Professional Development

A lawyer’s personal take on making New Year’s resolutions that stick

We’re nearing the beginning of a new year. That means resolution time. During the 40-plus years of his litigation practice, Marcel Strigberger made his share of resolutions on how to optimize his practice habits and routines, winning some and losing some.

Dec 19, 2019 6:00 AM CST

What resolutions do you have planned for 2020?

The year is almost over, and it’s time to think about how you’re going to start off 2020. Lawyer James Gray Robinson wrote earlier this year, “If we were honest with ourselves, we would admit that New Year’s resolutions are rarely successful. That is because we hope to change something…

Dec 18, 2019 10:26 AM CST

Career confessions of an atypical law school graduate

“I’m excited at what lies ahead. My circuitous professional path since law school reflects a profession in flux. … At the same time, there has never been a more exciting moment to create a new path,” writes law professor Jason Tashea.

Dec 17, 2019 6:00 AM CST

Do you decorate your workspace for the holidays?

The winter holidays are nearly upon us. Have you gotten in the spirit at work?

Dec 11, 2019 12:56 PM CST

What do you think about adopting a four-day workweek?

Walter Benenati, managing partner of the Benenati Law Firm in Orlando, Florida, said recently the firm’s four-day workweek increased morale and productivity. Benenati adopted the shorter workweek at the beginning of the year to give employees an extra day to run errands, attend to personal matters and spend time with…

Dec 4, 2019 9:51 AM CST

Dreading the office holiday party? Check out tips from an introverted lawyer

Holiday parties can be hard if you’re introverted, and they can be worse if you have social anxiety. But skipping them is not a great idea, says lawyer and author Heidi K. Brown in this new episode of the ABA Journal’s Asked and Answered podcast.

Nov 25, 2019 6:00 AM CST

Top tips for lawyers to stay in control of their business development

From daily happiness levels at work to reframing how you think about competition, brand expert and lawyer Katy Goshtasbi offers ways for lawyers stay on top when it comes to business development—whether it’s their own brand or their firm’s brand.

Nov 21, 2019 6:30 AM CST

Law school in this state gets record $125M gift and new name

The University of Pennsylvania’s law school is getting a new name after receiving a record-setting $125 million gift from the W.P. Carey Foundation.

Nov 8, 2019 4:14 PM CST

The legal profession doesn’t have a leadership problem—it has a character problem

“We’ve become self-important takers who favored me over you, more over less, and shiny objects over personal connections,” writes lawyer Charles P. Edwards. He discusses why having good character is important for leaders in the legal field.

Nov 7, 2019 6:30 AM CST

Former FBI Director Comey encourages law students to be ‘ethical leaders’

It was never one of former FBI Director James Comey’s career goals to be an “unemployed B-list celebrity,” he said, addressing a crowd at the University of Chicago Law School on Tuesday. During a lecture he gave on leadership roles, he said it became his mission to communicate what being an ethical leader means after President Donald Trump fired him in May 2017.

Oct 31, 2019 12:40 PM CDT

What are your favorite accessories for the fall?

Cozy scarves, beanie hats, ear warmer headphones and hand salves can all have a part to play when the cold starts nipping at your nose. But how do you stay warm and still look professional? Lawyers like Douglas Hand, Tasha Brown and Nina Lacher prove that even when the seasons…

Oct 30, 2019 10:40 AM CDT

Super Law: How ethical obligations can shape business and your practice

When framing the phrase super law in relation to sustainability with senior in-house execs and lawyers some years ago, people were puzzled by the concept. The notion seems counterintuitive to people steeped in traditional risk management.

Oct 29, 2019 6:30 AM CDT

What can you learn from a lawyer born the same year that you graduated law school?

In this new episode of Asked and Answered, Senior Writer Stephanie Francis Ward talks to Karen Kaplowitz about ways the experience pairing works well, having more diverse legal teams, and finding better ways to use social media in marketing.

Oct 28, 2019 6:00 AM CDT

The secret to successful lawyer leadership

Did you miss the class on leadership in law school? There probably wasn't one. And at most law schools, leadership lessons are, at best, an afterthought. Yet, from virtually the day we pass the bar exam, lawyers must lead teams: first staff, then younger lawyers, then case teams, and ultimately, perhaps, entire law firms or offices, large or small.

Oct 17, 2019 6:00 AM CDT

What are your everyday morning work habits?

We’re all creatures of habit, and lawyers are no exception. No matter our workplace or level of experience, our mornings can often set the productive tone for the rest of the workday—and even workweek. Some research has shown that having a morning routine can lead to increased work efficiency, create…

Oct 16, 2019 9:34 AM CDT