September 2010
Upcoming Events
How to Run an Effective Virtual Law Firm
Join our free Power Chat on September 16th and 17th to discuss the effective operation of a virtual law firm with virtual practitioner and law practice management advisor Jay Fleischman. Ask questions, offer your insights and learn from Jay’s experience in this town-hall formatted Power Chat.
Security in the Cloud
Jack Newton, Co-Founder and CEO of Clio joins Total Attorneys CTO Dave Dahl on Total Expert Radio at noon CDT on September 9 to discuss security in the cloud and how attorneys can ensure that their data is protected and they are fulfilling their ethical obligations. Tune in to listen and call with your questions or comments!
Inside Total Attorneys
Virtual Law Office Technology Has a New Look!
We’ve been remodeling your virtual law office, and it’s not just new décor. The new system is easier to navigate and more intuitive for attorneys and clients alike. Watch our video introduction to the new set-up or arrange a demo: Virtual Law Office Technology Makeover
What’s on the Horizon?
The acquisition of VLOTech, LLC earlier this year and the recent changes to the Virtual Law Office interface are only the first steps in some big changes coming to Total Attorneys. In addition to providing an exciting new offering to help solos and small firm attorneys build their practices while keeping overhead manageable, the VLOTech software will form the foundation of a new era for the entire Total Attorney product line. Virtual Law Office Enabler Chelsey Lambert describes the road ahead here: VLO Redesign: The First Step in the Evolution of the Total Attorneys Product Line
Practice Made Perfect
Hiring for the Success of Your Law Firm
Most of us don’t really understand the degree to which our employees determine the success or failure of our businesses. In our July Power Chat, Total Attorneys’ own Tim Ryan shared some startling revelations about what bad hires are costing you and what good ones can do for your business—and then tells you how to identify the rock stars and avoid the dead weight. Watch for Free
Managing Your IOLTA Account
In law school, we’re told again and again how important it is not to mess up our trust accounts—but we’re not taught how to manage a trust account. It’s not intuitive; it’s a learned skill. Rjon Robins shared information about setting up and managing your client trust account on our July Total Expert Radio program. Listen here: Setting Up and Managing Your IOLTA Client Property Trust Account
eSignatures and the Law
Technology offers options much faster and easier than the old “mail this to the client for signature” or “schedule an appointment to come in and sign the documents”, but many attorneys are wary of electronic alternatives or uncertain when an electronic signature will or will not suffice. This overview of the state of the law regarding electronic signatures may just save you some time and paper! e-Signatures – One More Way Attorneys are Moving their Businesses Online
Total Impact House
Notes from Gulu
The girls at Total Impact House have wasted no time in giving back to the community. Even as they’re rebuilding their own lives, they’re conscious of the needs of those around them and responding. Recently, they went out to clean up the local water source, and inspired many other community members to work alongside them.
Follow the girls’ journey on the Total Impact House Blog or visit Purse of Hope for more information about the juvenile sex trade and how you can help.
Company Buzz
In the News
Stephanie Kimbro’s book, Virtual Law Practice: How to Deliver Legal Services Online, will be released by the American Bar Association Law Practice Management Section in September. You’ll be able to pre-order soon at the ABA Store. Watch for an upcoming email with detailed information.
Here’s the publisher’s description of the book: This is a practical, how-to manual for attorneys who want to deliver legal services online by creating a virtual law office that is either completely web-based or integrating a virtual law office into a traditional practice. It will take anyone interested in the concept of virtual law practice through the different management structures, technology options, ethics and malpractice issues, marketing methods, daily management, and serve as a “how to” guide for practical implementation.