Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App are peer-to-peer smartphone applications (P2P) that streamline money transfers by linking user credit cards or bank accounts to rapidly move funds between users. In the legal field, client interest in P2P apps is rising. While undoubtedly convenient, lawyers must assess their security and suitability for their practice.

The ABA TECHSHOW, held in Chicago from February 14-17, 2024, was a melting pot of insights, innovations, and imperative discussions on the intersection of technology and law. As legal professionals met to explore the latest trends and tools, our PMAP team identified several overarching themes that emerged from the diverse array of presentations and discussions. Here are some key takeaways.

If you find yourself grappling with the responsibility to safeguard original client documents, consider the following tips. They’ll not only protect your clients’ interests but will also streamline your document retention system, allowing you to “let it go” with confidence.

When current resources are stretched to their limits and you need help meeting demands, hiring staff can become essential. If you want someone who can work from wherever, a remote staff person is often the first thought—but you should also consider outsourcing to a virtual receptionist or assistant.

Takeaways and highlights from the OAAP's 14th Annual Wellness Retreat for Lawyers Identifying as Women or Nonbinary at the Surfsand Resort in Cannon Beach.

Clear communication with pro se parties can help prevent misunderstandings and allow you to better work with them and obtain the information you need to represent your client competently and diligently. Focus on building a professional relationship with them that clearly defines roles and interests. Consider the following tips when interacting with a self-represented litigant to help avoid potential ethics or malpractice issues.

To lessen the risk of malpractice and ethical violations, legal professionals need to understand the different types of AI so they can make intelligent decisions about which programs they may want to integrate into their practice.

No two firms will likely have the exact same file management procedures, but file management best practices apply to everyone. Understand your storage options and best practice tips to ensure that your client files are being managed properly.

Whether anticipating retirement, making a career change, or just looking to leave private practice, law firm owners must decide how they want to transition. As you begin this process, review your options by asking yourself these three key questions.

There is no one marketing algorithm that works for all legal professions, because each firm is unique. There is, however, one free and easy tool that everyone can use.

Check fraud, particularly “check washing,” has increased significantly over the past year. Here are some tips to protect yourself from check washing.

How many hundreds — or thousands — of emails are in your inbox right now? At what pace is that number growing? Are you confident that an urgent message isn’t lurking in your queue? Does your computer constantly ping and pop up notifications? If these questions speak to the current state of your email account, you may have a problem. These are all telltale signs that a destructive dragon is living in your inbox.

Food is a necessity in our lives. Our society, however, has some very unhealthy pressures around disordered eating and distorted views of body image. It would make sense that a group of people facing heightened stress levels—such as attorneys—would find themselves in food-related challenges as a way to cope.

These days, video and audio calls are the new standard. Consider incorporating audioconferencing into your practice if you haven’t already done so. 

Lawyers often take on too much. Regardless of how much we want to help, there are only so many hours in the day that we can dedicate to our jobs. Try some of these ways to better manage your calendar before things get out of control.

A brief conversation with PLF Claims Attorney Bradley Tompkins about common malpractice risks and how to handle them