Practice Management

Another Marriott Data Breach!

Posted on April 02, 2020
Up to 5.2 million guests have sensitive information exposed!

Best Practices for Fraud Protection

Posted on January 23, 2020
There?s a common misconception that large law firms are the most vulnerable to fraud due to their organizational complexity.  But thanks to oversight and procedures, large firms are actually less vulnerable.  In small firms, where there is limited oversight, READ MORE

GETTING STARTED: BUYING NEW OR REPLACEMENT SOFTWARE FOR TIME & BILLING OR PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

Posted on January 09, 2020
Identifying and implementing the right software program for your firm can be a daunting process. Here are some simple steps to take that will help with the decision-making.  Read more

CYBER INSURANCE

Posted on December 27, 2019
What needs to be considered when purchasing/renewing cyber insurance? What are the best practices for lowering your premium? READ MORE

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OF COUNSEL ARRANGEMENTS

Posted on December 16, 2019
What should be included in an Of Counsel arrangement? Based on my experience assisting law firms in this area, here is a list of suggestions. READ MORE

EFFECTIVE EMPLOYEE EVALUATIONS

Posted on December 09, 2019
The employee evaluation is one of the most effective tools available to communicate expectations, provide accountability and to make potentially difficult discussions easier. For my list of essential elements of an effective employee evaluation process READ MORE

Preparing to Say Goodbye to Baby Boomers

Posted on December 02, 2019
As more and more Baby Boomers (1944-64) are making plans for their retirement exit, you may want to re-read my 2006 article. There’s still time for your firm to prepare. Read more.

Succession Planning

Posted on October 27, 2019
This has been a whirlwind September and October. I don’t think I’ve ever presented so many CLEs in this span of time. From Lunch ‘N Learn sessions to plenary sessions at bench bar conferences, I’ve been all over our beautiful state of PA these past two months...

Strategic Planning — Essential For Any Size Firm

Posted on October 14, 2019
Strategic planning is not rocket science, yet you’d be amazed how many attorneys with brilliant ideas fail to succeed at flushing them out. An important aspect to strategic planning is ….

Best Practices for Fraud Protection

Posted on September 04, 2019
The reality is that good people sometimes do very bad things. They do so because of exigent circumstances and because they have an expectation they will not get caught. Often there is a good intention that ….

Trojan Infects 260,000 Android Devices

Posted on March 16, 2011
The more I see of the Android operating system, the more impressed I am. It will not be long before my Crackberry addiction will be a thing of the past. At least that's the plan. But the switch won't allow me to let my guard down when it comes to scumware.

The Run For The Door

Posted on March 10, 2011
We've all heard stories, watched it in action, or been in the middle of what I refer to as The Run For The Door -- the point at which partners determine their firm no longer has sufficient mass to cover overhead and debt, and the mass exodus begins. Those who move too slow are left to turn off the lights, and are often left holding the proverbial bag.

A Proactive Marketing Strategy

Posted on February 25, 2011
I have long espoused that major clients should each receive a free on-site half or full day visit each year by their relationship partner. The purpose is to gather strategic intelligence which will enable you to better anticipate their needs, understand their concerns, examine their risks and opportunities, and generally just learn more about how their business operates.

Cloud Computing

Posted on February 15, 2011
Check out this well-written and humorous rant about Cloud Computing and Security by Ben Schorr.

A Musical Interlude

Posted on February 15, 2011
This is completely off of any topic this blog normally covers. But I had to share the video of a recent TV performance of a fine young man I have known since birth. His new band really jams, and is starting to get serious traction.

If Your Employment Is Terminated . . .

Posted on February 11, 2011
It always amazes me how surprised some people are when the axe falls. Over the years I have witnessed the incredulity from attorneys, administrators, and staff at all levels. Sometimes the signs are so clear you can't imagine why the person doesn't exit under their own steam...

From 1G To 4G, And In Between – Confused By the Hype?

Posted on February 09, 2011
I've been very curious about all the new advertisements on TV and the internet touting 4G connectivity. So what? What does that mean? It sounds like the best invention since the wheel. Is it?

Solve Backward Compatibility Issues in MS Office

Posted on February 03, 2011
Many firms are caught at the awkward stage when they are in continual communication and document exchange with others who use a higher version of MS Office. Sometimes different versions exist in the same office. Having problems opening those newer files with your older version of software?

Should You Upgrade from Office 2003?

Posted on February 02, 2011
As promised in a recent post, I asked Jennifer Ellis to provide readers with her analysis as to whether to upgrade to Office 2007, or skip it entirely and upgrade to Office 2010. I don't ask out of idle curiosity. It's a question that comes into the Pa Bar Association Hotline at least once or twice every week.

Should You Switch to Windows 7?

Posted on January 27, 2011
I've been getting plenty of calls on the PA Bar Association Member-Only Hotline regarding whether to upgrade Operating System software. I've read a lot about it from various sources, and took the plunge myself some time ago, without regret. Recently I asked my colleague, Jennifer Ellis, to blog about it...

Beware the Kama Sutra PowerPoint Presentation

Posted on January 25, 2011
Beware of a new email threat which delivers a PowerPoint with a mean payload. If you run the attachment, you?ll see the promised presentation unaware that a Trojan is installed on your computer to let hackers see files on your computer or use it to run other programs, like sending spam or launching network attacks.

Free Cleaning Service for Women Undergoing Chemo

Posted on August 03, 2010
As a cancer survivor, I know that something as mundane as cleaning the home becomes an insurmountable task during chemo, and I wish I had known about this when I underwent my treatment.

PCI Compliance for Firms Which Accept Credit Card Payments

Posted on July 06, 2010
Does your firm allow or require clients to pay by credit card? If so, you want to make sure you're meeting the requirements created by recent federal legislation regarding credit card companies. The new standards apply to anyone who accepts credit cards, including lawyers and law firms.

More on the Apple iPhone 4

Posted on June 30, 2010
For those of you who have interest in the iPhone 4 and haven't made a move, PCMag.com has provided some additional resources for your researching pleasure.

Ready to Buy the iPhone 4?

Posted on June 17, 2010
Here's a great article from CNet News providing all the FAQ about your upgrade options and pricing. The new iPhone goes on sale June 24th.

Who Uses iPad? Has AT&T’s Security Breach Left Them Vulnerable?

Posted on June 11, 2010
The iPad is sellling like hotcakes. Despite tepid advance reviews, the techno-users keep gobbling them up. Sales are strong home and abroad. But the recent security breach of AT&T's web site devoted to iPad users, has most users feeling very uneasy.

Another Attorney Trust Account Hit By Online Fraud

Posted on June 10, 2010
Is it coincidence that the last post concerned a fraud attempt upon an Oregon attorney, and I'm following up with another? I don't think so.

More on Lawyers as Fraud Victims . . . With a Twist

Posted on March 20, 2010
It's getting harder to keep track of the many frauds which are impacting lawyer practices. You certainly have to remain vigilant. I've just been informed of a new scheme.

Only 16 Days Until the HITECH Act Goes into Effect

Posted on February 01, 2010
The new legal requirements apply to impacted firms effective February 17, 2010. Penalties for non-compliance are stiff.

The Scary World of Penalties and Enforcement Under the New HIPAA-HITECH Law

Posted on January 25, 2010
In addition to expanding HIPAA obligations, the HITECH Act substantially increases enforcement penalties and activities.

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