Litigators who keep a written calendar: how do you organize it? Do you color code, pen + pencil, just write things in it ad hoc without a care?

I’m a 3d yr associate who manages my workload far better when I keep a written monthly calendar to glance at continuously. But I can’t figure out how to organize it! If I don’t use color coding, the items all blend together and I’m afraid I’ll miss something. But colors can get overwhelming and also end up making everything look “important.” Any tips?

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I keep a paper calendar and separate to do list and use some basic color coding. For example, all court appearances and depositions are in red pen, phone calls and meetings are in blue pen, and notes to myself (e.g., start drafting MSJ) are in black. I highlight major filing deadlines in purple.

For some reason, seeing all my deadlines and appearance written out just gives me a better handle on organizing my days and weeks. Mind you, my colleagues all think I’m insane. But hey, I’ve never missed a deadline!

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So I have two calendars - A daily one that I write out on the previous day EOD.

Longer term I maintain an excel spreadsheet more than an app - colour coded by client. I update the spreadsheet as soon as something gets scheduled. Helps me maintain everything from research, agreement revisions, appearances, client meeting, calls, internal training webinars, etc.

Simply filter it by each day and see if anything pops up for a particular day and either print it or write it out by hand. My headers usually are - date, start time, proposed duration, client, task (eg: drafting, research, etc.), description, status (complete/WIP) - might seem rudimentary but has worked for me for 4 years now :)

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I’m curious too. I use todoist for daily tasks, but I posted a similar question earlier focusing on long range planning/case management

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