BAR BYTES Strategies and Solutions, 0914 SCBJ, SC Lawyer, September 2014, #8
| Author | Courtney Kennaday PMAP Director. |
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\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0We all know that the practice of law is changing rapidly and firms of all sizes are struggling to keep up with the changes in technology, the economy and client demands. You can't pick up a legal journal without reading about the changing face of law. Law students are finding high unemployment, large firms regularly merge and break up, law school enrollment is declining, and online companies sell legal forms. These are but a few of the challenges currently facing the profession.
\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0The SC Bar Solo & Small Firm Conference & Tech Expo (www.scbar.org/ssfconference) on September 19 is one of the main programs the Bar presents on technology and law practice management. This year it will be held in Greenville at the Hyatt Regency, and the theme is "Reinventing Your Small Firm Practice: Strategies & Solutions." If you hurry, there is still time to register!
\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0Our Practice Management and Technology Tracks will try to tackle some of the most common issues lawyers have today, beginning with using QuickBooks® accounting software. Although it isn't designed for law firm use, due to its popularity with CPAs and bookkeepers, many lawyers try to use QuickBooks®. Unfortunately, some have run into problems, and some of the cases have involved disciplinary matters. Lynette Benton, a certified QuickBooks® ProAdvisor who has helped hundreds of law firms set up and train on using QuickBooks®, will present "Do's and Don'ts for Lawyers Using QuickBooks for Trust Accounting." The ABA recently published Lynette's book QuickBooks® in One Hour for Lawyers. Lynette will also be available as an exhibitor to assist lawyers with QuickBooks® questions.
\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0\xA0Over the years, I've had many lawyers tell me that they "can't afford" to retire and they will leave their office "feet first on a stretcher." It is true that some lawyers love the law so much they can't imagine ever retiring completely, but life sometimes deals us cards we don't like and isn't it better to be prepared? For the conference, we've lined up two top notch financial and retirement advisors to explain how even small firms with few assets can have successful retirement strategies. Also, if...
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