How To Get Organized % Get More Done In Your Legal Practice

How To Get Organized % Get More Done In Your Legal Practice

Edward Khidirov
October 12, 2023

As a lawyer, you are likely well-versed in the art of organization. After all, your work revolves around organizing and presenting information clearly and concisely. However, you may fall behind when it comes to your own personal organization. If you struggle to keep up with your workload, it may be time to reevaluate your organizational skills. 

Lawyers are constantly being pulled in different directions. You have deadlines and clients to meet, and cases to prepare for. It can be tough to stay organized and get everything done. However, there are some things you can do to make your life a little easier.

Here are some tips for getting organized and getting more done as a lawyer: 

1. Make a List of What You Need to Do 

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it can be easy to forget what you need to do when juggling many different things as a lawyer. Write down everything you need to do, and then prioritize the items on your list. This will help you focus on what needs to be done first, and it will also help you keep track of everything.

2. Don't Get Distracted From Notifications

The pressure to be constantly connected can be overwhelming, but finding a balance that works for you is important. Taking time to disconnect from your devices can help manage stress and create a more productive work/life balance. 

3. Set Aside Time Each Day to Work on Specific Tasks 

If you have a lot of things to do as a lawyer, it can be helpful to set aside time each day to work on specific tasks. For example, you may want to set aside an hour each day to work on writing briefs. Or, you may want to set aside 30 minutes each day to return phone calls. Setting aside specific times to work on particular tasks will make you more likely to get those tasks done. 

Time-blocking is a time management method in which you divide your day into blocks of time, each dedicated to accomplishing a specific task or group of tasks. This requires that you plan and prepare your workweek in advance, including when to address notifications. Time blocking can be a useful time-tracking aid and billing reference for lawyers.

4. Take Breaks 

It may seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks can help you get more done. You'll return to your work refreshed and ready to focus when you take a break. 

5. Improve Your Communication With Your Clients and Colleagues

At its core, client-centred communication is about understanding your audience and adapting your message and delivery to meet their needs. It's also about creating an environment where clients feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns. By definition, this kind of communication is two-way: it requires active listening and clear, concise speaking. 

Everyone in a company needs to be able to communicate effectively with each other to make sure everyone is on the same page. It is crucial to have everyone understand their roles and responsibilities and stay up to date on the current status of a case or project.

6. Clear Your Mind 

To get organized as a lawyer, you should use calendars, checklists, and notebooks to keep track of tasks, case progress, deadlines, and thoughts. You can use a legal pad or paper planner and calendar, but there are also tech alternatives that can help you out. 

7. Organize Your Workspace 

The way you set up your office is entirely up to you and what works best for you. However, having a lot of clutter does not help you stay organized. Take a few minutes right now to tidy up your desk. Don't stop to answer the phone or respond to emails. Just focus on this one task. 

Organize your documents by placing them in appropriate files. Gather files that you are not currently working on and put them in a safe place. If you think you may need them later today or tomorrow, consider using a desktop file rack that can hold a few documents or files. 

This also applies to electronic files - you don't need to have every file displayed on your desktop. Use desktop shortcuts to keep only the files you're currently working on visible while the others stay hidden in their correct folders.

8. Build Client's Trust Through Effective Communication 

Client communication is important because it helps build trust and understanding between the client and service provider. Good communication can help move cases along more efficiently and effectively.

Communicating effectively with clients is essential to developing trust and understanding their needs. Being a good listener and being honest are the best ways to do this, but some tools can help improve communication.

9. Improve Your Time Management Skills 

Lawyers have to manage their time efficiently to keep up with their workload and meet deadlines. Time management skills are important for lawyers to maintain a good work-life balance and stay organized. 

No matter what system you use to keep track of time, it is important to do so immediately and not wait. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to track everything.

10. Utilize Legal Project Management Tools

Project management in a law firm is the process of achieving the firm's goals and improving efficiency. This can be done by improving workflows or undertaking specific internal projects. Project management tools can help with planning, budgeting, billing, and other firm processes that are not related to a specific case. 

Trust Management Software

Organization for lawyers is critical to success in the legal field. 

There are many different ways to get organized, but one of the best ways is to use trust management software. Trust management software is designed to help lawyers manage their caseloads and keep track of deadlines, assisting lawyers in getting more done and being more productive. 

Conclusion 

There are many ways for lawyers to get organized and get more done. One way is to use trust management software. This software can help lawyers keep track of their clients, cases, and deadlines. It can also help lawyers manage their finances and billings. Trust management software can help lawyers save time and be more productive.

Are you looking for reliable trust management software? Estateably is here to help you stay organized. We offer a wide range of modern estate and trust administration software for professionals and law firms. Give us a call today to learn more!

More Articles