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LawBiz® TIPS – Week of October 14, 2014

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LawBiz(r) newsletter

It's 2 am in Dallas. Suddenly an alarm goes off. It is so loud that it pierces my ear. There is no ignoring the sound. I'm out of bed in a flash! What do I do? I look outside the door but don't see anyone else. Is this my groggy state of mind? Am I imagining a fire alarm? False alarm. Thank goodness!

In my book Disaster Preparedness, I suggest lawyers look at their law practice to identify the most critical elements in the event of an emergency such as fire, water pipe ruptures, flood, death of a key staff person, etc. The question to ask is "What do I need to run the practice until the disaster can be overcome?" This is an issue of risk management and "business continuity."

Next week (Oct. 23rd and 24th) , I will be in the White Plains/Manhattan area of New York. Call or email if you are interested in connecting.

Do you need to value/price your firm? See our 4 CD special below. You can also list your law firm for sale with us.

Ed signature
lawbiz.com

Protecting Passwords = Protecting Self

Protecting your passwords is certainly critical for personal reasons, such as protecting your identity and your bank accounts. But protecting your passwords is just as critical for professional reasons.

According to Model Rule 1.6, Confidentiality of Information, "[a] lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of, or unauthorized access to, information relating to the representation of a client."

In this day and age, everyone presumably understands the risks of the Internet and the importance of protecting passwords. News reports are rife with stories about compromised accounts and compromised information.

Therefore, it is certainly arguable that a court might decide that a lawyer whose client information was compromised due to unauthorized access and who did not take solid precautions to protect his password had not complied with Model Rule 1.6.

Protection of passwords typically involves several safeguards: long passwords, passwords with combinations of letters and numbers and symbols, passwords that don't include real words, hard-to-crack passwords, and new passwords for each account.

  • Passwords should be at least eight characters long, but the longer the better.

  • Passwords should include more than just letters; they should include numbers and symbols, and the letters should be both uppercase and lowercase.

  • Passwords should not include real words. If you want to use a real word to make your password memorable, insert numbers and/or symbols in the midst of the letters that make up the word.

  • Don't use passwords that might be easy to figure out, such as "1111" or "abcd."

  • Don't use the same password on more than one account.

In this world of technology, it is impossible to protect against every threat, but every reasonable effort should be taken to do so. It is not only in the best interests of your client, but it is also in your best interests.

Law Firm for Sale

The Complete Audio Guide to Selling Your Practice

Law Firm for Sale

$149
until Oct 31
(reg. $247)

To Order:
1-800-837-5880

or order online at lawbizstore.com.

4 CD Set:
Reveals insider information that is sure to go a long way to help achieve optimal results while transitioning out of the practice of law.

Throughout these 4 CDs, presented by Ed Poll, JD, MBA, CMC, listeners will learn about:

  • valuing and pricing a firm

  • marketing its sale

  • other post-sale considerations

Listen to an audio excerpt.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Protecting Passwords = Protecting Self

Law Firm for Sale (4 CD Set) - 40% OFF!

Video: Marketing Plan 101

FEATURED VIDEO:
(Click image to view)

Ed Poll on YouTube

Video: Marketing Plan 101 

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New Life After Law Coaching Program

 

CLIENTS SAY:

"I requested that (my partners) allow me to take on the management of the firm and suggested the creation of a business plan... (Our practice) is a successful practice, but in dire need of a direction – and a business plan. They agreed to give me a shot and entertain a rough outline of my ideas. I was shocked when they agreed, but then horrified at the task before me. However, sitting on my shelf is "The Business of Law" that I purchased from you a few years ago. I began to read it and a whole new world has opened up for me. I just wanted to express my gratitude to you for writing the book... I am excited about the opportunity I have and just wanted to let you know that I appreciate all you do for the field."

CD
Pleasanton, CA


"I was an associate at a large national law firm and I felt "stuck," but I didn't know how to market myself to clients or to other firms. Ed's focus on the business side of the law firm provided a solid grounding for me to evaluate my current situation and a platform from which I could start growing my own practice. In many ways, working with Ed is like working with a therapist. Part of my coaching process with Ed has been getting to understand more thoroughly my strengths and weaknesses as both a marketer and as a lawyer. After working with Ed for six months, I was ready to market myself to other firms: I developed a clearly articulated set of objectives and Ed has gave me the tools that I needed to increase my exposure. Today, I am working for a law firm that provides better opportunities for my professional growth."

CH
San Francisco, CA

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Ed Poll, LawBiz® Management

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800-837-5880

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