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This doesn't really work as well for big, ongoing projects, but if you're talking about discrete tasks, I find email organization to be really helpful. Anything that has been responded to or addressed gets immediately moved out of my main inbox to a specific folder for the client/matter. Anything that's outstanding stays in the main inbox until it is handled, with red flags for anything that is more urgent. That's on top of having a to-do list with macro-level projects listed out.
I also use Outlook to keep track. I manage files across Canada. Each firm I work with has an Inbox subfolder, and every file handled by thag firm has a subfile. For matters I handle myself, they are under my name in a folder. Specifically, each client matter has its own subfolder. If a matter has a deadline that comes to me outside of email, I email myself, then I use the Categories function to flag the email. Categories include (but not limited to): Review, Draft, Court Prep, Witness Prep, Trial, Discover Prep etc. Then I use the Follow Up function and assign a deadline. I customize the follow up with a date and reminder time.
These reminders pop up at the appointed time, regardless of which program is currently in use. You can snooze the alert fro 5 minutes to several days. This has worked for me for years in managing my caseload.
Paper calendar for big deadlines (our docketing system is overwhelming and things can get lost in the shuffle). Word spreadsheet for a running task list/case summary. Sticky notes (app and physical) and notebook for random notes. Use the flag/follow up feature in outlook to track emails. Anything else is too complicated to keep updated and find fast.
Chief
Maybe a spreadsheet in excel would be better
My firm maintains a calendar with all my appearances and deadlines that I review each week and update on my personal paper calendar (circle for big deadlines and box for big appearances). I have a task list for each big case I’m on (listing upcoming court deadlines and hearings, the work that needs to be done by category, and person assigned to each task with internal deadline for when it will be completed) maintained by email or shared document. And then I prepare a personal to do list at the beginning of each week breaking down the next things in my queue (all work that has to be done and longer term assignments I can work on if I have time) into their smallest manageable pieces.
Following. I used a spreadsheet too, but also would love to know if others do other things. I have used Outlook’s “To Do” in prior jobs to some success when I have repetitive things to do each week or month, etc.
I have heard of people using OneNote, but I am unclear how effective this is… I also have a “tasks” feature in my billing system but do not use it.
Chief
Pen and paper, so you’re ahead of the game in my book
I went back to pen and paper, specifically a calendar with three columns - 1) has to go out today, 2) everything, and 3) weekend stuff + call list. My outlook is colour coordinated (so some to dos never make it on the paper list) and all my follow-ups go as attachments in one calendar appointment on the specific day.
Might sound a bit loopy but works for me.
Microsoft Planner
Thanks everyone! Definitely some good systems in place out there.