While most attorney-client relationships end without disputes over fees, disagreements can sometimes develop. These disputes often result from misunderstandings or communication breakdowns and can occasionally lead to a bar complaint. Fee issues can occur between attorneys and clients or even between attorneys involved in the same case. Although these disputes can be resolved through the courts, alternative solutions are available. The Florida Bar offers a fee arbitration program, which functions like a mini trial. In this program, an arbitrator makes a final and binding decision after reviewing evidence and hearing testimony. This arbitration process is free, voluntary, and can be initiated by either the attorney or the client. By utilizing this program, attorneys can better serve their clients and avoid involvement in the disciplinary system. In today’s episode host Jamie Moore welcomes Shanell Schuyler and Steven Lesser to discuss The Florida Bar’s fee arbitration program.Shanell Schuyler serves as the Director of the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) and Intake Department of The Florida Bar. She also supervises the Bar’s Grievance Mediation and Fee Arbitration Program, the Practice and Professionalism Enhancement Programs, and Diversion/Discipline Consultation Services. Shanell is a graduate of Florida State University, cum laude, with a B.S. in Finance, and Stetson University College of Law. She began working for The Florida Bar as a senior attorney in 2007. She became director of the ACAP/Intake Department in February 2012. Shanell is an active member of the National Organization of Bar Counsel where she frequently speaks on topics pertinent to lawyer regulation. Steven B. Lesser chairs the national Construction Law and Litigation practice group at his firm. He is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Florida Bar and focuses solely on construction law and litigation, including governmental construction claims, defense, and hotel/condominium disputes. A Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers, he was elected to the Board of Governors in 2022 for a 3-year term. He has received numerous awards from the Florida Bar and American Bar Associations for his contributions to the construction industry.Mr. Lesser is a Past-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Construction Law, the largest construction lawyer group globally, known for its scholarly publications and programs on construction law. He also served as Past-Chair of The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education committee, overseeing the Bar’s certification plan and 27 certification committees. Additionally, he has held leadership roles in various Florida Bar and American Bar Association Committees, including Past-Chair of the Florida Bar Construction Law Certification Committee. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8663. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration Committee [The Florida Bar]Keep Your Fee Dispute Out of Court [Video]Attorney/Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP)Complaint Alternatives [The Florida Bar]Bar’s Grievance Mediation and Fee Arbitration Program Seeks Volunteers [The Florida Bar]Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration Volunteer FormRules Regulating The Florida Bar Chapter 14 Grievance Mediation and Fee Arbitration

Many lawyers struggle with the pressures of practicing law and the impact it has on their mental health and work performance. Finding some satisfaction in your work and even a sense of purpose can go a long way in alleviating the misery that you may be feeling. While you may still not love practicing law, you can learn to adjust your view to see the value that your work brings to your clients or to the community.In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Stuart Teicher, to discuss his book, “How to Stop Hating the Law”. He offers actionable strategies for making the practice of law more enjoyable or at least more tolerable.Stuart Teicher is a professional legal educator who focuses on ethics law and writing instruction. He is a Supreme Court appointee to the New Jersey District Ethics Committee where he investigates and prosecutes grievances filed against attorneys. Stuart teaches Professional Responsibility at Georgetown Law and undergraduate writing at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.A practicing attorney for over 25 years, Stuart’s career is now dedicated to helping fellow attorneys survive the practice of law and thrive in the profession through seminars, in-house training for law firms, CLE instruction, and keynote speeches at conventions and association meetings. Stuart helps attorneys get better at what they do (and enjoy the process) through his entertaining and educational CLE performances. His previous book, “Navigating the Legal Ethics of Social Media and Technology”, was published by Thomson Reuters.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 8579.REFERENCED RESOURCES: ·        Stuart Teichero  Contacto  Buy My Booko  How to Stop Hating the Law: A path to hope for miserable lawyers [Amazon]·        Florida Bar Practice Resource Center CLEs with Stuart Teicher·        Florida Lawyers Helpline·        How to Start and Build a Law Practice [Amazon]·        LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

As an attorney, you rely on your staff, but HR issues with your staff can catch you off guard and when not handled properly, these issues can completely disrupt the successful delivery of service to your clients. Human Resource management is essential for every business, but in a small firm, the HR department is most likely just you. And like any business, firms must comply with federal and state labor laws on overtime, maternity leave, discrimination, etc. Unless you are a labor and employment law attorney, you may not be aware of all the requirements and best practices. This can result in inconsistent policy enforcement or inadequate documentation of performance issues, ultimately leading to some avoidable headaches.In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Kevin Johnson, an employment defense attorney, and Shareholder of Johnson Jackson, to discuss HR best practices for law firms. Kevin Johnson graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, and is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar since 2007. For more than two decades, Kevin has represented and advised employers about laws that affect their relationships with employees, helped them solve problems when they arise, and defended them against discrimination charges and lawsuits filed by their employees. His clients range from national restaurant chains, retail employers, and large hospitals, to independent restaurants, medical practices, and other local employers. Kevin has experience litigating cases in jurisdictions throughout the United States, both in single-plaintiff cases and in nationwide class and collective actions. He has been recognized in the field of employment law by various publications, including Best Lawyers in America, Florida Trend, and Super Lawyers. Kevin is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell. He has also been recognized by The Florida Bar for his involvement with promoting technology and practice-management education for Florida lawyers.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Labor and Employment Law CLE credit. Course # 8619. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Johnson Jackson PLLCKevin D. JohnsonSHRMHow Small-Business Owners Successfully Delegate HR [SHRM]U.S. Department of LaborFamily and Medical Leave Act [U.S. Department of Labor]Wages and the Fair Labor Standards Act [U.S. Department of Labor]Employee or Independent Contractor Classification [U.S. Department of Labor]U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity CommissionTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission]What You Should Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act [U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission]Americans with Disabilities Act [U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division]U.S. Department of Labor mandates two salary threshold increases for white collar FLSA exemptions and a mechanism for future automatic increases [Employment Law Watch]LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center 

The ABA 2023 Tech Survey highlights that 56% of respondents regularly utilize fee-based online services for legal research, with an additional 21% using them occasionally. Surprisingly, 12% never utilize these resources. Despite the abundance of technological options available for legal research, many lawyers still hold a preference for hard copy books. Research suggests that modern screens and e-readers struggle to replicate the tactile experiences of reading on paper, hindering the natural navigation of lengthy texts. For lawyers, books offer a tangible resource for easy browsing, annotation, and cross-referencing that online research might not offer. In today’s episode hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Maggie O’Neill, to discuss why books are still relevant in the practice of law.Maggie O'Neill holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota, and a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law.For over 17 years, Maggie ran a solo practice specializing in family law and dependency cases, focusing on litigation and mediation. Maggie's experience in the publishing industry is extensive, having held key roles including Vice President of Product Management and Vice President of HR Publishing at Thomson Reuters and as Editor in Chief of Professional Publications at Reed Elsevier. Additionally, Maggie worked at Callaghan and Company as a Legal Editor and Project Manager. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit. Course # 8493.REFERENCED RESOURCES: Florida Bar Member Benefits: Legal PublicationsThe Florida Bar and LexisNexis StoreContact Sales 1-877-394-8826ABA to release TechReport 2023 survey on legal tech trends [American Bar Association]ABA Profile of the Legal Profession 2023 [American Bar Association]The Reading Brain in the Digital Age: The Science of Paper versus Screens [Scientific American]LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

While the legal field has historically been hesitant to adopt new technology, AI is now slowly sweeping into law firms. Integrating AI programs can dramatically boost a firm’s efficiency and reduce costs by assisting with many tasks including legal research, document drafting and review, and even automated client communication. There is a clear upside to implementing AI, but legal professionals must also be aware of the risks and ethical concerns that come with its use.In today's episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Damien Riehl, to discuss best practices for utilizing AI in the law firm. Damien Riehl is a lawyer, technologist, and lead product designer at vLex with experience in complex litigation, digital forensics, and software development. A coder since 1985 and for the web since 1995, Damien clerked for the chief judges of state and federal courts, practiced in complex litigation for over a decade, has led teams of cybersecurity and world spanning digital forensics investigations, and has led teams in legal-software development.Co-Chair of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles, he has helped recommend changes to Minnesota statutes, rules, and policies — all related to connected and autonomous vehicles. Damien is Chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association's working group on AI and the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL).At SALI, the legal data standard he helps lead, Damien develops and has greatly expanded the taxonomy of over 14,000 legal tags that matter, helping the legal industry's development of Generative AI, analytics, and interoperability.At vLex Group – which includes Fastcase, NextChapter, and Docket Alarm – Damien helps lead the design, development, and expansion of various products, integrating AI-backed technologies to improve legal workflows and to power legal data analytics. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 8473.  REFERENCED RESOURCES:  LLMs for Legal Tasks: Best Practices [by Damien Riehl]vLex – Your Ultimate Legal AI PlatformLatest version of ChatGPT aces bar exam with score nearing 90th percentile [ABA Journal]AI Agents and The Era of The Intelligent Interface [Forbes]Affective Computing: Advancing human wellbeing by developing new ways to communicate, understand, and respond to emotion [MIT]Why We Need to See Inside AI’s Black Box [Scientific American]Understanding AI Terms: What is a Foundational Model? [The National Law Review]AI in Law: Transforming Legal Practices [Clio]What is AI and How Can Law Firms Use it? [Clio]LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

The Rules Regulating The Florida Bar detail the many required procedures and the professional conduct of our members. They are designed to protect the public and maintain ethical standards within the legal field. When the Bar receives a complaint, it is often due to a lack of understanding or awareness of the rules by the attorney. Here at the Practice Resource Center, we actively try to assist our members with resources and guidance so that they have the tools and knowledge to be compliant with the Rules. So, in today’s podcast, we’re going to discuss some essential, but perhaps less well-known Bar Rules that every lawyer should be aware of to avoid a disciplinary action.  This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8346.  REFERENCED RESOURCES:  ·        Supreme Court Reduces the Number of Mandatory CLE Hours·        Supreme Court-Mandated Professionalism CLE Now Available·        Frequently Asked Questions About CLE Requirements·        Designate Your Inventory Lawyer Today!·        If a lawyer is leaving a firm, which clients to notify?·        LegalFuel Document Library: Lawyer Changing Firms·        Trust Accounting – Basic Records and Procedures·        It Is a Requirement That the Trust Account Compliance Certificate Be Completed·        Trust Account Compliance Certificate Instructions·        Trust Accounting FAQs·        Attorney/Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP)·        How long should I keep closed files?·        How to Establish an Interstate Law Practice? What are some pitfalls to avoid?·        Choose a Corporate Structure·        Should I form a professional service corporation? Do I have to?·        Modern Complexity Demands New Ways of Working: The Future of The Lawyer-Nonlawyer Partnership·        The Florida Bar Ethics Informational Packets·        Best Practices for Law Firm Invoices [Guest Post]·        LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center

Lawyers often invest in technology but may not utilize it effectively, leading to a missed return on investment. Strategic spending on impactful technology is crucial when you are a solo or small firm on a budget.  In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Catherine Sanders Reach, to discuss cost-effective technology tools and services you may already have at your disposal. Catherine Sanders Reach provides practice technology and management assistance to lawyers and legal professionals. Formerly, she was Director of Law Practice Management and Technology for the Chicago Bar Association and the Director at the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Resource Center. Prior to her work at the NCBA, CBA and ABA she worked in library and information science environments for several years, working at Ross and Hardies as a librarian. She received a master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of Alabama. Catherine’s professional activities include articles for Law Practice magazine, Law Technology News and GPSolo Magazine, as well as numerous other publications. She has given presentations on the use of technology in law firms for national bar conferences, state and local bar associations and organizations such as the National Association of Bar Council and the Association of American Law Schools.  This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 8284.  REFERENCED RESOURCES: ·        About Catherine Sanders Reach·        Subscribe to North Carolina Bar Association CPM ICYMI Newsletter·        Articles Written by Catherine Sanders Reacho  Free and Cheap Technology for Thrifty Lawyerso  Can MS 365 Replace Law Practice Management Software?o  Expand MS 365 with Add-ins and Integrationso  Adobe Acrobat Has a New (Inter)Faceo  Microsoft 365 versus Google Workspaceo  Trying Out LinkedIn Newsletters·        Other Resourceso  Microsoft Bookingso  Use Planner in Microsoft Teamso  Removing sensitive content from PDFso  Fastcase Quick Reference Guideo  Dashlane Authenticator appo  Keeper Authenticatoro  Zoom VoIP Phone Serviceso  Microsoft Teams Phone·        LegalFuel: The Florida Bar’s Practice Resource Center  

Back in the day, law firms either relied on their reputations and referrals from former clients or they paid for billboards and phone book ads. If you are a solo or small firm practitioner, you likely don’t have a lot of time or a huge marketing budget to compete with larger firms to attract new clients, but a simple, well-crafted digital marketing strategy can be all that you need for maintaining a steady flow of client activity. In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Rob Saravia and Jeff Hazen, to discuss practical marketing tips and Bar Advertising Rules.  Rob Saravia is The Florida Bar’s new marketing manager aiding growth in the Programs Department. He brings over 4 years of experience in the marketing field, with a focus on the dynamic realm of retail marketing. Rob is a graduate of Florida State University with a double major in Marketing and Economics.  Jeff Hazen serves as the Assistant Ethics Counsel for the Florida Bar, with over 15 years of dedicated service. Throughout his tenure at The Florida Bar, Jeff has handled thousands of inquiries on the Ethics Hotline, assessed numerous lawyer advertisements, and issued dozens of staff Ethics Opinions. Jeff is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Florida Levin College of Law. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8214.  REFERENCED RESOURCES: • Article: Law Firm Marketing Strategy: Top 8 Ideas to Grow a Legal Practice (by Clio)• The Florida Bar Advertising Regulation and Information• Handbook on Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation• Chapter 4 Rules of Professional Conduct• 4-7.13 Deceptive and Inherently Misleading Advertisements• 4-7.16 Presumptively Valid Content• 4-7.18 Direct Contact with Prospective Clients• 4-7.20 Exemptions from the Filing and Review Requirement• Florida Bar Ethics Opinion 20-01: Negative Online Reviews• Florida Bar Ethics Opinion 21-1: Negative Online Reviews• Ethics Hotline 800-235-8619• Grow Your Practice – Join the Lawyer Referral Service• LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar• LegalFuel: Marketing Resources

Microsoft 365 is a must for many legal professionals who rely on its wide range of time saving and regularly enhanced tools. There are also specifically designed features within the software to streamline your daily legal workflow that you may not be aware of. Now artificial intelligence has been integrated across Microsoft 365. It’s called Copilot and it is poised to become your new digital assistant inside of all the Microsoft applications that you are already using. Smart lawyers should take note and ask how Copilot can instantly and fundamentally change how you get work done in your firm. In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Ben Schorr, a Senior Content Manager at Microsoft, to discuss Microsoft 365 and Copilot.  Ben Schorr is a Senior Content Program Manager at Microsoft. He is also the author of several books and articles on technology including “The Lawyer’s Guide to Microsoft Outlook,” “The Lawyer’s Guide to Microsoft Word” and “OneNote in One Hour.” He was a Microsoft MVP for 20 years and has been involved in management and technology for more than 30. In his free time, he’s a slow Ironman triathlete and a high school football coach. He currently lives with his family in Redmond, WA.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course # 8203. REFERENCED RESOURCES: ·        Ben Schorr - LinkedIno   Books by Ben Schorro   Article by Ben Schorr: Which Office 365 Package is Right for Your Law Firm?·        Microsofto   Microsoft Copiloto   Official Microsoft Blog: Announcing Microsoft Copilot, your everyday AI companiono   Microsoft: Rehearse your slide show with Speaker Coacho   Summarize an email thread with Copiloto   Get started with Microsoft 365 Chat in Microsoft Teamso   Microsoft OneDrive for Businesso   Natural language search in Outlook  ·        LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Beginning in March of 2020, the pandemic transformed every aspect of our lives. For most of us who had reported to an office every day, this meant a very sudden shift to remote only work. Law firms had to quickly adapt to stay connected to the courts, colleagues, and their clients. We are now more than three years out and while some firms found that remote work was seamless and chose to continue it, other firms have gone to a hybrid model or banned remote work completely. According to a recent ABA report, 89% of lawyers in private practice are allowed to work remotely, with 18% permitted to work out of the office all the time and 45% with the flexibility to choose their own schedule. Here at the Practice Resource Center, we were curious to hear how it’s all working out.In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Richard Rivera, Partner at Smith Gambrell Russell, to discuss how the firm’s Jacksonville office has adapted to the new normal. Richard Rivera received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Florida in 2009 and earned his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the Florida State University College of Law. Rich works in both the Litigation and the Intellectual Property Practice Groups. His IP practice is concentrated in trademark and copyrights, compliance with state and federal laws governing sweepstakes and other promotional activities, software and internet technology, marketing, and licensing issues. He also prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office. Rich is also the current Chair of The Florida Bar’s Mental Health and Wellness of Florida Lawyers Committee.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 8185.REFERENCED RESOURCES:  Smith Gambrell RussellAbout Rich RiveraABA Article: Are law firm leaders having second thoughts on remote work? Intapp TimeArticle: How to Work Remotely as a Legal Professional: A Guide (from Clio)Article: Working remotely is now a top priority, says new ABA report highlighting lasting shifts in practice of lawABA 2022 Practice Forward Report: Where Does the Legal Profession Go from Here? LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

A recent Bar News article stated that: “Trust account maintenance and compliance is critically important. Lawyers who agree to hold money in trust have an ethical obligation to account for every penny as long as the funds remain in their possession. Commingling of funds, poor ledger management, and even basic accounting errors can result in client complaints, audits, and disciplinary action that could lead to suspension or disbarment. And while most attorneys diligently comply with Rules Regulating Trust Accounts (Chapter 5), trust accounting violations have ranked among the top three most common disciplinary complaints over the past three years and is on track to be the top complaint in 2022-2023.”That is why Scott Westheimer, the current Florida Bar president, has made it a top priority to offer all Florida Bar members a high-quality, free trust accounting solution. In partnership with Nota by M&T Bank, this initiative has become a reality. In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Nota Co-Founder and CEO, Paul Garibian, and Nota Product Manager, Rosalie Shaughnessy, to discuss the Florida Bar’s newest member benefit, Nota by M&T Bank.Paul Garibian holds an MBA from The Wharton School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. Paul is a Co-Founder and CEO of Nota, the Florida Bar’s free member benefit that helps lawyers manage their trust accounts.Rosalie Shaughnessy is a graduate of the University of Buffalo and has over 10 years of experience in business analysis, testing and quality assurance, and over four years as a test lead for digital banking. Rosalie is currently the Product Manager for Nota, and previously worked as a Business System Analyst for M&T Bank.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 0.5 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 8089. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Nota by M&T BankAbout UsNota Trust Accounting – Member BenefitArticle: The Florida Bar to Provide Members with Access to Nota’s Interest on Trust Accounts (IOTA) Management Platform at No CostArticle: In a First for a State Bar, Florida to Provide All Members With Free Trust Accounting Software to Help Ensure Compliance and Protect the PublicLawNext Podcast: The Florida Bar’s Precedent-Setting Decision To Give Every Lawyer Access To Trust Accounting SoftwareCLE: Trust Accounts by the BookLegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Chatbots and AI platforms have the potential to revolutionize the way law firms operate, bringing numerous benefits to both legal professionals and their clients. These technologies can streamline administrative tasks, enhance research capabilities, and provide quick and accurate responses to routine legal inquiries. By automating repetitive and time-consuming processes, chatbots can free up lawyers' time, allowing them to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of their work. However, it's crucial for legal professionals to be mindful of the ethical concerns surrounding the use of chatbots and AI in the legal field.In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Tom Martin, CEO of LawDroid, to discuss how AI and chatbots can automate a firm’s processes.About Tom Martin:Tom is a graduate of Yale and UCLA School of Law, and is a legal AI advocate, lawyer, author, and speaker. He is the CEO and founder of LawDroid, a Generative AI Legal Technology Company, and is a co-founder of the American Legal Technology Awards. Clients include ARAG Legal Insurance, Fasken, Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services, Palace Law, and many law firms.Tom has been recognized as an ABA Legal Rebel and a Fastcase 50 Honoree. He has presented at the ABA TECHSHOW, LegalWeek, ILTACON, ClioCon, and Legal Innovators. Tom’s writing has been published in the ABA’s Law Practice Today, Law Technology Today, and GP Solo Magazine.Tom has his own podcast: LawDroid Manifesto on iTunes. He also serves as a mentor at the Yale Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking and ATJ Tech Fellows.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Technology CLE credit. Course #7932. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Tom MartinLawDroidThe LawDroid PodcastAmerican Legal Technology AwardsArticle: New GPT-Based Chat App from LawDroid Is a Lawyer’s ‘Copilot’ for Research, Drafting, Brainstorming and MoreArticle: Chatbots sometimes make things up. Is AI’s hallucinations problem fixable?Harvard: Library Innovation LabLegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

Fostering a thriving law firm culture not only ensures the growth of a successful legal practice but also nurtures a positive and uplifting company environment. Although the legal industry has long held assumptions about the inevitability of a highly competitive, burnout-inducing culture, it is vital to challenge these norms. By doing so, law firms empower their employees, clients, and overall business to thrive. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are naturally more motivated and invested in their work, culminating in increased productivity and success for the entire business. Ultimately, investing in a strong law firm culture becomes a win-win situation for all involved.In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Paul Spiegelman, of Small Giants Community, to discuss the benefits of cultivating a positive company culture.About Paul Spiegelman:Paul is the co-founder of the Small Giants Community, a peer-group of purpose driven business leaders. Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA and received his JD from Southwestern University. He practiced law for two years before starting BerylHealth, where he was the co-founder and CEO. He is also the founder and chairman of The Beryl Institute and was the chief culture officer at Stericycle.Paul is a sought-after speaker and a New York Times best-selling author on leadership, employee engagement, entrepreneurship, culture, and leading a purpose-driven life. His book, Why is Everyone Smiling? The Secret Behind Passion, Productivity, and Profit, includes low- or no-cost practices that can impact the lives of employees and the success of small or large businesses. He has made numerous radio and TV appearances and his views have been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Inc. Magazine. He is currently a columnist for Forbes.com and has been honored with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 7923.REFERENCED RESOURCES: Paul SpiegelmanPodcast: Growing with PurposePaul Spiegelman BooksPatients Come Second: Leading Change by Changing the Way You LeadWhy is Everyone Smiling?: The Secret Behind Passion, Productivity, and ProfitSmile Guide: Employee Perspectives on Culture, Loyalty and ProfitSmall Giants CommunityAboutArticle: ‘Command and Control’ Leadership is Dead. Here’s What’s Taking Its PlaceArticle: Modernizing Law Firms’ Work Rules Enables Focus on Employee Well-Being

Traditionally, the workweek spans from Monday to Friday, but have you ever questioned the rationale behind this norm and whether it is optimal? Amongst growing anxiety and stress levels worldwide, some companies are envisioning a different approach to work by embracing a 4-day workweek. Not only can a shorter workweek benefit employees’ mental health, but it can also enhance productivity. Research indicates that a reduced workload can lead to lower stress levels and greater job satisfaction, as well as offer more opportunities for leisure outside of work.In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Karla Eckardt welcome Joe O’Connor, of the Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence, to discuss the 4-day workweek study.The Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence is a global initiative based in Toronto, Canada, launched in partnership with leading UK and US people-first transformation company Curium Solutions.Previously, as the chief executive officer of 4 Day Week Global, Joe led the design and implementation of four-day week trials all over the world, supporting hundreds of employers and thousands of employees to make the transition to reduced-hour, productivity-focused working in 2021 and 2022.Joe holds an MBS in Strategy and Innovation Management and a BBS with Honours in Accounting from the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Employment Law from The Honorable Society of King’s Inns.Joe recently led a research project on work time reduction as a visiting research scholar with Cornell University in New York City. He is now based in Toronto, where he heads up Canadian operations for Curium Solutions in addition to directing the Work Time Reduction Center of Excellence.Joe is also formerly the chairperson of the Four Day Week Ireland campaign, having founded the coalition in 2019, where he developed the world's first four-day week pilot program and research project in 2021. He has been active on the issue of working time reduction since 2018, when he organized a major international conference and research paper on ‘The Future of Working Time’.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 7651. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Joe O’Connor·        Work Time Reduction | Center of Excellence·        Mission·        Work Time Reduction Assessment·        Contact Work Time Reduction | Center of Excellence4-Day Week Trial ResultsArticle: What is Parkinson’s Law and why is it sabotaging your productivity?Article: The Effect of Long Working Hours and Overtime on Occupational Health: A Meta-Analysis of Evidence from 1998 to 2018Article: Operational Excellence – Key Principles and How to Implement ThemArticle: ABA – 8 steps for creating value-based pricing that worksLegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar

The legal profession has been grappling with the issue of lawyer well-being for a while now. Unfortunately, too many lawyers are still experiencing chronic stress and burnout resulting in high rates of substance abuse and depression. It is essential to acknowledge the importance of lawyer well-being and take actionable steps towards it. Healthy and happy lawyers provide better legal services to their clients, which improves their satisfaction and trust in the legal system.In today’s episode, hosts Christine Bilbrey and Jamie Moore welcome Bree Buchanan, Senior Advisor at Krill Strategies, to discuss well-being strategies for lawyers.Bree Buchanan, JD, MSF, was a founding co-chair of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being and is a co-author of its groundbreaking 2017 report, The Path to Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive Change. From 2020 to 2023, she served as board president and inaugural executive director of the Institute for Well-Being in Law. Prior to this, Ms. Buchanan served as chair of the ABA Commission on Lawyers Assistance Programs (2017-2020). She is currently a member of the newly formed Lawyer Well-Being Committee of the International Bar Association. As Director of the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program from 2013 to 2018, she worked with individual lawyers experiencing these issues, and with legal employers who were seeking resources and support for their staff. Her tenure with that program followed a two-decade legal career which included positions as a litigator, lobbyist, and law professor. She is now Senior Advisor with Krill Strategies, Inc., providing consultation and training on issues related to lawyer well-being and impairment for major legal employers.Praised for her warm presentation style and engaging presence, Ms. Buchanan is a frequent speaker for international and national law-related organizations, as well as global law firms on strategies for lawyer well-being and impairment. In 2018, she was awarded the “Excellence in Legal Community Leadership Award” by Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Ms. Buchanan is co-host of the podcast, The Path to Well-Being Law, and has shared her own story of recovery as a featured guest on podcasts in the United States, Canada and the U.K. Ms. Buchanan’s writing has appeared in Law Practice Today, Judicature, The American Lawyer, and Family Lawyer Magazine, as well as Lawyer Health and Wellbeing: How the Legal Profession is Tackling Stress and Creating Resiliency (Ark Group, 2020). In 2018, she graduated from the Seminary of the Southwest with a Masters in Spiritual Formation, where she honed a deep interest in the intrinsic link between meaningful work and personal well-being, as well as in assisting individuals with vocational discernment. Based in Austin, Texas, and Eugene, Oregon, Ms. Buchanan tends to her own well-being by engaging regularly in hiking, cycling, weightlifting, and being willing to ask for help when she needs it.Bree Buchanan can be reached at [email protected]; 512-797-6118.This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 1.0 hour of Mental Health and Wellness CLE credit. Course # 7534. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Bree BuchananKrill StrategiesUseful Content & Resources Institute for Well-Being in LawThe Path to Lawyer Well-Being: Practical Recommendations for Positive ChangeThe Path to Well-Being in Law PodcastThe Florida Bar Mental Health and Wellness Center·        Florida Lawyers Helpline LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar·        Attorney Mental Health First Aid

The client intake process goes far beyond simply having a potential client complete a few forms. It encompasses everything from attracting new clients during the first interaction with your firm to ultimately signing engagement letters. For small firms and solo attorneys, this process can be incredibly time-consuming and typically does not generate any billable hours. However, by implementing efficient processes and utilizing the right tools, the client intake process can be streamlined, enabling your practice to run more smoothly while also leaving a positive first impression on clients.In today’s episode, hosts Karla Eckardt and Jamie Moore welcome Jordan Turk, a practicing attorney in Texas and legal technology advisor at Smokeball, to discuss the client intake process. Smokeball is a cloud-based legal practice management software and one of The Florida Bar’s newest member benefits. Jordan Turk’s family law expertise includes appeals, pre and postnuptial agreements, as well as complex property division and highly contentious custody cases. In addition, Jordan has given CLEs across the country on topics ranging from client relationships to proper trust account management. Jordan graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Classics, History, and Religious Studies. She then went on to attend the University of Arkansas School of Law to earn her J.D. After almost four years of practice with a high-asset family law firm in Houston, Jordan discovered the world of legal technology which ultimately brought her to Smokeball.Jordan has authored and co-authored many articles that you can find in various state bar publications and around the internet. Passionate about giving back to her community, Jordan makes a point of taking pro bono cases whenever possible. This podcast has been approved by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Department for 1.0 hour of General CLE credit including 0.5 hour of Technology CLE credit and 0.5 hour of Ethics CLE credit. Course # 7414. REFERENCED RESOURCES: Jordan [email protected] Smokeball The Florida Bar Member Benefit Discount for SmokeballThe Florida Bar Member Benefits: Practice Resources & SoftwareRules Regulating The Florida BarThe Florida Bar – Ethics Hotline800-235-8619LegalFuel: The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar