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Amata Law Offices

Table of Authorities Legal Support

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Busy lawyers would prefer to focus on casework rather than handle the painstaking task of properly formatting a Table of Authorities, Table of Contents and Points & Authorities. However, these  administrative tasks can take up significant time in your schedule. Amata’s Table of Authorities, Table of Contents and Points & Authorities legal support services in Chicago eliminate this frustration for you with help from our experienced paralegals.

These documents help courts and judges to efficiently render their decisions while explaining why the referenced laws permit them to take requested actions. Amata offers quality Table of Authorities, Table of Contents, and Points & Authorities paralegal services.

Discovery and E-Discovery Services

Amata Offers Responsive Paralegal Services

Lawyers have much to think about, consider, and analyze when drafting appellate documents and briefs. As such, it’s easy to make a formatting error or citation inconsistency. Having an extra set of eyes can make a difference in the functionality of your legal pleadings.

Our table of authorities paralegal services in Chicago ensures that you avoid common mistakes, including:

  • Suspect citations
  • Unlisted cases in footnotes
  • Formatting errors and issues

Are you looking for a Chicago Table of Authorities preparation service? If so, hire an experienced paralegal services provider at Amata to handle this task on your behalf. We’ll work with your firm to deliver the desired result.

We Prepare Tables of Authorities for Chicagoland Lawyers

Our paralegal services ensure that your documents receive personalized attention. Amata also goes the extra mile to offer flexibility when working with your team. We pride ourselves on legal excellence and strive to deliver on reliability.

Comprehensive Legal Support Services

Do you have needs that go beyond Table of Authorities preparation, formatting, and assembly? Amata also offers legal support that covers a wide range of service needs, including:

  • Appellate briefs
  • Calendar and schedule management
  • Civil, Law and Municipal court pleadings support
  • Copying and document assembly
  • Criminal court pleadings support
  • Deposition summaries
  • Discovery and e-discovery
  • Email and letter correspondence
  • Legal billing and invoicing
  • Telephone answering and messages
  • Fixed-fee courtesy copies & court filings
  • Transcription
  • And more!

Whether you need assistance with small, one-time projects or someone to assist on a routine basis, Amata is here to help! If you need a service not listed, we will work toward accommodating your request.

On-Demand or Ongoing? Our Legal Support Services Meet Your Needs

Our office provides superior service at a competitive price to solo and small practitioners. You can work with Amata on a “pay as you go” basis, and that way, you do not pay for more than you need.

Advantages we offer also include:

  • Billing by the minute, not the hour
  • Filing documents so that you don’t have to stand in line
  • Spanish translation for calls, documents, and meetings

Get Table of Authorities Support Services Now

Interested in learning more about how Amata can work for your firm? Find out more about our Table of Authorities and paralegal support services by sending a message to our office via the contact form here.

Discover our paralegal services in Chicago.

Mathew Dragatsis: The New Way to Scan and Search Legal Documents | THE 1958 LAWYER Podcast

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Mathew Dragatsis is the CEO of Scan Search, the new way to manage and retrieve documents. In this episode, Matthew talks about what the most difficult part of file retrieval and document management is, and how Scan Search completely eliminates that problem by making it so that you’re able to retrieve a file just like how you’d search on Google. Type any word or phrase that you remember from that document and you’ll find it, it’s as easy as that.

Matthew and Ron talk about the the best business practices, how to keep your relationship with clients and how Matthew was able to adjust, transition, and evolve with the changes that were required of his company. He also talked about the future features of scan search such as email integration, highlighting, and many more.

Key moments:

  • The most difficult part in file retrieval (1:17)
  • Eliminating the problem of indexing (8:46)
  • Evolving with technology and maintaining client relationships (15:47)
  • Future quality of life features (23:52)

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MEMORABLE QUOTES

“If you’re not evolving exponentially with the technology that comes out, you’re gonna fall behind or you’re not gonna be able to capitalize on opportunities that are really out there for you.” – Mathew Dragatsis

Mathew Dragatsis

ABOUT MATHEW DRAGATSIS

Mathew Dragatsis, Scan Search 

Document Imaging

Mathew Dragatsis has been the Founder of Radiant Solutions Corporation and CEO of their new product, Scan Search. He has almost 30 years of experience in document imaging and has served many different kinds of organizations with their document imaging, management, and retrieval needs.

Website: www.scansearch.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-dragatsis-b218883/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScanSearchDAM

Twitter: https://twitter.com/scansearch

Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.

If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.

This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your host Ron Bockstahler runs Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week he’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. He’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.

Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.

More episodes of The 1958 Lawyer podcast

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

Michael DeLon: How to Write a Book and Become an Authority in Your Field | THE 1958 LAWYER Podcast

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Michael DeLon is the President in Paperback Expert, he is an author, speaker, marketing strategist and business growth coach for business owners and sharp, aggressive entrepreneurs looking to get to the next level in their business.

In this episode Michael talks about all the ways you can establish credibility, stand out, and convert leads by publishing a book. He uses three concepts: clarify, simplify, and multiply to harness a lawyer’s journey or life story to make a compelling story out of it which will then be the cornerstone of all their marketing strategies.

Key moments:

  • Telling your story (5:14)
  • Clarify. Simplify. Multiply. (6:53)
  • Your book as the centerpiece of your marketing (16:20)
  • Continuous leads, follow up, and more conversions (3:58)

Follow “The 1958 Lawyer” on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Sticher

MEMORABLE QUOTES

“Everyone… has a story of why they’re doing what they do. Somewhere they made a decision of why they became a lawyer. Why? I wanna know that story. Weave that through the book because none of their competitors can fight that. Your message is what differentiates you.” – Paperback Expert

Michael Delon

ABOUT MICHAEL DELON

Michael DeLon, President of Paperback Expert

Department (Marketing Strategist and Business Growth Coach)

Michael is an author, speaker, marketing strategist and business growth coach for business owners and sharp, aggressive entrepreneurs looking to get to the next level in their business.

Michael is a native of Indiana and has lived near Little Rock, AR since 2004. His business background includes real estate, automotive, radio, internet, consulting and 10 years in family ministry.

Michael is a voracious learner … you’ll always find him with a book (or 2 or 3) and an audio series going on his iPhone or iPod. But more than learning, Michael loves applying, testing and perfecting marketing concepts that help his clients achieve more.

Michael and his wife reside near Little Rock, AR with their three children. They are deeply involved in The Bible Church of Little Rock.

Michael loves spending time with his family, traveling with friends and living life on the edge.

Website: https://paperbackexpert.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelDeLon

Books: https://www.amazon.com/Michael-DeLon/e/B00J2794ZY%3F

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldelon/

Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.

If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.

This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your host Ron Bockstahler runs Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week he’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. He’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.

Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.

More episodes of The 1958 Lawyer podcast

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

How to Identify Information Silos in Virtual Law Firms

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Information silos can have a profound impact on any business, but they can be especially devastating for law firms. From inefficiencies and errors to revenue losses, the ramifications of such silos can be widespread and long-lasting. And the risks can be particularly acute in the virtual office space, where colleagues may have relatively few opportunities to engage and collaborate in real-time. But what are information silos, exactly, and how can they be prevented?

Understanding Information Silos

Information silos are a ubiquitous threat in any company because they can emerge easily but are often difficult to recognize. Silos occur when employees fail to receive the information they need to do their work properly and efficiently. 

The result can be redundant and delayed processes, workplace miscommunication, and performance declines. And that, in turn, can compromise company culture, lead to financial waste, and contribute to a poor overall client experience.

Information Silos in Virtual Law Firms

While silos are a threat to any business, they are a particular hazard in the virtual office space, where employees find themselves working largely alone. In a virtual law firm, the emergence of information silos can not only contribute to low productivity, procedural mistakes, and low morale, but they can also reduce attorney efficacy. And that may have devastating consequences for clients.

In the virtual law office, the principal contributor to information silos may simply be the failure to implement a comprehensive communication strategy that includes cohesive and transparent work processes.

For example, when employees lack a clear procedure for creating, storing, and sharing data, from documents to work schedules to appointment calendars, essential information can be easily lost. Similarly, when job roles are not clearly defined, employees may not understand who to reach out to for the materials they may need to complete their work. And that can lead to redundant work and incomplete or incorrect data.  

Preventing Information Silos

As common as silos are and as damaging as they can be, silos can also be readily prevented with a bit of strategy and effort. 

Make a Plan and Share It 

The first and most important step for avoiding information silos is to formulate an action plan and share it with the entire team. Your strategy should include a comprehensive communications protocol that outlines who owns what data, and precisely when, how, and where that data should be shared, both internally and externally.

In addition to codifying your communications plan, you will also need to ensure that the required processes are understood and adhered to by the entire team. This will likely require you to outline and routinely update processes in an easily accessible employee handbook or communications guide. 

Training in required communications processes should also be incorporated into employee onboarding and in refresher courses provided to all employees at least once or twice a year.

Standardize Processes and Productivity Tools 

Another important risk factor in the emergence of information silos is the failure to standardize the processes and tools used in creating work products. When employees are using their preferred applications and software for creating documents or storing data, for example, you risk issues with compatibility and access for the rest of the team. 

However, by defining which tools are to be used for each work product and by centralizing data and document storage through a cloud-based app such as Google Docs or Dropbox, you’re ensuring that information-sharing is always seamless, efficient, and transparent.

Hold Regular Online Meetings

As beneficial as online productivity tools like email and instant messaging apps can be, there’s perhaps no better way to prevent information silos and, thus, foster improved remote collaboration than to hold regular online meetings with the entire team. Routine virtual meetings enable the team to receive status updates, to ask and address questions in real-time, and simply to ensure that everyone is on the same page for the work days ahead. 

Leverage Business Analytics

One of the most dangerous aspects of information silos is that they can be hard to identify until significant damage has already been done. However, business analytics can be a powerful tool for pinpointing and remediating silos. 

For instance, business data can be gathered to identify departments or divisions within the firm that are not performing efficiently, areas where error rates, productivity declines, or revenue losses are disproportionate to the rest of the firm. Such data can indicate the presence of an information silo, enabling executives and stakeholders to make informed, evidence-based choices to improve the efficiency and performance of the division in particular and the firm in general.

The Takeaway

Information silos are a significant organizational risk, no matter the industry. However, they can be particularly destructive for law firms operating the virtual space. The good news, though, is that information silos may be easily prevented through the development of a clear, cohesive, and comprehensive communications plan.

Discover our virtual offices in Chicago.

Melissa Costello: The Art of Storytelling | THE 1958 LAWYER Podcast

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Melissa Costello is the creative lead and chief storyteller for MELISSACOSTELLO.COM’s video-centric take on branding and marketing. In this episode, she shares the value of telling stories in marketing and why marketing through video works for lawyers. They talk about how lawyers today need to start thinking differently about their business and embrace marketing.

The most important kind of marketing that is especially effective for law firms is using client testimonials. Melissa says that there’s no substitute for testimonial videos, story telling is the most engaging medium of communication and people will want to do business with you if you tell them your clients’ stories.

Key moments:

  • Marketing through storytelling (1:16)
  • How to create engaging marketing (7:50)
  • Different types of video (19:51)
  • Why video marketing works for lawyers (28:20)

Follow “The 1958 Lawyer” on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Sticher

MEMORABLE QUOTES

Melissa Costello

“It is one of your greatest assets, the stories that your clients would be only too happy to tell – of how you changed their life, how you saved their business. Attorneys to a very large degree think that they provide a very intellectual product, and a legal product is anything but.” – Melissa Costello

ABOUT MELISSA COSTELLO

Melissa Costello, Creative Lead and Story Teller

Marketing

Melissa Costello is the creative lead and chief storyteller for MELISSACOSTELLO.COM’s video-centric take on branding and marketing. Telling stories and building brands that impact people’s businesses and people’s lives is her passion. Her upbringing engaged her in a lively mix of both the fine arts and the marketing arts, joint passions shared by numerous members of the extended family. It’s in the blood as is a restless curiosity. Costello has been awarded both domestic and international honors for the videos and television commercials she has produced for more than 30 years through her companies in Chicago and Los Angeles, and in collaboration with former political media consultant, David Axelrod for clients such as President Barack Obama and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Connect with Melissa Costello:

Website: https://melissacostello.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaCostello.comChicago/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissacostellochicago/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/melissacostello

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbZ8FHOYkCwD078T9dJgVYg/featured

Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.

If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.

This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your host Ron Bockstahler runs Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week he’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. He’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.

Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.

More episodes of The 1958 Lawyer podcast

Discover our networking events for Chicago lawyers.

Template To copy | THE 1958 LAWYER Podcast

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In this episode, Stephen E. Seckler, Esq. talks about how lawyers should adopt marketing strategies that feel comfortable and how hiring a coach make a big difference in building a law practice. Steve also talks about how he coaches lawyers through career transitions.  He describes the work he is now doing with senior lawyers who are trying to decide what comes next. Steve is host of his own podcast, Counsel to Counsel. He is a lawyer who has dedicated his entire career to helping attorneys find more career satisfaction.

Key moments:

  • How young lawyers can overcome marketing challenges (3:52)
  • Marketing tips for all kinds of lawyers (15:18)
  • The importance of getting a coach and business development tips (27:44)
  • The next stage for seniors (36:54)

Follow “The 1958 Lawyer” on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Sticher

MEMORABLE QUOTES

“Find a niche that you really like and enjoy, really go deep with that niche, you want to be known for something. When you’re a young lawyer, again, the focus really should be on being a great lawyer giving great client service.” – Stephen Seckler

ABOUT STEPHEN SECKLER

Stephen Seckler, President of Seckler Legal Recruiting and Coaching

Legal Recruiting and Coaching

Stephen Seckler is a lawyer with over 25 years with marketing and career counseling experience working with other attorneys. He hosts the Counsel to Counsel Podcast where he interviews leading attorneys and consultants about the legal profession and his blog Counsel to Counsel has been twice named to the ABA Journal’s Blawg 100.

Connect with Stephen Seckler:

Website: http://www.counseltocounsel.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephenseckler

Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.

If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.

This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your host Ron Bockstahler runs Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week he’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. He’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.

Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.

More episodes of The 1958 Lawyer podcast

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

Marie Sarantakis: Sarantakis Law Group, LTD | THE 1958 LAWYER Podcast

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Marie Sarantakis is the founder of Sarantakis Law Group, LTD. She is a best-selling author, a prominent family law attorney, nationally recognized divorce coach, and the president of Adrikos, LLC. In this episode, Marie talks about narcissism in divorce court cases and defines what it really means and how it differs from mere selfish behavior.

They also discussed how divorce coaches can give clients support beyond the courtroom as they are able to provide emotional support and a big picture analysis of the situation. Lastly, they talked about the benefits of the remote environment of the pandemic in law and how it could help with expanding your network.

Key moments:

  • Difference between a narcissist and a jerk (3:20)
  • Helping a client through being victimized by a narcissist (7:00)
  • Divorce coach and divorce attorneys (11:23)
  • Integrating technology and practicing networking( 17:00)

Follow “The 1958 Lawyer” on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Sticher

MEMORABLE QUOTES

Marie Sarantakis

“You get divorced based on irreconcilable differences. Just because you married a bad person, doesn’t mean you actually get more in the divorce case.”

ABOUT MARIE SARANTAKIS

Marie Sarantakis, Founder of Sarantakis Law Group, LTD

Family Law

Marie Sarantakis is the founder of Sarantakis Law Group, LTD. She is a best-selling author, a prominent family law attorney, nationally recognized divorce coach, and the president of Adrikos, LLC.

Sarantakis Law Group, LTD.

Website: https://sarantakislaw.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarantakisLaw/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariesarantakis/

Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.

If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.

This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your host Ron Bockstahler runs Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week he’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. He’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.

Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.

More episodes of The 1958 Lawyer podcast

Discover our networking events for Chicago lawyers.

Nate Dinger: Signature Bank | THE 1958 LAWYER Podcast

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Nate Dinger is the Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Signature Bank – he helps small, mid sized businesses, and law firms in Chicago manage their finances. Often times lawyers don’t have any time to take care of their own firm’s financial concerns so Nate, along with Signature Bank, helps them through financial advise, management and even through giving out loans for cases – which is uncommon since banks usually see court cases as high risk situations.

Nate also talks about their company vision and focus of being a relationship-based bank. He discusses the big difference between knowing a guy or a gal and calling a generic phone number since people feel more valued when talking to a legitimate person than a service line.

Key moments:

  • How lawyers can benefit from commercial banks (3:10)
  • Relationship-focused banking (10:41)
  • Financing cases through commercial banks (16:01)
  • Character as the most important of the four C’s (20:16)

Follow “The 1958 Lawyer” on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Sticher

MEMORABLE QUOTES

Nate Dinger

“When the suns shining and everything’s going fine, you might not need them. But on a rainy day, when things get shaken up a bit, it certainly helps to have a warm body to call.” Nate Dinger.

ABOUT NATE DINGER

Nate Dinger, Senior Vice President, Division Head – Commercial Banking at Signature Bank

Commercial Banking

Nate Dinger is the Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Signature Bank – he helps small, mid sized businesses, and law firms in Chicago manage their finances.

Website: http://www.signature-bank.com/index.cfm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinger/

Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.

If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.

This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your host Ron Bockstahler runs Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week he’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. He’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.

Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.

More episodes of The 1958 Lawyer podcast

Discover our networking events for Chicago lawyers.

Steve Mesirow: Mesirow Financial | THE 1958 LAWYER Podcast

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Steve Mesirow is the Senior Managing Director in Mesirow Wealth Management and he has been providing expert investment advice and financial planning strategies to his clients for over 25 years. In this episode, Steve talks about how law businesses are at a disadvantage because they register their taxes at the highest rates. He discussed all the ways in which lawyers can build and protect their wealth in a tax-advantaged way.

Through systems called Cash Balance Plan, Donor Advised Funds, Profit-sharing, or Roth IRA, lawyers can do their best at their career without losing any of their well-earned money. Steve also talks about all the ways in which his company helps people – lawyers or otherwise – worry about things that are impactful, helping them save money in ways that are meaningful in the big picture.

Key moments:

  • Building and protecting wealth through a cash balance plan(2:07)
  • Deduction through donor advised funds (14:02)
  • The difference between fiduciary and non-fiduciary (23:22)
  • Saving money in meaningful ways  (26:41)

Follow “The 1958 Lawyer” on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Sticher

MEMORABLE QUOTES

Steve Mesirow

“The best use of your time is to work on your business and not be following down the rules of different financial planning aspects or chasing down a couple of stocks. That might not be the best utilization of your time.” – Steve Mesirow

ABOUT STEVE MESIROW

Steve Mesirow, Senior Managing Director in Mesirow Financial

Wealth Management and Financial Planning

Steven Mesirow is a Senior Managing Director in Mesirow Wealth Management. He provides investment advice and financial planning strategies to individuals, business owners and charitable organizations that are designed to help accumulate, manage and preserve wealth.

Steven joined the firm in 1993 and has more than 25 years of financial services experience.

Steven serves on the Jewish United Fund Health and Human Services subcommittee. He has developed a social investment strategy; Mesirow Impact Management – a portfolio strategy that invests in companies with a positive corporate culture.

Steven earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history/political science from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in history from the University of Maryland and a Management Aptitude Test in teaching from the American University. Steve is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional and a Certified Fund Specialist™ (CFS™).

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenmesirow/

Website: http://www.mesirowfinancial.com/

Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at [email protected]

“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.

If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.

This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your host Ron Bockstahler runs Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week he’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. He’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.

Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.

More episodes of The 1958 Lawyer podcast

Discover our legal support staff for lawyers in Chicago.

How Flexible Attorney Offices Future-Proof Your Legal Practice

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In 2021 working from home has become the new normal. For some, this may still feel like a big transition, but it’s essential to stay up-to-date with changing expectations in the professional world. This goes for all business owners, and is especially true for law offices hoping to stay relevant in a competitive legal climate.

So how can you “future-proof” your legal practice? Think of “future-proofing” as anticipating trends and adapting your law practice to embrace the newest technology. With tech updates, flexible law offices, and cloud-based solutions, your legal practice will be ready to take-on the future.

 

What is a Flexible Law Office?

A flexible law office offers attorneys the opportunity to customize their schedule. This means that attorneys select their work hours and may conduct work from any location. Although a flexible office format might seem too unstructured at first, many attorneys are eager to work in an environment that values their personal preferences and offers an adaptable schedule.

According to an article in Reuters, “a recent survey from legal recruiter Major, Lindsey & Africa found the vast majority of the incoming generation of lawyers prefer to work remotely at least some of the time.” Fostering an environment that values a healthy work / life balance and encourages flexibility is key to maintaining a thriving law practice.

 

What Tools Do You Need to Get Started?

While flexible law offices are the way of the future, it’s unrealistic to expect to transform your law practice overnight. Before you offer lawyers the flexible schedule they crave, you need to implement tools and resources to make the transition possible.

 

Update Your Video Conference Capabilities – Working remotely means relying on technology to get the job done. For lawyers working today, it’s essential to have video conferencing tools that are easy to use and provide reliable connectivity. Since client interviews and meetings need to be done remotely, it’s imperative that you use secure video conferencing platforms to keep meeting content confidential. An article in Bloomberg Law discusses the emergence of “telepresence rooms” to create a more authentic experience during video calls: “advanced audio-visual systems and large, mirror-like screens are used to make it appear that a client or colleague is in the same physical conference room, even if the person is at the other end of the globe.”

 

Use Cloud-Based Platforms

Since remote workers don’t have a centralized hub for information, Bloomberg Law asserts that “law firms are also shoring up their IT infrastructures now that a lawyer can’t simply count on their colleague down the hall to answer a question, or the filing cabinet with a particular document being nearby.”

In order to create accessible IT infrastructures, more law firms are embracing cloud-based document sharing tools. Cloud-based platforms allow documents to be securely uploaded, organized, and stored on an accessible online database. This way, lawyers have access to important files and information no matter where they are.

Flexible law firms are also implementing virtual mailbox services. Virtual mailbox services provide clients with instantaneous access to mail via a secure online platform. Mail is sent to a secure physical address and then promptly uploaded onto the database by a licensed handler. These services are an excellent option for law practices who don’t have a permanent location.

Cloud-based software also allows your legal team to optimize daily tasks. With easy-to-use communication platforms and simple scheduling and bookkeeping software, switching your systems to online services will save you time and money.

 

What are the Benefits of a Flexible Attorney Office?

Flexible attorney offices provide benefits for lawyers and clients alike.

Connect with a Wider Audience – Since lawyers who work in a flexible law office can conduct their work from anywhere, flexible law offices are able to serve a wider population and extend the reach of their business. This helps diversify caseloads, and increases client numbers.

Save Money – Attorneys who work in a flexible environment don’t need to be locked into a 12 months lease to practice the law. With money saved on rent, power, office supplies, and managerial staff, most law practices who switch to a remote model end up saving money in the long term.

Improve Retention – Remote work isn’t just a request anymore, it’s an expectation. Switching to a flexible schedule demonstrates your dedication to fostering a work environment that aligns with current demands.

 

Find Your Office Space at Amata Law Office Suites

Amata Law Office Suites provides lawyers and legal practitioners both in-person and virtual law office accommodations. With flexible pricing and unbeatable legal support services, Amata Law Office Suites has served the Chicago area by providing dedicated conference spaces, offices, and much more.

Now is the time to embrace the future of your legal practice. At Amata Law Office Suites, we’re here to help. 

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