Lawyer-Coach LLC

10/02/2024

I am pleased to announce that I will be speaking at the 32nd Annual Texas Minority Counsel Program on October 24, 2024 at 3:45 pm. I will be discussing how getting recognized and valued as an essential advisor requires anticipating the client’s legal needs and providing competent legal advice. Yet, that is just the ante to get into the game. The attorney must know how to communicate strategically and in ways that are beneficial from the perspective of each recipient. This CLE aims to teach lawyers how to deliver high quality legal services by communicating ethically and effectively with multiple levels of stakeholders.

There are many interesting topics throughout the program on October 24-25, 2024. I am particularly looking forward to the presentation by Katie Phang, Host of the Katie Phang Show and Legal Contributor and Legal Correspondent for NBC & MSNBC. Take a look at the TMCP brochure to further look into who will be speaking and their topics.

Here's a link to the program brochurehttps://www.texasbar.com/Content/NavigationMenu/ForLawyers/BarServiceOpportunities/FindDiversityResources/TMCPConferenceBrochure.pdf
Here's a link to register for the program https://www.texasbarcle.com/CLE/AABuy0.asp?sProductType=EV&lID=22303

12/09/2021

It's the time of year when we tend to look back, as well as make plans for the future. As you think about what you want for 2022, here's a little article Debra wrote that may be helpful.

There’s an old story about a guy who walked down the street and fell into a giant hole. He yelled for help for a long time, but no one came. Finally he managed to scratch out some notches in the wall, and with some difficulty, he clambered out. The next day he walked down the same

10/22/2019

Debra will be the moderator on an ABA webinar on this Friday, October 25, 2019 at 1pm Eastern. Please register and join us at https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/384539916/.

The CLE program is on “Transforming a Solo Practice with Practice Management Software” and will be eligible for 1.5 hours of CLE credit in most jurisdictions. We’ll have 2 solos talking about what a difference implementing practice management software made in their law practices. We will also talk about features to consider in identifying the right software program for your practice. Although we are talking about solo practices, the information can be useful for any small firm.

This CLE program is FREE for ABA members.Non-members can also register for the webinar for $150. Under the new ABA model, the ABA annual membership fee for lawyers in firms of 5 or fewer members is only $150. So it makes the most sense for them to join the ABA and get access to over 400 free CLE programs, along with discounts and other benefits.

Are you thinking about becoming a solo practitioner, but have concerns about how to manage your firm? Do you feel overwhelmed by practice management software? If so, join solo practitioners, Debra L.

06/16/2019

Not necessarily endorsing any one company, but it’s important to know what artificial intelligence can do for your practice.

Presented by Tomas van der Heijden.

04/29/2019

Even when money is tight, it's better to turn away potential clients that are a "train wreck waiting to happen." Here are thoughts on how to do that without generating bad social media PR or offending the good clients who referred them. Search for "you can't blame the wreck on the train" on this page for Debra's thoughts on how to recognize those clients you should avoid.

I’ve written about warning signs that a potential new client may be a train wreck waiting to happen to your law practice. If you pay attention to such warnings, then you may find yourself wondering just how to turn clients away without creating

04/29/2019

I’ve written about warning signs that a potential new client may be a train wreck waiting to happen to your law practice. If you pay attention to such warnings, then you may find yourself wondering just how to turn clients away without creating

12/12/2018

ABA partners with celebs to promote and protect justice around the world https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2018/12/aba-joins-clooney-foundation-trialwatch/

12/07/2018

Law school professors have asked to reprint this article for their students. So maybe some of you would find it helpful, too.

Identifies needs and priorities for law clients; how lawyers can communicate with clients, avoid lawyer-client misunderstandings

11/28/2018

It's the holiday season. Tips for optimizing your networking opportunities that Debra wrote years ago:

The holiday season is a great time to meet, socialize, and even network with new people. Take advantage of this time to connect or reconnect and expand your group of friends or business clientele.

10/23/2018

Today I sent this article I wrote 10 years ago to a client. It's an evergreen topic!

Finding a balance between work and personal time can sometimes be difficult. Here are some tips foto help lawyers find that balance.

10/19/2018

What a crock. I got a voicemail from "my editor at Top Attorneys of North America." They are trying to write an article on me and need a quote from me. They are on a strict publishing deadline.

It's very easy for me to recognize the lawyer scams. While I am still licensed, for the past 19 years I have been coaching lawyers with regard to their practices, rather than practicing law. While I was a very good lawyer for the 18 years that I practiced, I would judge that it's a pretty low bar to be a Top Attorney of North America if I have been selected this year. What do you want to bet that they can also provide me with a plaque for my wall for a mere $300?
-Debra