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Features

A Changing Landscape: The Economics of Practicing Law

Data reported in the State Bar’s 2013 Economics of Practice Survey can guide you in making independent decisions about the business side of your law practice. Here’s a look at some of the key findings reported for calendar year 2012 and what they might mean to your practice.

No Harm, No Foul: Proving Damages in Lost Profit Cases

Business litigators must tap their quantitative skills when bringing or defending suits involving lost-profits damages, to ensure clients recover or pay a legally and financially appropriate amount. The authors explain some of the issues to consider when seeking recovery of these damages.

Profit Patterns: Maximizing Opportunities in Your Practice

Awareness of financial patterns and forces, both in the economy as a whole and within a single law practice, can help lawyers increase their profitability without taking on more work than they can handle.

Web Extras

2013 Economics of Law Practice in Wisconsin Survey

In this video, State Bar Practice Management Advisor Nerino Petro discusses the 2013 Economics of Law Practice in Wisconsin Survey, recently released by the State Bar of Wisconsin. Petro highlights information regarding typical attorney flat rate charges, private practice billing rates, hours per week, billing methods, and more.

Johnny Walsh: Leave ’Em Laughing

In this video, business law practitioner Johnny Walsh performs at the Comedy Club on State Street in Madison, June 27, 2013.

Opinions, Voices & Ideas

President's Message
It’s Okay to Ask for Help. It’s Okay to Offer Help.
Patrick Fiedler – It may be hard for lawyers and judges to seek help for themselves – they’re used to helping others.

Your State Bar
A Changing Profession
George Brown – Even without a crystal ball, lawyers can be sure the practice of law will continue to change.

10 Questions
Johnny Walsh: Leave ’Em Laughing
Attorney by day, stand-up comedian by night.

101
Using the Fee Agreement to Build Client Rapport
Gretchen Viney – Discuss fee agreements with clients in ways that lay the foundation for successful representation.

Technology
Accepting Credit Cards: Compare Five Mobile Payment Solutions
Nerino Petro – Lawyers can accept credit card payments for some purposes, compares features of some mobile payment solutions.

Solutions
How Attorneys Underearn … and What You Can Do About It
Ann Guinn – Lawyers’ financial problems often result from self-imposed barriers, which can be overcome.

Ethics
Mining Social Media for “Dirt” on Adverse Party
Dean Dietrich – Advise clients to restrict information on social media sites.

On Balance
Other People Matter: Building Better Relationships in the Law
Paula Davis-Laack – Learn to connect with people emotionally, as well as intellectually, to build better relationships.

Managing Risk
A New Cost of Doing Business: Protecting Against Cyber Risk
Tom Watson – Technology exposes lawyers to the danger that information will be lost or stolen.

Marketing
10 Ways to Boost Your Business on a Budget
Jenna Weber – There are many inexpensive, effective ways to attract new business without breaking the bank.

Final Thought
The Economics of Practicing Law: It’s the “Principal” of the Matter
Kevin Palmersheim – Lawyers need to advise clients that spending money solely on principle is not good business.