Attorneys must be mindful of how they discard digital technology
Just as an attorney would shred outdated paper documents, contacts stored in a cellphone and files on a hard drive must be kept private when the old devices are discarded.
Solo and small firm
Articles
Cloud storage foreshadows upgraded standards, security for small firms
Advances in technology have led the world into an era of easy accessibility, something that attorney Bryan Stoffel is grateful for. His solo practice is one of many that rely heavily on the cloud for everyday functions, such as billing, law practice management and filing client paperwork.
Attorney Charles Braun answers legal questions on air, calms listeners
Saturday mornings, attorney Charles Braun answers questions about the law. He doesn’t know what legal issue or practice area the questions will cover. He doesn’t know who will be asking. He doesn’t keep a book or laptop close by to do quick research. Rather, he answers on the spot and with the public listening.
As mergers surge, Indiana law firms not finding suitors
The legal industry continued two trends in the first quarter of 2018 — the white-hot pace of law firm combinations is getting hotter, and none of the acquisitions involved a firm either based in Indiana or with an office in the Hoosier state.
Law Firm Succession Planning: What are the driving forces in law firm succession plans?
Because attorneys are problem-solvers, our services are in ever-increasing demand. Many of us baby boomers and our parents are living longer and facing many living options in our retirements, as well as health issues.
Emerging smart contracts offer possibilities and risks
Though the idea of smart contracts was first proposed by computer scientist Nick Szabo almost 25 years ago, only recently has true potential of the format begun to be realized. Smart contracts soon may change the way many lawyers practice.
Retired detectives now providing litigation support services to attorneys
Persistence, experience and a healthy dose of intuition — with those three attributes, two retired Indianapolis police officers have created a litigation support operation that local attorneys say provides invaluable investigative work and strengthens their cases.
Now hiring: Labor statistics project paralegal job market booming
They’re the silent saviors, the unsung heroes of the practice of law. Without them, most attorneys agree the show could not go on. So, it’s no surprise that the paralegal job market is in the midst of a growth spurt predicted to last for at least eight more years.
Habegger’s general counsel outsource firm builds on 11 years in house
Ben Habegger is combining his knowledge of business with his entrepreneurial mindset. He has launched a solo practice, Outsourced General Counsel, LLC, offering his services as an in-house lawyer to small businesses that do not have a legal department, and to larger companies that may need short-term legal help with a project or to cover a leave of absence.
Pass-through tax break passes over attorneys
The sweeping changes that came with the overhaul of the federal tax system included a deduction for pass-through businesses, but attorneys and other professional service providers were brushed aside and likely will not be able to reap that tax break.
Speedway attorney’s discipline added to indefinite suspension
A Speedway attorney with a lengthy disciplinary history has been suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for 90 days, a suspension that will run concurrently with the indefinite suspension he is already under.
Study: Many law firms unprepared for future challenges
Are law firms simply fighting the last war? Are they preparing for the future, or are they stuck in the past? Those questions are at the center of a report released Thursday that focues on stagnating demand growth, declines in productivity and a rise in expenses.
2018 outlook: Litigation spending up, law firm rosters down
In a legal market that continues to ask firms to do more with less, there is a bright spot expected to bring about a possible business increase in 2018: litigation.
Law firm mergers ‘white hot’ in 2017, hit record of 102
After a bit of a slowdown in 2016, the pace of mergers and acquisitions among U.S. law firms accelerated again in 2017 to a record 102, according to Altman Weil MergerLine.
Law firm outlook for 2018 focuses on strengths, retaining talent
Major Lindsey & Africa, a recruitment and consulting firm for the legal industry, has released its 2018 Industry Outlook report outlining what law firms can expect in the new year. In short, law firms will remain under increasing pressure to keep costs low and productivity high, so firms are expected to focus on core strengths and retaining key personnel.
Report: Attorneys lose 6 hours daily to non-billable work
A recent analysis of how attorneys spend their workdays showed that only 2.3 hours are devoted to billable tasks. The rest of the time is spent on administrative or business development work, according to Clio’s 2017 Legal Trends Report.
Dissolution of Pence Hensel spreads expertise to other firms
High-profile criminal defense attorneys Linda Pence and David Hensel have dissolved their Indianapolis firm, Pence Hensel LLC, and all three primary lawyers have moved their practices to other local law firms.
Pence Hensel dissolves, partners join other firms
The high-profile criminal defense firm of Pence Hensel LLC is closing after partners Linda Pence and David Hensel agreed to discontinue the Indianapolis practice, according to an announcement today from Pence.
Can we talk? Chat boxes give potential clients 24/7 access
More and more, chat boxes are popping up on law firm websites. The services can lead to client connections or may simply help clients and attorneys find out what their best options may be.
Good fortunes: Indiana firms among fastest-growing in U.S.
Three Indiana law firms are among the 200 fastest-growing firms in the nation, according to rankings compiled by How to Manage a Small Law Firm. The Florida-based organization’s president says firms making big gains are marked by a sense of community and a commitment to serving the greater good.