A cluttered desk is commonplace for a lawyer. But it is also something that subconsciously adds to an already stressful situation. I find that when I am scattered and having difficulty focusing on one assignment, the best thing to do is clear my desk off. It will keep you from getting distracted by the 10 […]
Recently, I realized something. That little voice that used to tell me that I wasn’t good enough or that I didn’t belong here and told me I wasn’t a good writer or a good lawyer wasn’t shouting from the back of my skull like it used to in the beginning. It used to take me […]
I believe that the key to manifesting success is to avoid speaking with people about it. Sure, there may be some people who will encourage you in your journey of self improvement and may be inspired to start their own journey because of you. Others, however, won’t understand what you’re doing and may even say […]
You may love practicing law, but not every case or assignment is going to be engaging, interesting or fun. When you find yourself putting off an assignment, try to work on it first thing in the morning. With a cup of coffee in your hand and the morning’s motivation at your disposal, you will be […]
These days, it seems like everything that is supposedly good for us is often called a “challenge” such as diets, exercise plans, fundraisers, etc. Calling it a challenge encourages you to start doing it, but it also suggests that it will be difficult, mildly inconvenient and that you get to stop doing it one day. […]
“If you want to see time fly, ask for a two-week adjournment.” I heard a Judge say this during a CLE a few years ago and he was absolutely correct. As the work load becomes heavier the time seems to fly faster and faster. Time moves at an unnatural pace when you are a lawyer. […]
My fellow litigators, have we all experienced this, or is it just me? You meet with a potential client, even though you usually don’t do free consultations. You spend over an hour with them, going over the strengths and weaknesses of their case. They thank you for your time and say they will be back […]
Last week, I argued a fairly straight forward Motion in Superior Court. My co-counsel, adversary and the Judge were all women. There were pointed questions on and off the record regarding the case status and the implications of the grant or denial of the Motion. All parties were prepared and passionate and after nearly an […]
You are a first year associate and it took you 2 hours to fully research an issue and 3 hours to write and proofread a 2-page memo. There’s no way you can bill the time that you actually spent on the project, right? Absolutely. Unless your supervising partner tells you otherwise, bill your time honestly […]
My fellow litigators: how do you save your billable time? Throughout the day, I have so many potential distractions lurking around my work desk. Social media websites and apps on my phone, the temptation to look up sports experts’ reactions to the Detroit Lions’ chances of winning a playoff game (Lions fans: we’ve been here […]