Tips from the CPM ICYMI Newsletter (February 2022 – May 2022)
Every week subscribers receive the ICYMI enewsletter from the NCBA Center for Practice Management. The newsletter highlights tips, tools, trends, and techniques to help your law practice. The following are a few popular links from the past issues of the newsletter.
DIY Text Message Capture (January 28, 2022)
If you have ever attempted to preserve text messages in screenshots watch this video from Brett Burney as he highlights Stitch It! app for capturing text messages (plus screenshots from social media) AND making them attractive for inserting into a document. Interested in learning more about text message collection, preservation, and production? See this on-demand CLE with Brett from NCBA CLE.
Law Firms Must Transform Mailrooms as 40% of First-Class Mail Will Now Take Longer (February 24, 2022)
While you may not work in a firm large enough to deploy the solution discussed in this article, you should be aware that the USPS is becoming slower and more expensive for first class mail. It is time to re-evaluate why you are using print mail and explore secure and fast digital alternatives.
Eight Tips to Google Like a Pro (February 11, 2022)
You can learn something new every day. These pro Google search tips are a good example. Did you know you can search the subdomain or a subdirectory of a website? Try it out! If you wanted to search just the content on the ABA Law Practice Division’s website here is an example: site:www.americanbar.org/groups/law_practice/ onboarding. See the rest of the infographic for more great super searcher tips!
Picture This: Timeline Graphic Tools for Communication (February 18, 2022)
The human brain processes visuals faster than text. Whether you are creating a persuasive argument, informing clients about a matter, keeping your team on track, or want to add visual interest to your website or social media, a timeline can provide a lot of information at a glance. Learn how to create timeline graphics with tools you already have and use them where you need them.
5 Bad Habits Destroying Your Smartphone (February 25, 2022)
If you are picking up charging cables at the convenience store you are doing your phone no favors. Prefer to let that sleek design for your phone stand on its own without a cumbersome case? Yes, they are ugly and bulky but if you have ever bricked your phone from a fall, you’ll probably embrace the case from now on. Do you often run your phone completely out of battery? Have you decided to test just how “watertight” your device is? These and other things can decrease the life and the ROI of your investment.
Techshow ’60 In 60′ Session Features a Variety of Content-Creation Tech Tips (March 11, 2022)
ABA TECHSHOW 2022 is now in the history books (though you can still access the virtual sessions through April 1st). The 60 in 60 program is always a highlight with fast and furious tips, tools, gadgets and just fun suggestions, this year from the co-chairs and co-vice chairs. There is a link to the full slide deck in the ABA Journal write-up. Want more tips? See the January CPM Learning Objectives playback “Tips to Make Your Firm More Efficient”.
Outlook Quick Steps | How to Process Email Faster (March 18, 2022)
Quick Steps is available in the installed version of Microsoft Outlook. The feature allows you to create multi-part workflows to speed along common tasks. Danielle DavisRoe does an excellent job of explaining how to build a useful Quick Step, using the example of task delegation – in one click!
White House Warns: Do These 8 Things Now to Boost Your Security Ahead of Potential Russian Cyberattacks (March 25, 2022)
Pay attention. The current environment is one of heightened cybersecurity threats. If you haven’t turned on MFA (multi-factor authentication) it is at the top of the list of ways to reduce your risk. Best practices now suggest NOT using a personal phone as the second factor. Jim Calloway explains your options. CISA’s Shields Up also has more guidance on how to stay safe.
Smartphone Malware Is on The Rise, Here’s What to Watch Out For (April 1, 2022)
Cybersecurity researchers at Proofpoint identified a 500% increase in attempted malware attacks on mobile devices in the first few months of 2022. Be wary of suspicious text messages, apps, and keep your phone updated.
DIY File Naming Conventions and Folder Structure (April 8, 2022)
If your firm does not have a document management system (application), then it is likely that you have file and folder naming conventions and procedures. What are the best practices, how do you get people to follow them and how can your existing technology help?
Psychology Hacks That Actually Work in Everyday Life (April 15, 2022)
After a period of isolation, we may have to relearn how to read physical cues. These psychology hacks offer some good reminders of how to diffuse tense situations, seem more likeable and approachable, identify when someone may not be telling the truth, how to achieve the perfect amount of eye contact, and why you need to warm up your hands before you shake.
Connectivity Tools for Lawyers | Tools to Help Keep You on Track (April 22, 2022)
A panel of legal techies supplied their favorite connectivity and productivity tools. The answers to this broad question are widely ranging and there are lots of great tips and apps in this roundup.
40 Wellness Tips to Help Lawyers Cope with Job Pressure (April 29, 2022)
Tips from lawyers, legal industry professionals, and wellness experts on how to maintain work-life balance, create a wellness culture at home and at work, how to start a wellness program at your firm, and when to ask for help if you need it.
Apple, Google, and Microsoft Team Up to Kill Off Passwords (May 6, 2022)
Will it happen? Three tech behemoths think so. Often rivals, Apple, Google and Microsoft issued a joint press release announcing support for the new FIDO (Fast ID Online) passwordless standard – a simple and more secure login protocol “better than the best password manager”. When will end users see this option? – “the coming year”.
Rock, Paper, Scissors: Shredding Options for Old Files (May 13, 2022)
Whether you are preparing for retirement, already retired, or just cleaning up old files that have long passed the retention period you probably have some documents that need shredding. What are the ethical requirements and the practical realities of shredding old legal documents? Read on!
Each week the ICYMI newsletter from the Center for Practice Management provides the latest practice management news in a digestible format. We do the curating, so you don’t have to!