Comments on: How Major Changes in Our Daily Living Will Impact Solos (Part II)

By: Susan Cartier Liebel

Susan Cartier Liebel — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:53:08 +0000

Corinne, I would look into LawCharge. They’ve got the whole trust account/operating account issue handled to address the ‘comingling’ issue which presents itself with Paypal. Paypal was not designed with lawyers in mind. LawCharge is.

By: Solo Practice University™ | Blog | How Major Changes In Our Daily Living Will Impact Solo Practices (Part II)

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:31:27 +0000

[...] How Major Changes in Our Daily Living Will Impact Solos (Part I) [...]

By: Corinne A. Tampas

Corinne A. Tampas — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:55:55 +0000

Susan,

Currently I use Paypal as my practice has been limited to conducting legal research and writing for other attorneys and tax professionals. I bill after the work is completed. Any deposit I may take is nonrefundable.

However, my practice is changing. Hence, I am wondering if you or your readers have any thoughts on Paypal and trust accounts. I know of attorneys here in Pennsylvania that do take Paypal, but I’m not convinced that this is doable for retainers.

By: Susan Cartier Liebel

Susan Cartier Liebel — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:58:42 +0000

Teresa, the field is starting to get crowded. Many of our students and faculty use CLIO and they are also one of our sponsors. However, you should do your due diligence and explore. If you go to our free lecture page http://solopracticeuniversity.com/free I would listen to the lectures by Jack Newton to fully understand SaaS and it’s value to your practice and this is all presented from a global perspective. You can also watch a video on CLIO and read reviews within our Co-Op http://coop.solopracticeuniversity.com/ Hope this helps!

By: Teresa

Teresa — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:49:29 +0000

Susan, thanks .. a light bulb just went off. Don’t know why I hadn’t thought of online bill payment option for my clients. I want to look explore this further. Are there any particular online bill payment system favorites lawyers are using now?

By: Susan Cartier Liebel

Susan Cartier Liebel — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:15:02 +0000

As always, Jay, you summarized quite nicely

By: Susan Cartier Liebel

Susan Cartier Liebel — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:14:33 +0000

I just received this e-mail in response to today’s post:

Hi Susan,

Allow me to summarize your well presented article with my beliefs of 30 years ago.:

Thirty years ago, I wrote:

“Computers will never replace lawyers, but lawyers who use computers will replace lawyers who don’t use computers.”

Today I would say:

“Technology will never replace lawyers, but lawyers who use technology will replace lawyers who don’t use technology”

More is not always better. having all the gadgets and toys can easily distract a lawyer from doing what needs to be done.

I now preach:

Technique trumps technology. Having all the technology in the world is worthless if you don’t know what has to be done.

Best always,

Jay

Jay Foonberg
Attorney, CPA, CLE Presenter, Author,
Fellow – American College of Law Practice Management,
4-Time ABA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

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Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:17:42 +0000

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By: Susan Cartier Liebel

Susan Cartier Liebel — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:50:18 +0000

Bingo! Clearly, there are practice areas which have a less-sophisticated client base or practice in areas more prone to ‘cash’ retainers. Clearly, if the goal is cash flow for the practitioner and ease of payment for the consumer, the cash business is not going to be affected.

However, there area bound to be some bumps and grinds with segments of the population who refuse to transition to computer-based transactions. But as long as attorneys make working with these holdouts the exception rather than the rule, she’ll remain ahead of the curve.

Susan, do you still send out paper invoices and get checks? If so, what percentage?

By: Suzanne Meehle

Suzanne Meehle — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:25:33 +0000

My experience is right in line with your predictions. I began billing as soon as the work is completed (rather than waiting until the end of the month), and I offer online bill payment and take credit cards by phone. I have all but eliminated past due billing. It has also dramatically improved my cash flow.