Attorney with ADHD, just joined a firm which lacks a good organizational system for finding form language, past documents, etc. and I'm still struggling to master the search function on the program we use. I'm thinking I need to build an incredibly robust excel sheet and just track everything; does anyone have a better idea? Or an excel file they'd like to share? Frankly, I'd welcome any suggestions or best tips for staying organized, whether it's probate deadlines, finding language,etc. Thanks!

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

What program does your law firm use? I started the process of creating an Education folder at my prior firm and saving things to it as I went. Since I was often the only one who used it I was able to organize it as I see fit.

Then, I always chuckled when someone sent around an email saying “does anyone have a form for this?” and I immediately responded with what they needed despite being the only one with ADHD.

I use MyCase now for my own firm. It is a great practice management program that also can house client documents.

like

The developer tool in Word is amazing. It takes a little while to set a form up, but the time it saves when you have one form and a handful of possible outputs to different fields each time is amazing.

I used the spreadsheet method when I was at firm with very antiquated systems. It definitely helps, but it can be it’s own job to maintain sometimes and it’s something you won’t really get any credit for. I still think it’s worth it, especially to keep you from missing deadlines and being on top things in general.

like

As a side note, I do have an amazing paralegal whose superpower is organization. But she also has other attorneys to look out for and miscommunication can happen. Any advice, tools, or examples to support being organized, able to locate information, and keep track deadlines are welcome.

My firm uses Practice Panther, in which you can create "workflows." So, when I am doing something very deadline heavy, or with lots of steps, I plug in the hearing date and it automatically populates the deadlines for all the other tasks before and after. It's a big help.

Related Posts

Im a MBA holder and currently pursuing CISA. It's been awhile since I have started to have high interest in pursuing a career as IT auditor. Anybody here would like to refer me into any Big 4, very open for entry positions.

like

Hello! Recently been job hunting and have interest in a role at Estee Lauder Companies. I am hoping someone can refer me as I haven’t heard back from the contacts I reached out to. Thanks so much!

Consultant with 15lpa fixed in KGS, is that low?

like

Whether amount added on meal voucher through company can be transferred to bank account?

like

What's your date of Jalsa??

like

Hi all,

I am selected in the Mumbai location, is it possible to change the location before joining??

Please help

like

Anybody here trying to get into Project Management? If so, what makes you want to get into PM?

like

Anyone here have experience / know anyone who did the Luxury & Fashion Retail MBA @ NYU Stern?

like

IFV recommendations in Boston anyone? A Reproductive Endocrinologist the most - but reccs on any and all members of a health team/other tips welcome. Wide and I are about to begin this journey =/

like

Any tips for how to maximize property damage insurance claim?

I'm 1st time landlord and my single tenant in Seattle unfortunately overdosed on cocaine+pills 5 days before found in kitchen. :( Extensive damage.

Seeking tips - ex. contractor validating damage was on highest cost cabinets & flooring, replace all tile/grout, contractors upbid damage value (within reason).

Too many are advising being bold w insurance companies we all pay for most our lives, but open to all advice.

like

Should private coaching be included in one’s financial planning?

I work as a success coach for entrepreneurs who want to get better at selling and master their money mindset. One of my passions is helping clients finally make a quantum leap in their earnings.

What are some ways in which I could market myself to financial service professionals so they refer their clients to me? Thanks in advance.

like

Question: since August last year, the same recruiter at a mid-size agency has asked me about freelance gigs maybe 4 or 5 times......continued:

Anyone looking for a good accountant for freelancers? (I have one.)

likehelpful

Wondering if $150,000 base + 25% bonus, no RSU, is underpaid for a Director of Operations in a Marketing/Tech firm?

Responsibilities include direct oversight of onboarding, support, implementation/integrations, customer success, production - fulfillment, production-web dev, and content departments. 8 years experience at various management levels, 2 years as DOP.

like

VAR and these handball rules are an utter joke.

like

Looking for a panty dropper used car for around 40k. What would you suggest? Considering a wide range of options from x5 to F type

like

What are the next steps in UBS post salary discussion with HR? How long usually they take to relase the offer?

likehelpful
like

I have been working in Austin/cedar park/ round rock as a dental assistant for two years. I’ve just been promoted to office manager at a small private practice. What would be an appropriate hourly wage? Currently no benefits are offered, but may be in the future.

helpful

Additional Posts in Estate Planning Attorneys

Are Estate planners very busy during covid? Some have told me they are not and it surprised me.

like

Hi,
I'm building a software product to help lawyers and customers simplify the estate planning process. I would love to talk with any estate planning lawyers (in CA or FL is a plus!). If you're interested, please shoot me a note here. Thanks!

like

Does everyone do trust accounting in-house? Or is this something you can contract out?

helpful

Can others share where you were at by your 3rd/4th year in estate planning in terms of plans/complexity of cases you were overseeing? Is it normal to still have all your plans reviewed by a more senior attorney 3-4 years in?

Hello All,

I am interested in Estate Planning but have no experience. How do I break into this practice?
Located in NYC

How much do you folks manage to bill per month? I'm looking at you transactional folks who don't litigate. 😉

What creative ways are you drafting for clients with net assets well over the lifetime exemption?

like

I am wondering which drafting software everyone uses or likes. For years I have used WealthCounsel and more recently ElderCounsel, but I find them too expensive. I also do a good number of Special Needs Trusts as part of my practice. Any advice on a more reasonably priced drafting software?

like

Any attorneys in the Bay Area practicing just in estate planning (not litigation), can you give your take on whether you would get enough business to do only planning? I'm currently doing family law and I want to start moving away from litigation. For family law there really isn't a non litigation role that produces enough business (i.e. mediation). I do okay, but definitely have to take on more litigation than I prefer. I was thinking estate planning might be a good addition to the mix.

like

Is anyone else getting absolutely slammed with work this month?

like

Fav trust drafting software and why?

How much are you charging for trust administration? % or hourly?

like

Any advice for a first year attorney in litigation considering switching to this area?

like

Anyone do contract work? Experience with wealth counsel is a plus! Thanks!

like

Recommendations for facilitator training for lawyers? More and more of my T&E practice is shifting to requests to facilitate family meetings on business succession, something I enjoy but have no formal training in. Would like to explore some training to add tools to my toolbox.

Anyone in CA use the FORE! Trust software and have a good experience with it? TIA!

What’s y’all’s favorite EP document generating software system? California systems a plus!

like

Where is everyone buying their EP portfolios for clients?

like

For those offering the option of retaining client's original estate planning documents and storing them offsite, what are your policies? I'm shopping around for off-site options. Any tips on what to look for?

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal