How Lawyers Can Increase Their Productivity and Be More Organized

It is widely understood that attorneys must be well-organized. However, many struggle to achieve a level of daily discipline that would help them achieve maximum success. How can lawyers become more productive and organized as they pursue the practice of law? In this episode of The Legal Tool Kit, host Heidi Alexander talks with Lawyerist founder and editor in chief Sam Glover about how lawyers can increase their organization and productivity. Sam explains concepts of organization and productivity, like planning ahead, meeting your deadlines, keeping appointments, and why they are essential to the successful practice of law. He then explains his approach to organization, a mindset he calls “productive laziness”, which is to take inventory of everything on your plate and take care of the most pressing issues first. Stephen encourages lawyers to use a work plan, which is figuring out what you have to do and when you have to do it, and to cultivate a daily practice of writing down your daily tasks. He analyzes David Allen’s 5 step Getting Things Done method (capture, clarify, organize, reflect, and engage) and provides suggestions on how beginners can simplify the steps. Stephen closes the interview with some of his favorite software to help you stay organized maximize your workflow. Sam Glover is a lawyer and the founder and editor in chief of Lawyerist.com, an online law practice magazine and home to the largest community of solo and small-firm lawyers on the web. On Lawyerist, Sam writes and podcasts about legal technology, law practice management, access to justice, and more. Special thanks to our sponsors Amicus Attorney and Scorpion.