Business Development

First law firm owned entirely by nonlawyers opens in Utah

Law on Call—touted as the first entirely nonlawyer owned law firm in the United States—is open for business in Utah. Law on Call is operating as a result of legal reforms approved by the Utah Supreme Court in August 2020.

Mar 17, 2021 10:50 AM CDT

What’s ‘netiquette’ for lawyers on Zoom?

Even if you are on mute, talking during a Zoom meeting is rude because it shows you are not listening. It’s also a bad idea to drive your car while using the platform. And if everyone else has their camera turned on during a Zoom meeting, you should too, so work flow is not interrupted.

Mar 9, 2021 1:41 PM CST

Permitting alternative business structures could spur tech innovation, Arizona justice says

Arizona is hopeful that its decision to permit alternative business structures in the law will produce greater technological innovation within the legal industry, said Arizona Supreme Court Vice Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer during the ABA Techshow 2021 on Monday.

Mar 8, 2021 5:20 PM CST

Top tips for lawyers to boost their online reputations

In today’s online-centric world, lawyers often get just one click and one page of search engine results to make their cases to prospective clients. It’s the first and maybe only opportunity to showcase their credibility to clients in an increasingly competitive market.

Feb 16, 2021 10:55 AM CST

How to know when it’s time to send a client packing

Unlike other relationships, a lawyer-client obligation can spawn without the lawyer even consenting to it, writes Marcel Strigberger.

Feb 10, 2021 1:42 PM CST

How your firm can use technology to build business and keep clients

As a longtime technology consultant to law firms, Heinan Landa knows that lawyers are cautious customers who can be resistant to change. But the old expectations around client service no longer exist, he says, and meeting the new standards requires a shift in the way law firms do business.

Jan 27, 2021 9:14 AM CST

Recruiting firm CEO discusses creating career opportunities in 2021

Ari Kaplan recently spoke with Michael Potters, the co-founder and CEO of the Glenmont Group, a recruiting firm in the legal industry.

Jan 22, 2021 9:33 AM CST

Pandemic practice lessons from a Jamaican solo practitioner who went virtual early

“I think I will have to work from my car,” I thought, when I decided to start my Jamaican solo practice years ago.

Jan 20, 2021 12:39 PM CST

Law firms should not rush lateral hiring, due diligence expert says

With the shift to virtual recruitment amid the COVID-19 crisis, the speed at which law firms vet and hire lateral partners has increased, according to Michael Ellenhorn, the founder and CEO of Decipher. But Ellenhorn, whose company helps legal industry clients evaluate potential hires, says law firms would be wise not to quicken the hiring process too much.

Jan 13, 2021 9:00 AM CST

Law firms may be at ‘tipping point’ for change because of COVID-19 pandemic, new report says

Law firms learned lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic that could translate to permanent changes in the way that they manage their operations, deliver legal services and treat their employees, according to a report released Tuesday.

Jan 12, 2021 3:06 PM CST

How law firms can be—and stay—effective during the COVID-19 crisis

As it has done to other professions within the business community, the coronavirus pandemic has severely disrupted normal functioning in the field of law. From closed courtrooms to quarantined clients, we are dealing with a new and challenging set of issues. But with the right planning and a strategic approach, we can overcome these obstacles and continue to effectively serve our clients.

Jan 11, 2021 9:07 AM CST

2 competing legal research companies announce merger

Fastcase and Casemaker, two competing legal research companies that have previously faced off in litigation, announced Tuesday that they have merged.

Jan 5, 2021 2:13 PM CST

What it’s like to argue before the Supreme Court during COVID-19

Jeffrey L. Fisher has argued more than 40 U.S. Supreme Court cases, and he relies heavily on the justices’ body language during arguments. But that wasn’t possible for his last three, which were conducted by phone because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dec 28, 2020 9:00 AM CST

Need some advice? Here’s a roundup of our tips and tricks to help launch your 2021

At the ABA Journal, part of our mission is to provide useful, relevant advice for members of the legal profession. The past year presented challenges that left all of us scrambling for guidance, and we did our best to serve readers' interests in five major areas: their practice, their well-being, their skill sets, their ethical duties and their career transitions.

Dec 23, 2020 9:42 AM CST

Top 5 Your Voice columns of 2020

From what law students can learn from the musical Hamilton to tips on marketing your practice during the pandemic, the ABA Journal’s Your Voice section hosted a number of fascinating columns in 2020.

Dec 22, 2020 12:24 PM CST