In an uncertain economy, the always important aspects of client and matter screening and comprehensive retainer agreements become even more critical to your practice success.

More small-firm startups have abandoned the traditional law firm business model. Here's a snapshot of what some of them are doing differently.

In this day and age, planning for the unthinkable has become a requirement for any responsible business or enterprise and the practice of law is no different. As lawyers, we are called upon to assist our clients in their times of distress and difficulty, but are we ourselves in a position to deal with adversity if the practice were subject to an event or series of events that impaired its ability to continue normal activities?

This paper is limited to a brief review of some issues that you may wish to consider in acquiring and protecting your information technology infrastructure. I will discuss considerations that will apply to stand-alone and networked computers used by firms of any size.

Every lawyer needs a marketing plan, but few have the time, energy or expertise to put one into effect. Fortunately, there's a growing marketplace of services to carry out your marketing plan — so long as the lawyer accepts the responsibility for the plan itself.

Are legal advice Web sites the future of marketing for small-practice lawyers?

One of the most effective ways to get the attention of newspapers, magazines, and broadcasters is through the strategic use of new media.

Seven years ago, Garry Benson set up shop as a sole practitioner in the Rutland neighborhood of Kelowna, British Columbia, but he had bigger plans than a one-man shop in the suburbs. Just eight months later, he joined forces with two other lawyers. Over the next five years, with three more mergers, Benson built his firm to nine lawyers.

Like many lawyers, the thought of incorporating computer presentations into your practice probably leaves you cold and sweaty. After all, you’re a legal professional, not a computer expert, an A/V technician, or a graphic designer.

If your outflow exceeds your income, the upshot is your downfall. This lesson is hard for lawyers to grasp because they too often equate financial success with hours billed out rather than cash realized in.