Like most workplaces, law firms faced an unprecedented situation in 2020 that has continued into 2021. First, they had to implement a system for …
Back to the Office After COVID-19: How are Law Firms Preparing for It?
COVID, wildfires, court operations, and closures dominated headlines and our lives. So did the tech world, the hard work of staying productive, and not letting the stress of it all get to us.
Hopefully you found some useful posts in 2020. If you’ve been battling procrastination, there is help. If you need to jump start your marketing, I did a four part series in July. If collecting fees has been … challenging … I have a few suggestions. Here’s a recap of substantive topics covered in the past twelve months. And here’s to 2021!
All Rights Reserved 2020 Beverly Michaelis
When was the last time you paused, thought about the recent past, and made a plan for the future?
I know. You’re busy. Clients are calling. Cases demand attention. But you do too. STOP. Now.
Open your calendar, find a free time slot. Preferably an afternoon, but I’ll take an hour if that’s all you can find. Set a date to reflect and plan.
Don’t blow it off. Put files, to do lists, and your phone aside.
Set the scene by transitioning away from work. Take a quick walk or listen to music for a few minutes. When you’re ready, sit down with pen and paper. Avoid electronics, as the tendency to stray into work may be too tempting.
What went well this year? What went poorly? Where do you want to be in 2021? Any ideas about what you might do differently? If no thoughts come to mind, make a list of people you can call. Talking through what to do and how to get there can be a tremendous help.
The ABA COLAP Cafe recently reprinted an excellent article on conducting a year-end self audit. Access it here. Take advantage of our own LAP (lawyers assistance program). The Oregon Attorney Assistance Program is free and confidential. If you know you want change and are at a loss about next steps, or just want someone to run your thoughts by, the OAAP can help. Visit the OAAP website to contact an attorney counselor. Consider scheduling a phone conference now as a follow up to your reserved planning date.
2021 is coming. We can make it better than 2020.
All Rights Reserved 2020 Beverly Michaelis
You may feel there’s nothing you can do about stress. The bills won’t stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding. However, you have more control over stress than you might think. No matter how stressful your life seems, you can take steps to relieve the pressure and regain balance.
How? By using the four A’s:
Avoid
Alter
Adapt
Accept
For specific advice on how to cope with holiday expectations and holiday-related stress, review these articles from the Oregon Attorney Assistance Program:
Updated 2020 All Rights Reserved Beverly Michaelis
If yes, help is available. Please spread the word.
Over the next two weekends the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) will have volunteer lawyers available to answer questions in person at various locations around the state. No appointment is necessary and the consultations are free for wildfire victims.
Learn more about these in-person events here.
If you can’t make it this Saturday or the locations in Glide and Springfield don’t work for you, call or email OTLA for help.
For a list of online fire resources, visit the OTLA website.
All Rights Reserved 2020 Beverly Michaelis
Oregon Law Practice Management 