Solo Practice University® » Case Studies

Could The Use of Cloud-based Services Be an Ethical Violation?

Allison Wood — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 13:00:23 +0000

We all know that the use of technology has transformed the delivery of legal services. Many case management systems are cloud based systems that change the way data is stored. But how does the use of cloud based systems affect a lawyer’s ethical obligations? Consider the following scenario. The answer and explanation can be found […]

Written by Allison Wood

Can It Be Unethical to Help a Client?

Allison Wood — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 13:00:52 +0000

In certain cases, you may have a client who is struggling financially while waiting for that hoped for recovery in the matter you are handling for them. You want to help them in some way, but can you?

Written by Allison Wood

All The Kings Horses Can’t Put Your Reputation Back Together Again.

Susan Cartier Liebel — Tue, 24 May 2016 12:29:20 +0000

You're great reputation as a lawyer will only get you so far. If you don't live up to that reputation, the damage will be difficult to repair.

Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

Why Your Clients Will Thank You For Investing In Law Practice Management Software

Susan Cartier Liebel — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 12:00:34 +0000

Law practice management software is often touted as the holy grail for lawyers, a way to be extremely efficient and effective when organizing your back office. It's mobile, it's time saving, it does everything if you will learn how to use it and let it perform its magic. But what about the impact on the client when you don't have law practice management software. Let me tell you a story.

Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

Is Solo Practice Marketing Ready for Chiquita Banana?

George Gold — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:00:17 +0000

Curious? What does a banana have to do with solo practitioners building their practice? Well, I had a similar reaction some years ago in a different context. Enjoy this great marketing lesson.

Written by George Gold

Do You Know Who Your Client Is? Here’s a Strange (But Common) Situation.

Mark Bassingthwaighte — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 13:00:51 +0000

From time to time I get involved in conversations with lawyers who have called in with a question or concern and as we talk through the situation it becomes clear that part of the problem is the lawyer doesn’t know who his client is. These are the times I find myself asking “How in the world does this happen?” It happens more often than you think!

Written by Mark Bassingthwaighte

When Your Great Reputation As A Lawyer Just Isn’t Enough

Susan Cartier Liebel — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 13:00:16 +0000

A few years back when Hurricane Irene hit we had two 80 foot trees uproot and come crashing down completely destroying our deck. While our home had just superficial damage the loss of the deck remained a very significant financial repair. We immediately called our neighbor because the previous year we had watched their builder construct a beautiful deck. He had a great reputation. But what happens when a great reputation isn't followed up with great customer service?

Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

I Hate Being the Client. You Should Know Why. (Part 2)

Susan Cartier Liebel — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 12:30:31 +0000

You can and should read I Hate Being the Client. You Should Know Why (Part 1) to understand this follow up. Just when you think it is safe to go back in the water, round two of attorney/client miscommunication hits. We, the plaintiffs, haven’t even filed our lawsuit yet and it is just one amazing […]

Written by Susan Cartier Liebel

Yes, Ask the Client!

Mark Bassingthwaighte — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 12:30:01 +0000

Last Fall I posted a piece entitled “Where’s the Beef” that discussed the value of peer review as a quality control process within the law firm setting. In this month’s post I would like to carry that discussion a bit further. Unfortunately, seasoned partners, if they are open to running with peer review at all, […]

Written by Mark Bassingthwaighte

Follow-Up: Case Study #2 – Do You Fire a Client To Save Your Practice (and Sanity)?

Susan Cartier Liebel — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:30:57 +0000

Last Monday I posted this question and received a lot of comments on this blog and privately. It struck a nerve because we’ve all been there. Some of us have a finely honed sense of the ‘right’ client and can decline business easily. Yet others are still feeling their way through this process. And yet […]

Written by Susan Cartier Liebel