To remain at the top of their game and maximize their effectiveness, law firms must work smarter, not harder, and that means adopting more efficient strategies that help them accomplish more with less. So, here are our top tips to increase efficiency in your law firm, get the most out of your resources, and ensure your operations keep pace with demand as your practice grows.
Ditch the email after hours
If you’re wondering why your emails are always late, it’s probably because you’re sending them at night. If you want to get more done in less time, allow clients or associates to reach you during normal business hours. Additionally, you can set up filters to only send response emails at specific times of the day. This will greatly decrease the time you are dealing with emails, allowing you to focus on your most important tasks.
Adopt a daily to-do list
According to author and psychologist Alan Lakein, busywork, also known as “white collar slavery,” occurs when employees are encouraged to perform tasks that are low in significance but add bulk to an individual’s workload.
A daily to-do list helps you stay on track by reminding you what you need to accomplish and keeping you from finishing only half of what you originally started. Daily check-ins are essential for better productivity and can help you avoid the “busywork” trap.
Install an automated system for document production
A document production system involves a series of computer programs that allow you to create and store legal documents. For the best law practice management software, use an automated system so that all you have to do is enter the details of a document, and everything else is taken care of.
The systems are easy to use, making them an efficient way to create documents like contracts, leases, agreements, and more. With an automated system, you only have to put in the details of a document, and the system takes care of all the formatting, making it quick and simple to do your work.
Plan your workflow in advance
If you’re producing documents that require handwritten signatures, like binding agreements, contracts, and leases, then you’ll need to be able to quickly and easily produce the necessary paperwork for your clients.
Take the time to research your firm’s workflow, collaborate with your team and create a system that is efficient for you. The best way to get this right is to spend a few hours on the floor with your team. Pre-planning your workflow, therefore, will go far in helping you avoid rushing through projects and missing out on key deadlines.
Have a firm grasp of your finances
One of the best ways to keep a firm grasp on your finances is to have an accounting system. You can use an online accounting system or have someone in-house take care of your finances. That way, you can keep track of your finances in real time and get alerts if there are issues with your finances.
