Findingwork-LiFeBaLanCeasasoLoorsmaLLFirmattorneY : praCtiCaLtips
Solo & Small Firm Section Chairs : DavidCarter – CarterInjuryLaw , PA & DawnMyers – MyersLaw , P . A .
manysoloandsmallfirm attorneysquicklyrealize thatthework-lifebalance isoftennoteasierin asmalllawfirm .
Many of us dream of being our own boss , of escaping the grind and gaining freedom , which is why we go solo or join a small law firm . Yet , what many solo and small firm attorneys quickly realize is that the work-life balance is often not easier — and it can be just as elusive as in a large law firm setting .
“ Work-life balance ” is the ability to manage work demands and personal life while finding fulfillment in both . Still , solo practitioners and small firm attorneys often find themselves juggling multiple roles , including business management , client relations , and administrative tasks , along with completing their actual attorney work , with no one else to pick up the slack .
So , what are some things you can do to help you find that worklife balance ? Here are some specific tips to help you ease your stress and find fulfillment in both your work life and personal life :
1 . Time-Management Techniques – effective time management is essential for attorneys , especially solo and small firm attorneys . Implement techniques such as :
• Strictly focusing on your work for 25 minutes straight and then taking a 5-minute break ( or 50 minutes and then taking a 10-minute
break ) can help you stay focused and avoid burnout ( known as the Pomodoro Technique );
• Batch similar tasks together and complete them in one session . This will minimize your need to switch from one type of task to another , which will increase your efficiency .
• Schedule your day out in advance . Either plan your day the night before or first thing in the morning . While your plan throughout the day may change a bit , you will at least have a road map to keep you on track to accomplish your goals for that day .
• The “ Eat the Frog ” method is attributed to Mark Twain ’ s quote : “ If it ’ s your job to eat a frog , it ’ s best to do it first thing in the morning . And , if it ’ s your job to eat two frogs , it ’ s best to eat the biggest one first .” The general concept here is to complete the one task that requires the most energy and focus and to do it first thing in the morning so that you can then focus on the less important tasks for the remainder of the day .
• Learn to say No . This is tough for many of us as we do not want to miss out on a new client or business relationship . However , you must say no to tasks or events that are not essential to your practice and are not making you or your law firm money . Setting specific boundaries is critical for maintaining a reasonable work-life balance .
• Technology . Use technology to help you with time manage - ment ( case management software , Office 365 , and artificial intelligence are examples of technology that can help you in your practice ).
2 . Find a backup attorney – many solo and small firm attorneys may choose not to enter into a partnership with another attorney for one reason or another . Still , you can form an “ alliance ” of sorts with other attorneys with whom you have built a relationship and trust . These backup lawyers can have your back and cover for you when you decide to take a “ real ” vacation , and you can do the same for them .
3 . Calendar everything – whether personal or business , try to maintain one calendar where you list everything , and I do mean everything . If you write everything down on your calendar , you are far more
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