
Tech Tips For eFiling In North Carolina
The pilot for the eCourts launch in North Carolina went live on February 13 in Wake, Lee, Harnett, and Johnston counties. There are several components of the eCourts system. Tyler Technologys’ Odyssey is the integrated suite of products for attorneys, court personnel and the public that will replace 40+ legacy systems for eFiling, financial management, and document management for all case types. This integrated system is called the Odyssey Integrated Case Management System (ICMS). Read More +

Preparing for an Economic Downturn: Part 3: Identify Unprofitable Clients and Services
There was a time when I was a little bit obsessed with productivity books. (That time was known as my entire adult life up to and including today.) I don’t know why, but I love them. All evidence to the contrary, I always feel like I am one good self-help book away from really firing on all cylinders. In actuality, I have a shelf full of books that I never look at and as for firing on all cylinders… I could charitably be described as cruising in eco mode. Read More +

Our Legal Deserts
Where are You Now? Odds are that you are sitting in the Triangle, the Triad, Charlotte or perhaps in Fayetteville, Asheville or Wilmington. There are fewer lawyers per capita in North Carolina than in other large states, especially in rural communities. The American Bar Association survey published in 2022 sta… Read More +

Preparing for an Economic Downturn Part 2: Protecting Cash Flow and Client Base
I grew up with my German grandma living with my family. She was like a third parent to my brother and me. She wasn’t an educated person; her formal schooling ended in 8th grade and she immigrated to the US in the early 1920’s after she turned 18. She was smart and wise and had lived through the best and worst the 20th century had to offer. Read More +

Document Automation 101: Techniques You Use Today Without Spending a Dollar
I’m not a doctor, but I play one on the internet. A few years ago, an Italian orthopedist spoke at a medical conference about some special technique she invented. The conference materials apparently listed my email address for the doctor’s contact information (her actual email is different from min… Read More +

The Last Client I Ever Had
Want to maximize what’s working in your Law Life and minimize what’s keeping you stuck? Try a Discernment Consultation. Read More +

Leading Law: How a Virtual Community Can Help Modernize Your Law Practice
Have you ever wished for a group of experts down the hall who were available anytime to answer any questions about building your law practice? With a virtual community, you have just that – a group of experts ready and willing to help. A virtual community is simply a group of folks with common interests who use an internet platform to share ideas. Read More +

Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: Ten Mileposts Along the Road to a Successful Representation (and Disengagement)
It has taken me 20 years to identify steps lawyers can take throughout the life of an attorney-client relationship that will help avoid grievances and malpractice claims. You can learn them in a few minutes. Here are 10 steps to help guide your journey. Read More +

Practice Points With Mark Scruggs - “Limited Scope” Representations
Rrecommendations for a successful limited scope representation. Read More +

Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: The Accidental Pro Bono Client
The accidental pro bono client (i.e., non-paying or slow-paying client) Read More +

Practice Points with Mark Scruggs: The Intake Interview - One Path to a Satisfied Client (And Lawyer)
A solid intake interview will go a long way to making sure the cases you choose to work on are fulfilling for you and your clients. Read More +

Cybersecurity Tips: Starting Fresh in the New Year
File removal, a cybersecurity resolution for 2021. Read More +

Practice points with Mark Scruggs: Get It Outta There!
Don’t let affirmative defenses that you deem meritless remain in the Answer and a part of the case. Read More +

The Lawyer Who Heard a Strange Whisper
Once there was a lawyer who woke in the middle of the night to a strange whisper. Read More +

Cybersecurity Tips: Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) combines your user ID and password (together they are one factor) with one or more other forms of authentication to prove you are the person who should have access. Read More +

30 Minute Risk Management Check Up
As we head into summer, why not take a moment to assess your law firm’s policies, procedures and best practices to ensure your law firm operations are on solid footing. Read More +

Networking from 6 Feet
Stay-at-home orders and self-quarantine are impacting our ability to leave home, but they don’t mean our networking efforts have to cease. Having a vibrant network is essential to keeping your law practice healthy. Read More +

Managing a Solo or Small Firm During a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way we do business. If your practice was already prepared for remote work, or if you had to figure it out on the fly, here are some tips for making sure you are practicing safely in this strange, new world. Read More +

Plan Ahead for Closing a Law Practice
Suffice it to say, it is rather uneasy to think about circumstances that could render an attorney unable to practice law. Whether from an accident, disability, illness, or untimely death, attorneys must be prepared. Read More +

Keyboard Shortcuts: Outlook Shortcuts Get Things Done
Tips to make using Outlook easier. Read More +