Signs that you might be a workaholic - and headed for a 'lawyer meltdown'

Susan Cartier Liebel of Build a Solo Practice writes about some signs that you might be a workaholoic in her post, "'Tip of the Week' - Try Not to Let Work Get in the Way of Your Life", referencing an article by Tejvan Pettinger. Pettinger provides some thoughts about focusing on other aspects of your life and realizing that high income isn't everything. But as Cartier Liebel's post points out, if you're in solo or small firm practice, you probably feel even more pressure.

A common trap that solo and small firm lawyers fall into is the trap of thinking that you're the only one that can get everything done, or get it done to your satisfaction. But that kind of thinking really is a trap because it stops you from thinking about ways to autmate parts of your practice and delegate or outsource those things that don't really require your specialized knowledge, expertise or personal touch.

As your practice grows, it will be more and more important to recognize which tasks require your attention and 'hands on' work and which ones can be passed along to others, whether inside or outside of your office. Creating systems, procedures and processes for repetitive tasks within your office can take some of the pressure off of you and make review easier. The more you automate and delegate, the easier it will be to take some time to recharge your batteries or focus on your highest value tasks and clients.

Need help deciding what you can automate or creating systems in your office? Look at my previous posts on why creating systems for your practice is important and getting started creating systems for your practice, or contact me to see how I can help.

Comments

[Allison Shields]

Ben:

I couldn't agree more. In fact, my teleseminar series, "How to Grow Your Law Practice on a Shoestring Budget" focuses on many of the issues you touched upon - determining your ideal clients, eliminating 'bad' clients, managing your time and setting appropriate boundaries with clients (and others) and learning how to focus your marketing and your services on high value clients.

Unfortunately, the current series is in progress (last class is Wednesday, April 23, 2008). But for those readers interested in the teleclass series, you can check out the home study version (you can get the whole series or just individual sessions) - look for "Grow Your Law Practice" in the sidebar for a link to the program.

Allison

[Ben Glass]

Here are some tips to avoid burnout:

1. decide who your perfect client is and market to attract them

2. say no to clients who don't meet your criteria. It's a trap to think "but, I need the work."

3. With you new found free time saying no to bad clients, work on your marketing. It improves the ratio of good clients to bad who come knocking at your door.

4. Guard your time militantly. You wouldn't let someone walk into your house and steal your TV, would you? Why do you let someone have access to you at all hours of the day or night by e-mail and cell phone. Stop that!

5. If you have too many clients, raise your prices or case selection criteria. Go ahead...you owe it to yourself your family and your "A" clients. Ironically, when you raise prices you actually attract better clients.

6. Recognize that the law is a business, not unlike most other businesses. Its there to be a tool for your financial security. Its just a tool -- I know, heresy to some, but the truth.

Ben Glass
www.GreatLegalMarketing.com
www.BenGlassLaw.com