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What are 4 tips to help with better time management?

What are 4 tips to help with better time management?

When a client is billed by the hour, a lawyer’s time is his or her most valuable asset. The clock starts ticking every time the phone rings or an email arrives in the inbox. Time management skills are essential for busy professionals whose time is always in demand. Even the busiest attorneys can benefit from these time management tips to be more efficient and productive every day of the work week.

1. The Task List

It is critical to keep a detailed running list of tasks to be completed. For transactional attorneys, the most effective method is to segment it by client name or project name. Because this list is likely to be so long that not every item will be completed every day, make it a habit to update it whenever something changes. Each day, reduce the list by identifying the high-priority tasks that must be completed by the end of business.

2. Establish Deadlines

Deadlines have a negative connotation, but they don’t have to be negative. A firm deadline can assist a lawyer in prioritizing client matters by instilling a sense of urgency in certain tasks over others. Utilize a triage system similar to that of a medical professional. Prioritize the tasks with short deadlines and disregard the rest of the to-do list. Create a ticker system in your calendar to sound an alarm or send an email when it’s time to tackle the next task. This can help to focus on the files at hand while also relieving stress about any pending work.

3. Distractions should be avoided

Turn off office distractions and concentrate on one task at a time. To avoid temptation, set the phone to Do Not Disturb mode and close the email window. To avoid further distraction, grab the file and a legal pad and head to the nearest open conference room. Create daily routines, such as updating your to-do list, responding to emails, and returning phone calls at the same time every day. Creating a pattern in the flow of work aids in maintaining focus and reducing stress/frustration from more mundane tasks.

4. Multitasking should be avoided

Clients deserve their lawyer’s undivided attention, especially if they are being charged by the hour. Concentrate on one file at a time to avoid muddled legal issues and to ensure that the time charged to the client is accurate.