Have You Been Creative Lately?

Many AbacusLaw customers use the product “as is”. However, there is a lot you can customize (if you want to), such as adding fields on screens, defining new reports, creating document templates and much more.  One of these features allows you to tailor windows and screens to fit your imagination. In fact, each person can set up the the look and feel of his/her own Abacus windows.

Many of you have already made your Abacus something special. So, we’re giving you a forum to showcase your imagination, and win prizes as well. We are looking for the most creative, imaginative, personalized and unique screens in AbacusLaw v17 and v18. If you think your background graphics have what it takes to impress the judges (the public), enter today.

Here are some examples of what we're looking for:

The top 10 entries will win a complimentary copy of Abacus CEO Judd Kessler's book, Dangerous Law Practice Myths, Lies & Stupidity! The top 3 entries also receive an elegant 4-piece leather coaster set. The winning entry will also receive a $100 Abacus credit.

Entry Directions

• Take a screenshot of your AbacusLaw customized background
  • Open your AbacusLaw software
  • Be sure to have a blank new contact screen open (to not compromise the privacy of your clients)
  • Press:  alt + prt scrn
  • Go the start menu
  • Click All Programs
  • Click Accessories
  • Click "Paint"
  • Press: Ctrl V
  • Save the image as your full name and as a jpeg
  • FirstLast.jpeg
• Send an email to promotions@abacuslaw.com
• Attach the picture to the email
• Include your Abacus Account # in the email
• Entries will be accepted from today through September 14, 2009

Voting Directions

• All visitors to www.abacuslaw.com will be permitted to vote

Rules & Regulations

• Only one entry per Abacus license
• Nothing  crude/inappropriate/obscene - everything must be G-rated
• Must be an AbacusLaw v17 or v18 customer to enter
• Our selection committee will select up to 10 entries to post on our website to be voted on by the public

If you’ve already personalized your Abacus, enter the contest today.

Click here to find out how to customize your Abacus screen.

"Survival Tips to Swim (Or At Least Tread Water) and Not Sink  During the Economic Slump"

In a recent article for Law Practice Today, Linda Oligschlaeger (Member Services Director at the Missouri Bar) wrote, "There are strategic approaches that should be taken to survive the tide of economic woes without sinking. And, likely there are opportunities to be discovered to not only survive, but to re-adjust and even thrive through the recovery."

"You’re more likely to survive by facing the reality and being ready to make quick adjustments. Start by reviewing and revising budgets or developing a budget if this hasn’t been your practice of doing business."

She suggested:

• Look for resources available without cost or that are discounted by state or local bar associations.
• Write a business and marketing plan - "This process causes you to thoroughly think through your business plans, polish strategies, and develop goals."
• Stick together - Your staff is in the troubled waters with you.
• Throw out lifelines - "Rekindle and develop new relationships with other lawyers and business acquaintances that might refer business to you outside of their practice area."
• Throw a net around your current clients - "Provide quality service, maintain frequent communication and provide services at a reasonable cost."

To read more tips click here.

An under-used aspect of Abacus is the intake form feature.  Using intake forms, you can auto-populate your linked names and matters with info about your client.  This is especially Helpful if you have a paralegal or assistant who is not well versed in modifying database structures.  The intake form does that for you. 

When interviewing a client, the customized intake form allows you to conveniently enter information and have AbacusLaw automatically populate the matter record, create contact links and set rules-based calendar events. Place your intake form on your network (for staff to complete) and/or your website (for clients to complete).