The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar detail the required procedures and the professional conduct of our members. They are designed to protect the public and maintain ethical standards within the legal field. So often when the Bar receives a complaint, it’s due to a lack of understanding or awareness of the rules by the attorney. Here at the Practice Resource Center, we actively try to assist our members with guidance and resources so that they have the tools and knowledge to be compliant with the Rules.

In today’s podcast, Christine Bilbrey, Director of the Practice Resource Center, and Jamie Moore, Practice Management Advisor, will discuss some essential, but perhaps less well-known Bar Rules that every lawyer should be aware of to avoid disciplinary action.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8346.

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

• Supreme Court Reduces the Number of Mandatory CLE Hours
• Supreme Court-Mandated Professionalism CLE Now Available
• Frequently Asked Questions About CLE Requirements
• Designate Your Inventory Lawyer Today!
• If a lawyer is leaving a firm, which clients to notify?
• LegalFuel Document Library: Lawyer Changing Firms
• Trust Accounting – Basic Records and Procedures
• It Is a Requirement That the Trust Account Compliance Certificate Be Completed
• Trust Accounting FAQs
• Attorney/Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP)
• How long should I keep closed files?
• How to Establish an Interstate Law Practice? What are some pitfalls to avoid?
• Choose a Corporate Structure
• Should I form a professional service corporation? Do I have to?
• Modern Complexity Demands New Ways of Working: The Future of The Lawyer-Nonlawyer Partnership
• The Florida Bar Ethics Informational Packets
• Best Practices for Law Firm Invoices [Guest Post]
• LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Lawyers often invest in technology but may not utilize it effectively, leading to a missed return on investment. Strategic spending on impactful technology is crucial when you are a solo or small firm on a budget.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Catherine Sanders Reach, to discuss cost-effective technology tools and services you may already have at your disposal.

Catherine Sanders Reach provides practice technology and management assistance to lawyers and legal professionals. Formerly, she was Director of Law Practice Management and Technology for the Chicago Bar Association and the Director at the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Resource Center. Prior to her work at the NCBA, CBA and ABA she worked in library and information science environments for several years, working at Ross and Hardies as a librarian. She received a master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of Alabama.

Catherine’s professional activities include articles for Law Practice magazine, Law Technology News and GPSolo Magazine, as well as numerous other publications. She has given presentations on the use of technology in law firms for national bar conferences, state and local bar associations and organizations such as the National Association of Bar Council and the Association of American Law Schools. 

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 8284. 

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

• About Catherine Sanders Reach
• Subscribe to North Carolina Bar Association CPM ICYMI Newsletter

Articles Written by Catherine Sanders Reach

• Free and Cheap Technology for Thrifty Lawyers
• Can MS 365 Replace Law Practice Management Software?
• Expand MS 365 with Add-ins and Integrations
• Adobe Acrobat Has a New (Inter)Face
• Microsoft 365 versus Google Workspace
• Trying Out LinkedIn Newsletters

Other Resources

• Microsoft Bookings
• Use Planner in Microsoft Teams
• Removing sensitive content from PDFs
• Fastcase Quick Reference Guide
• Dashlane Authenticator app
• Keeper Authenticator
• Zoom VoIP Phone Services
• Microsoft Teams Phone
• LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center 

Back in the day, law firms either relied on their reputations and referrals from former clients or they paid for billboards and phone book ads. If you are a solo or small firm practitioner, you likely don’t have a lot of time or a huge marketing budget to compete with larger firms to attract new clients, but a simple, well-crafted digital marketing strategy can be all that you need for maintaining a steady flow of client activity.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Rob Saravia and Jeff Hazen, to discuss practical marketing tips and Bar Advertising Rules. 

Rob Saravia is The Florida Bar’s new marketing manager aiding growth in the Programs Department. He brings over 4 years of experience in the marketing field, with a focus on the dynamic realm of retail marketing. Rob is a graduate of Florida State University with a double major in Marketing and Economics. 

Jeff Hazen serves as the Assistant Ethics Counsel for the Florida Bar, with over 15 years of dedicated service. Throughout his tenure at The Florida Bar, Jeff has handled thousands of inquiries on the Ethics Hotline, assessed numerous lawyer advertisements, and issued dozens of staff Ethics Opinions. Jeff is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8214. 

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

• Article: Law Firm Marketing Strategy: Top 8 Ideas to Grow a Legal Practice (by Clio)

• The Florida Bar Advertising Regulation and Information

• Handbook on Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation

• Chapter 4 Rules of Professional Conduct

• 4-7.13 Deceptive and Inherently Misleading Advertisements

• 4-7.16 Presumptively Valid Content

• 4-7.18 Direct Contact with Prospective Clients

• 4-7.20 Exemptions from the Filing and Review Requirement

• Florida Bar Ethics Opinion 20-01: Negative Online Reviews

• Florida Bar Ethics Opinion 21-1: Negative Online Reviews

• Ethics Hotline 800-235-8619

• Grow Your Practice – Join the Lawyer Referral Service

• LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

• LegalFuel: Marketing Resources

Microsoft 365 is a must for many legal professionals who rely on its wide range of time saving and regularly enhanced tools. There are also specifically designed features within the software to streamline your daily legal workflow that you may not be aware of. Now artificial intelligence has been integrated across Microsoft 365. It’s called Copilot and it is poised to become your new digital assistant inside of all the Microsoft applications that you are already using. Smart lawyers should take note and ask how Copilot can instantly and fundamentally change how you get work done in your firm. 

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Ben Schorr, a Senior Content Manager at Microsoft, to discuss Microsoft 365 and Copilot. 

Ben Schorr is a Senior Content Program Manager at Microsoft. He is also the author of several books and articles on technology including “The Lawyer’s Guide to Microsoft Outlook,” “The Lawyer’s Guide to Microsoft Word” and “OneNote in One Hour.” He was a Microsoft MVP for 20 years and has been involved in management and technology for more than 30. In his free time, he’s a slow Ironman triathlete and a high school football coach. He currently lives with his family in Redmond, WA.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 8203. 

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

Ben Schorr - LinkedIn

• Books by Ben Schorr
• Article by Ben Schorr: Which Office 365 Package is Right for Your Law Firm?

Microsoft

• Microsoft Copilot
• Official Microsoft Blog: Announcing Microsoft Copilot, your everyday AI companion
• Microsoft: Rehearse your slide show with Speaker Coach
• Summarize an email thread with Copilot
• Get started with Microsoft 365 Chat in Microsoft Teams
• Microsoft OneDrive for Business
• Natural language search in Outlook 

LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Beginning in March of 2020, the pandemic transformed every aspect of our lives. For most of us who had reported to an office every day, this meant a very sudden shift to remote only work. Law firms had to quickly adapt to stay connected to the courts, colleagues, and their clients. We are now more than three years out and while some firms found that remote work was seamless and chose to continue it, other firms have gone to a hybrid model or banned remote work completely. According to a recent ABA report, 89% of lawyers in private practice are allowed to work remotely, with 18% permitted to work out of the office all the time and 45% with the flexibility to choose their own schedule. Here at the Practice Resource Center, we were curious to hear how it’s all working out.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Richard Rivera, Partner at Smith Gambrell Russell, to discuss how the firm’s Jacksonville office has adapted to the new normal.

Richard Rivera received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Florida in 2009 and earned his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the Florida State University College of Law. Rich works in both the Litigation and the Intellectual Property Practice Groups. His IP practice is concentrated in trademark and copyrights, compliance with state and federal laws governing sweepstakes and other promotional activities, software and internet technology, marketing, and licensing issues. He also prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office. Rich is also the current Chair of The Florida Bar’s Mental Health and Wellness of Florida Lawyers Committee.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 8185.

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

 Smith Gambrell Russell

• About Rich Rivera
• ABA Article: Are law firm leaders having second thoughts on remote work?

Intapp Time

Article: How to Work Remotely as a Legal Professional: A Guide (from Clio)

Article: Working remotely is now a top priority, says new ABA report highlighting lasting shifts in practice of law

• ABA 2022 Practice Forward Report: Where Does the Legal Profession Go from Here?

LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

A recent Bar News article stated that: “Trust account maintenance and compliance is critically important. Lawyers who agree to hold money in trust have an ethical obligation to account for every penny as long as the funds remain in their possession. Commingling of funds, poor ledger management, and even basic accounting errors can result in client complaints, audits, and disciplinary action that could lead to suspension or disbarment. And while most attorneys diligently comply with Rules Regulating Trust Accounts (Chapter 5), trust accounting violations have ranked among the top three most common disciplinary complaints over the past three years and is on track to be the top complaint in 2022-2023.”

That is why Scott Westheimer, the current Florida Bar president, has made it a top priority to offer all Florida Bar members a high-quality, free trust accounting solution. In partnership with Nota by M&T Bank, this initiative has become a reality. 

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Nota Co-Founder and CEO, Paul Garibian, and Nota Product Manager, Rosalie Shaughnessy, to discuss the Florida Bar’s newest member benefit, Nota by M&T Bank.

Paul Garibian holds an MBA from The Wharton School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. Paul is a Co-Founder and CEO of Nota, the Florida Bar’s free member benefit that helps lawyers manage their trust accounts.

Rosalie Shaughnessy is a graduate of the University of Buffalo and has over 10 years of experience in business analysis, testing and quality assurance, and over four years as a test lead for digital banking. Rosalie is currently the Product Manager for Nota, and previously worked as a Business System Analyst for M&T Bank.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8089. 

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

Nota by M&T Bank

• About Us

Nota Trust Accounting – Member Benefit

Article: The Florida Bar to Provide Members with Access to Nota’s Interest on Trust Accounts (IOTA) Management Platform at No Cost

Article: In a First for a State Bar, Florida to Provide All Members With Free Trust Accounting Software to Help Ensure Compliance and Protect the Public

LawNext Podcast: The Florida Bar’s Precedent-Setting Decision To Give Every Lawyer Access To Trust Accounting Software

CLE: Trust Accounts by the Book

LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Chatbots and AI platforms have the potential to revolutionize the way law firms operate, bringing numerous benefits to both legal professionals and their clients. These technologies can streamline administrative tasks, enhance research capabilities, and provide quick and accurate responses to routine legal inquiries. By automating repetitive and time-consuming processes, chatbots can free up lawyers' time, allowing them to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of their work. However, it's crucial for legal professionals to be mindful of the ethical concerns surrounding the use of chatbots and AI in the legal field.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Tom Martin, CEO of LawDroid, to discuss how AI and chatbots can automate a firm’s processes.

About Tom Martin:

Tom is a graduate of Yale and UCLA School of Law, and is a legal AI advocate, lawyer, author, and speaker. He is the CEO and founder of LawDroid, a Generative AI Legal Technology Company, and is a co-founder of the American Legal Technology Awards. Clients include ARAG Legal Insurance, Fasken, Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services, Palace Law, and many law firms.

Tom has been recognized as an ABA Legal Rebel and a Fastcase 50 Honoree. He has presented at the ABA TECHSHOW, LegalWeek, ILTACON, ClioCon, and Legal Innovators. Tom’s writing has been published in the ABA’s Law Practice Today, Law Technology Today, and GP Solo Magazine.

Tom has his own podcast: LawDroid Manifesto on iTunes. He also serves as a mentor at the Yale Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking and ATJ Tech Fellows.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course #7932. 

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

• Tom Martin
• LawDroid
• The LawDroid Podcast
• American Legal Technology Awards
• Article: New GPT-Based Chat App from LawDroid Is a Lawyer’s ‘Copilot’ for Research, Drafting, Brainstorming and More
• Article: Chatbots sometimes make things up. Is AI’s hallucinations problem fixable?
• Harvard: Library Innovation Lab
• LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Fostering a thriving law firm culture not only ensures the growth of a successful legal practice but also nurtures a positive and uplifting company environment. Although the legal industry has long held assumptions about the inevitability of a highly competitive, burnout-inducing culture, it is vital to challenge these norms. By doing so, law firms empower their employees, clients, and overall business to thrive. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are naturally more motivated and invested in their work, culminating in increased productivity and success for the entire business. Ultimately, investing in a strong law firm culture becomes a win-win situation for all involved.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Paul Spiegelman, of Small Giants Community, to discuss the benefits of cultivating a positive company culture.

About Paul Spiegelman:

Paul is the co-founder of the Small Giants Community, a peer-group of purpose driven business leaders. Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA and received his JD from Southwestern University. He practiced law for two years before starting BerylHealth, where he was the co-founder and CEO. He is also the founder and chairman of The Beryl Institute and was the chief culture officer at Stericycle.

Paul is a sought-after speaker and a New York Times best-selling author on leadership, employee engagement, entrepreneurship, culture, and leading a purpose-driven life. His book, Why is Everyone Smiling? The Secret Behind Passion, Productivity, and Profit, includes low- or no-cost practices that can impact the lives of employees and the success of small or large businesses. He has made numerous radio and TV appearances and his views have been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Inc. Magazine. He is currently a columnist for Forbes.com and has been honored with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 7923.

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

Paul Spiegelman

• Podcast: Growing with Purpose

Paul Spiegelman Books

• Patients Come Second: Leading Change by Changing the Way You Lead
• Why is Everyone Smiling?: The Secret Behind Passion, Productivity, and Profit
• Smile Guide: Employee Perspectives on Culture, Loyalty and Profit

Small Giants Community

• About

Article: ‘Command and Control’ Leadership is Dead. Here’s What’s Taking Its Place

Article: Modernizing Law Firms’ Work Rules Enables Focus on Employee Well-Being

Traditionally, the workweek spans from Monday to Friday, but have you ever questioned the rationale behind this norm and whether it is optimal? Amongst growing anxiety and stress levels worldwide, some companies are envisioning a different approach to work by embracing a 4-day workweek. Not only can a shorter workweek benefit employees’ mental health, but it can also enhance productivity. Research indicates that a reduced workload can lead to lower stress levels and greater job satisfaction, as well as offer more opportunities for leisure outside of work.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt welcome Joe O’Connor, of the Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence, to discuss the 4-day workweek study.

The Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence is a global initiative based in Toronto, Canada, launched in partnership with leading UK and US people-first transformation company Curium Solutions.

Previously, as the chief executive officer of 4 Day Week Global, Joe led the design and implementation of four-day week trials all over the world, supporting hundreds of employers and thousands of employees to make the transition to reduced-hour, productivity-focused working in 2021 and 2022.

Joe holds an MBS in Strategy and Innovation Management and a BBS with Honours in Accounting from the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Employment Law from The Honorable Society of King’s Inns.

Joe recently led a research project on work time reduction as a visiting research scholar with Cornell University in New York City. He is now based in Toronto, where he heads up Canadian operations for Curium Solutions in addition to directing the Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence.

Joe is also formerly the chairperson of the Four Day Week Ireland campaign, having founded the coalition in 2019, where he developed the world's first four-day week pilot program and research project in 2021. 

He has been active on the issue of working time reduction since 2018, when he organized a major international conference and research paper on ‘The Future of Working Time’.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 7651. 

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

Joe O’Connor

·        Work Time Reduction | Center of Excellence

·        Mission

·        Work Time Reduction Assessment

·        Contact Work Time Reduction | Center of Excellence

4-Day Week Trial Results

Article: What is Parkinson’s Law and why is it sabotaging your productivity?

Article: The Effect of Long Working Hours and Overtime on Occupational Health: A Meta-Analysis of Evidence from 1998 to 2018

Article: Operational Excellence – Key Principles and How to Implement Them

Article: ABA – 8 steps for creating value-based pricing that works

LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

The legal profession has been grappling with the issue of lawyer well-being for a while now. Unfortunately, too many lawyers are still experiencing chronic stress and burnout resulting in high rates of substance abuse and depression. It is essential to acknowledge the importance of lawyer well-being and take actionable steps towards it. Healthy and happy lawyers provide better legal services to their clients, which improves their satisfaction and trust in the legal system.

In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Bree Buchanan, Senior Advisor at Krill Strategies, to discuss well-being strategies for lawyers.

Bree Buchanan, JD, MSF, was a founding co-chair of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being and is a co-author of its groundbreaking 2017 report, The Path to Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change. From 2020 to 2023, she served as board president and inaugural executive director of the Institute for Well-Being in Law. Prior to this, Ms. Buchanan served as chair of the ABA Commission on Lawyers Assistance Programs (2017-2020). She is currently a member of the newly formed Lawyer Well-Being Committee of the International Bar Association. As Director of the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program from 2013 to 2018, she worked with individual lawyers experiencing these issues, and with legal employers who were seeking resources and support for their staff. Her tenure with that program followed a two-decade legal career which included positions as a litigator, lobbyist, and law professor. She is now Senior Advisor with Krill Strategies, Inc., providing consultation and training on issues related to lawyer well-being and impairment for major legal employers.

Praised for her warm presentation style and engaging presence, Ms. Buchanan is a frequent speaker for international and national law-related organizations, as well as global law firms on strategies for lawyer well-being and impairment. In 2018, she was awarded the “Excellence in Legal Community Leadership Award” by Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Ms. Buchanan is co-host of the podcast, The Path to Well-Being Law, and has shared her own story of recovery as a featured guest on podcasts in the United States, Canada and the U.K. Ms. Buchanan’s writing has appeared in Law Practice Today, Judicature, The American Lawyer, and Family Lawyer Magazine, as well as Lawyer Health and Wellbeing: How the Legal Profession is Tackling Stress and Creating Resiliency (Ark Group, 2020). In 2018, she graduated from the Seminary of the Southwest with a Masters in Spiritual Formation, where she honed a deep interest in the intrinsic link between meaningful work and personal well-being, as well as in assisting individuals with vocational discernment. Based in Austin, Texas, and Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Buchanan tends to her own well-being by engaging regularly in hiking, cycling, weightlifting, and being willing to ask for help when she needs it.

Bree Buchanan can be reached at [email protected]; 512-797-6118.

This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 7534. 

REFERENCED RESOURCES: 

• Bree Buchanan
• Krill Strategies
• Useful Content & Resources
• Institute for Well-Being in Law
• The Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change
• The Path to Well-Being in Law Podcast
• The Florida Bar Mental Health and Wellness Center
• Florida Lawyers Helpline 
• LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar
• Attorney Mental Health First Aid