When: April 17, 2024, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. seminar, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Social/Networking hour
Where: ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, 20 S. Clark St., Ste. 800, Chicago, IL 60603
What: Practice Management Software & Efficient Workflows

Participants learned:

Efficient organization and management of workflows are essential for law firms to operate smoothly and minimize the risk of malpractice claims. Central to achieving this efficiency is the use of a comprehensive practice management system. Such a system not only streamlines processes but also empowers legal professionals to focus their time and energy on practicing law rather than administrative tasks. However, the true effectiveness of these systems lies in their regular and proficient use.

Presenter:

Melanie Leonard is the founder of Streamlined Legal Solutions, an attorney, and one of the leading authorities on the use of legal practice management software. She graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2002 and began practicing at mid-sized firms.  Disillusioned by their inefficiencies, Melanie started her own firm in 2006 and practiced until 2018 when she founded Streamlined Legal Solutions.

Following the seminar participants stayed for a social/networking hour.

This event is the first in a series of Practice Management Workshops (PMW).  The PMW series is intended to be interactive workshops, not CLE programs, providing practical business resources and tools to small firm lawyers to help you more effectively and efficiently manage your firm.

Detailed Agenda:

In this workshop, participants delved into various aspects of maximizing the potential of practice management software. Through hands-on learning and practical insights, attendees explored:

• Seamless Calendaring Integration: Discover how to seamlessly integrate calendar functions with external tools like Google and Outlook. Learn how to utilize these integrations for direct billing from calendar entries, saving time and ensuring accurate invoicing.
• Workflow Facilitation: Understand how the practice management system can enhance workflows by efficiently assigning and clarifying tasks, monitoring progress, and preventing duplication of efforts. Gain insights into optimizing workflow processes for maximum efficiency.
• Contact Management and Communication: Explore tips for effectively managing contacts, accessing communication records, and securely storing documents within the system. Learn how to utilize templates for drafting documents and leverage custom fields for tailored data management.
• Mobile Applications: Uncover the benefits of utilizing mobile applications for accessing and managing practice management tools on the go. Explore how mobile apps can enhance flexibility and productivity for legal professionals.
  Problem Solving and Workflow Optimization: Learn strategies for identifying and resolving workflow issues efficiently. Gain practical techniques for optimizing workflows to streamline processes and enhance overall productivity.

Through this comprehensive exploration of practice management software functionalities and strategies, participants were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage these tools effectively within their law firms, ultimately enhancing efficiency and productivity.