5 Steps to Creating a Strong Law Firm

A recent article talked about the book, Five Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni. The book underscores the importance of creating a strong team in order for your company to have a competitive advantage in today's market. 

Since running a law firm is above all else a business, addressing the 5 dysfunctions of business teams, as outlined in the book, will help your firm build a strong team and succeed.

1. Absence of trust: If team members don't feel comfortable with one another, they'll never admit mistakes, ask for help etc.
2. Fear of conflict: If people don't trust one another, they won't share their opinions and poor decisions will be made.
3. Lack of commitment: If team members can't commit to decisions,  nothing will get done. 
4. Avoidance of accountability: When people don't commit to clear plans, important tasks are often left unfinished while counterproductive tasks are completed.
5. Inattention to results: If people aren't held accountable for group goals, individuals needs and wants will be put before the group.

You can overcome these dysfunctions in your law firm with planning, commitment, and hard work.

Warning Signs of Email Fraud

There have been many check fraud scams targeting lawyers in recent months, reminding lawyers to be more diligent with their trust accounting and other daily activities. Email scams are harder to catch, but a recent article outlined the warning signs:

1. Is the email addressed to you with a generic greeting?
2. Is the request outside your area of practice?
3. Does the email lack specifics?
4. Does the email use strange legal terminology?
5. Does the email reference a round number?
6. Are there spelling and grammar errors?
7. Is the email coming from a different country?
8. Does the email sound fishy?

If you answer "yes" to any of the questions, proceed with caution. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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If you haven't had a chance to read Abacus president Judd Kessler, Esq.'s blog, PracticeSmarter, you are missing out on valuable information that can help you find more time, more enjoyment and less risk in your practice of law. PracticeSmarter is updated several times per month and has guest posts by industry leaders and experts, giving you ample opportunities to learn skills to improve your practice of law.

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