DC Bar - Practice Tips and Compliance

We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and emails. As a result, response times will be delayed. If you are unable to reach us by phone, we are busy assisting other members and ask that you try your call at a later time. We will respond to all inquiries, in the order received, as quickly as possible. We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM MEMBER SERVICES:

We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and emails. As a result, response times will be delayed. If you are unable to reach us by phone, we are busy assisting other members and ask that you try your call at a later time. We will respond to all inquiries, in the order received, as quickly as possible. We thank you for your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.

Best Practices in Billing

Information compiled as part of the D.C. Bar’s Practice Management Advisory Service.

Checklist for Starting a Law Practice

Prepare a Business Plan, Choose the Entity Type and Know Why, Office Space Considerations, and more.

Practice Guidance

The Practice Management Advisory Service offers guidance to help attorneys avoid disciplinary problems and improve management skills in the practice of law.

Opening an IOLTA Account

Client or third party funds in the lawyer’s possession as a result of a representation must be placed in a trust account.

Resource Line

The Management Resource Line is a telephone advisory service, or helpline, designed to help you with practice management issues.

Self Check

Practice Management Advisory Service - Law Firm Management Quiz (Self Check)

Business Entity Selection

Launching a Law Firm Entity selection and startup considerations, presented by Heather Batzel of Batzel Law PLLC. (Presentation | Handout)

COVID-19 Resources

Bracing for the Unexpected: Disaster Preparedness for Lawyers

Quick Start Guide to Launching a Firm During the Pandemic

New Law Firm Quick Start Technology Guide

Working Remotely During the Pandemic: A Guide to Bar Member Benefits

Washington Lawyer Articles

2022

Tailoring Technology to Your Ideal Client (March/April 2022)

10 Ways to Step Up Your Marketing (January/February 2022)

2021

Does Your Client Need a Payment Plan? (November/December 2021)

Back to the Office Some of Us Go? (September/October 2021)

Clarity & Precision in Fee Agreements (July/August 2021)

10 Ways to Protect Your Clients’ Data (May/June 2021)

10 Ways to Protect Your Clients’ Data (May/June 2021)

Earning Mechanisms for An Advance Fee (March/April 2021)

Earning Mechanisms for An Advance Fee (March/April 2021)

Survival of the Fittest in the New Normal (January/February 2021)

Survival of the Fittest in the New Normal (January/February 2021)

2020

Building a Positive Firm Culture (November/December 2020)

An Innovation Model for Firms to Follow (September/October 2020)

Leverage Downtime, Boost Your Business (July/August 2020)

Think Like an Entrepreneur (June 2020)

Practice Management Metrics for Success – Part One of Two (May 2020)

Options for Working with Other Lawyers (March/April 2020)

Ways a Newsletter Can Work for Your Firm (January/February 2020)

2019

Got a New Client? Document It (November/December 2019)

Blocking Out Time: The Secret to Working Smarter (October 2019)

Choosing the Technology That Fits Your Needs (September 2019)

How to Avoid Becoming an ODC Statistic (July/August 2019)

Risky Business ’Non-Refundable’ Legal Fees (June 2019)

How to Choose the Right Clients (May 2019)

Why Empathy is Key to Small Firm Success (April 2019)

The D.C. Bar Practice Management Advisory Service A Beacon for Lawyers (April 2019)

Going Small: Essentials for Starting a Law Firm (April 2019)

Maximize the Benefits of Annual Reviews (March 2019)