case Management Software

Desktop Search Engines

Last, But Not Least …Last, But Not Least …

“Clever is the Pessimist, for She Makes Backups.”

How to Manage Deadlines Enter Dates Immediately Enter Dates Immediately and Automaticallyand Automatically

Allow Enough Lead TimeAllow Enough Lead Time Use FollowUse Follow--Up DatesUp Dates

Synchronize Each DaySynchronize Each Day Avoid eAvoid e--Court PitfallsCourt Pitfalls Filing the Correct Document?

Creating Rules to Forward e-Notices?

Training Staff?Training Staff?

White-listing Court Domains?

Backup Your CalendarBackup Your Calendarwith a Tickler Systemwith a Tickler System

How to Manage ConflictsHow to Manage Conflicts

Who Should I Track?Who Should I Track?

1. Clients and Adverse Parties

2. Related Parties

3 D li d Cli t3. Declined Clients

4. Prospects

5. Pro Bono Clients

What’s in a Name?

SSN or TIN

DOB

123 ABC Street

FKA

When Should I Run a Conflicts Check?When Should I Run a Conflicts Check?

1. First Contact

2. File Opening

3 N P t E t C3. New Party Enters Case

Use a DatabaseUse a Database

Efficient

Protected

Accessible

Portable

Not Alone?Not Alone?

1. Sharing Office Space?

2. Of Counsel?

Practice TipsPractice Tips

Document the File

Always Specify Relationships

ConclusionConclusion1. Follow the Tips

2. Use Resources

3. Help Available in Many Areas,3. Help Available in Many Areas,including Trust Accounting

Beverly MichaelisPractice Management Advisor

www.osbplf.orgBooks – Forms – CLE - Consultations

Practice Management Advisorbeverlym@osbplf.org

503-639-6911 or 800-452-1639

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