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<td style="padding-left:10px; padding-top:10px; padding-bottom:10px; padding-right:15px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:10pt;">SEPTEMBER 21, 2017</td>
<td style="padding-left:10px; padding-top:10px; padding-bottom:10px; padding-right:15px; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:10pt;"><strong>Practice tips,
membership benefits, upcoming events, new products, and more!
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<h2 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/Efficiency_200w.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="150" align="right"/>Efficiently Effective</h2>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Most of us want to be efficient and think we already are. I mean, why would we do things in a way that makes life more difficult? Yet many of us still don’t know we should <a href="
http://www.instructables.com/id/The-correct-way-to-peel-a-banana/">peel a banana</a> from the end without the stem. </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">That being said, efficiency is about more than just doing things faster or easier. It’s about doing the <em>right</em> things and doing them <em>better</em>. When you’re stuck in the daily grind it can be difficult to see the areas that need improvement. So, try these simple ways to evaluate your own actions and those of your practice.</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">
<li><strong>Record billable and non-billable time for a week.</strong> Tracking all of your time, and that of any support staff, can give you a better picture of what you’re actually spending your day doing. While it requires an initial – and <em>seemingly</em> inefficient – investment of time, the information you collect will help you streamline office workflow. </li><li><strong>Delegate non-billable activities to non-billable personnel.</strong> At a solo practice or a small firm, it might be common for attorneys to step in and do basic tasks as a courtesy. However, even things as simple as sorting the mail, making copies, or answering unscreened calls can cost you thousands in lost billing hours. Reclaiming just 15 minutes of un-billed time a day at a rate of $200/hour is an additional $12,500 a year (assuming 250 days at work). </li><li><strong>Utilize checklists.</strong> Many times, inefficiencies occur because the right information isn’t collected at the right time.
You might start a case only to realize later that there’s a conflict, you need more information from the client, or something wasn’t handled properly regarding a trust account. These are not only inefficiencies but can also be potential ethical violations. Having <a href="
https://www.attorneyatwork.com/checklists-make-law-practice-efficient/">checklists</a> in place for common processes like onboarding, retainer fees, and closing a file can help prevent extra work and potential missteps. </li><li><strong>Automate processes.</strong> When reviewing your tracked time, look for procedures that can be automated. These could be processes that are repeated several times a day, require much of the same information, or involve a high volume of data entry. In the legal profession, forms are a big part of practice. Try using <a href="
http://marketplace.wisbar.org/OnlineForms/Pages/Online-Forms.aspx">searchable, fillable forms</a> or a document assembly system like <a
href="
http://marketplace.wisbar.org/Pages/Product.aspx?category=&cat=&pid=DA0001">WisDocs Estate Planning</a>. </li>
<li><strong>Cut down on multitasking.</strong> When you’re working on one task and are interrupted by another one – like a phone call, question from a colleague, or client email – you lose productivity. Research says a whopping <a href="
https://www.newyorker.com/science/maria-konnikova/multitask-masters">98 percent of people</a> can’t do more than one task at a time without their performance in both tasks suffering. Counter this loss of productivity by blocking out time on your calendar to keep it free of interruptions and then working through your to-do list one item at a time. </li>
<li><strong>Utilize cloud-based technology.</strong> Cloud-based practice management platforms like <a href="
https://www.mycase.com/">MyCase</a> and <a href="
https://www.clio.com/">Clio</a> can help you automate processes, streamline intake and billing, and take your work outside the office. If you think investing in software will cost too much money, remember that State Bar members receive discounts on these two providers. Plus, you just made more than $12,000 a year by billing 15 minutes more a day. If these platforms can help you be even more efficient, they may well be worth it.</li></ul>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">“There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.”</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">
<strong>-Peter Drucker
</strong> </p>
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<h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;">Attorney Volunteers Needed for New CourtEye Program</h3>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">The State Bar needs your help to explain the court and legal system to Wisconsin high school teachers and students through a new program called <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/forpublic/foreducators/pages/courteye.aspx">CourtEye</a>. Designed to make state Supreme Court proceedings understandable and accessible, CourtEye guides teachers and their classes through a review of oral arguments. </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">In the next few weeks, schools around the state will receive information about this unique learning opportunity. Teachers will be encouraged to contact the State Bar Public Education Program Manager to request a local attorney or judge to visit their classrooms. We also encourage you to reach out to schools in your area to let them know about CourtEye.
</p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Contact State Bar Public Education Program Manager Katie Wilcox if you’re willing to be a CourtEye presenter or have questions about the program. She can be reached at <a href="
mailto:PubEdCoordinator@wisbar.org">PubEdCoordinator@wisbar</a>.org or (608)250-6191. Thank you for volunteering your time and expertise!</p>
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<h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/WSSCF17_Digest-150w.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" align="left"/>CLE That Puts You in the Pilot’s Seat</h3>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Create a customized CLE experience at the 2017 <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/wssfc/2017/Pages/default.aspx"><em>Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference</em></a> by choosing sessions from across four tracks. This week, let’s take a closer look at the <strong>Practice Management Track</strong>. </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Effectively navigate the business side of your firm with help from this track. You’ll find sessions devoted to leadership, networking, negotiation, writing, and other practice management topics specifically for solo and small-firm practitioners. Topics include:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><li>Leadership for Lawyers
</li><li>More Than a Handshake: Effective Networking
</li><li>Getting to Yes: Secrets to Successful Negotiation
</li><li>Method to the Madness: Building Processes into Your Law Firm</li></ul>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">In addition, you can explore plenty of other helpful subjects in the <strong>Substantive Law, Technology,</strong> and <strong>Quality of Life/Ethics Tracks.</strong> </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">See the complete CLE schedule and register today at <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/wssfc/2017/Pages/default.aspx">www.wssfc.org</a>!</p>
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<h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;">Still Time to Become a WSSFC 2017 Sponsor</h3>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Want to increase your company’s visibility and boost your bottom line? Looking for a way to stand out from your competition? Then a sponsorship opportunity at the 2017 <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/wssfc/2017/Pages/default.aspx"><em>Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference</em></a> could be right for you!
</p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">WSSFC sponsors receive exposure before, during, and after the conference. A variety of sponsorship levels and packages are available, so you’re sure to find one to fit your needs and budget.
</p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">To learn more, contact State Bar Advertising Manager Karen Richter at <a href="
mailto:krichter@wisbar.org">krichter@wisbar.org</a> or (800) 444-9404 ext. 6132. You can also download the sponsor prospectus at <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/wssfc/2017/Pages/default.aspx">www.wssfc.org</a>. </p>
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<div align="center"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/bkofwk_digest-blue.jpg" width="250" height="83" alt=""/><h3>Book of the Week<br />
Ends Friday, September 22</h3></div>
<h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 6px;">Family Law in Wisconsin: A Forms and Procedures Handbook</h3>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span class="black" style="color: #000"><a href="
http://marketplace.wisbar.org/Pages/Product.aspx?category=&cat=&pid=AK0052">Print Book</a>:<br />
List: <s>$219 member</s> / <s>$269 nonmember</s><br />
</span><span style="color: #E31B1B"> <span style="color: #E31B1B"><strong>Sale price: $175.20</strong></span><strong> member / $215.20 nonmember </strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span class="black" style="color: #000"><a href="
http://marketplace.wisbar.org/Pages/Product.aspx?cat=WISBAR&pid=AE0052">Books UnBound</a>:<br />
List: <s>$159 member</s> / <s>$199 nonmember</s><br />
</span><span style="color: #E31B1B"> <span style="color: #E31B1B"><strong>Sale price: $127.20</strong></span><strong> member / $159.20 nonmember </strong></span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 6px;">To claim your discount, use priority code <strong>B5020BB</strong> when ordering online or mention it when calling (800) 728-7788.*</p>
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<div align="center"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/CLE_Pinnacle_.jpg" width="250" height="83" alt=""/></div>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><strong>Join a State Bar Section Today! </strong></p>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 7px;">State Bar of Wisconsin Sections are an extremely valuable and effective way for you to meet and work with other attorneys who share your interests, needs, and concerns. Plus, with <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/formembers/groups/sections/Pages/Home.aspx">24 practice area-specific Sections</a>, you’re sure to find one that catches your eye. </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Although each Section offers its own unique benefits, in general, all Sections:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">
<li>Publish newsletters/blogs covering current trends and topics
</li>
<li>Sponsor CLE programs that Section members can attend for a reduced fee
</li>
<li>Influence state and federal policy
</li>
<li>Organize projects valuable to their members and the public</li></ul>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Want to know what a certain Section has been up to? Each Section now has an annual report listing their mission, member benefits, legislation efforts, blog and newsletter articles, and more. All Section annual reports can be found <a href="
http://www.wisbar.org/formembers/groups/sections/Pages/Home.aspx">here</a>. </p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Get to know your fellow attorneys while working towards positive change in your practice area through Section membership. To join, just contact us at (800) 728-7788 or <a href="
https://www.wisbar.org/formembers/groups/pages/join-a-group.aspx">click here</a>.</p>
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<div align="center"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/Student_Corner.jpg" width="250" alt=""/></div>
<h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;">Become a Section Liaison and Interact with Experienced Lawyers</h3>
<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 7px;"><strong>Family Law Section Student Liaison
</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Student liaisons from both Wisconsin law schools are needed on the Family Law Section’s board. The positions begin immediately and conclude on June 30, 2018. Liaisons participate in Section board meetings (with teleconference options) and may participate in Family Law Section events. Student liaisons will receive leadership training and can take advantage of numerous networking opportunities.
</p><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">You must be a law student in good standing during the one-year term to remain eligible for this position. To apply, send your cover letter and resume to Nicole Williams Buttery, State Bar Section Coordinator, at <a href="
mailto:nwilliamsbuttery@wisbar.org">nwilliamsbuttery@wisbar.org</a>. The deadline is <strong>September 29, 2017.</strong></p>
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<h3 style="color: #045394; margin-bottom: 7px;">Auto and Home Insurance Discounts Available through West Bend</h3>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;"><img src="
http://images.wisbar.org/Images/DigestEmails/JustForMems_grey_175w.jpg" alt="" width="175" height="78" align="right"/>As a State Bar member, you could be eligible for West Bend’s Association Plus<sup style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; ">®</sup> program. This program combines a variety of personal insurance coverages with special features and discounts. The cornerstone of Association Plus is the popular Home and Highway<sup style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; ">®</sup> coverage.
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 7px;">Home and Highway offers many unique features, including the Premium Value Award<sup style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; ">®</sup> that returns 5 percent of your annual premium to you each year you don’t have a claim. For more information about Association Plus, call your local West Bend independent insurance agency. Find yours at <a href="
http://www.thesilverlining.com/">thesilverlining.com</a>.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:8pt;"> *This offer is not available with any other discount and expires September 22, 2017. Discount cannot be applied to previous purchases, or used for renewals of subscriptions, auto-supplementation subscriptions, or Books UnBound full library subscriptions.</span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:8pt;">MKT479E </span></p>
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