COVID-19’s impacts on how we work have been unprecedented, but this virus won’t be the last thing to disrupt business as usual. Learn from these times to create a playbook and implement processes to eliminate tech roadblocks when future remote work scenarios inevitably arise. From home printer setup to two-factor authentication, this article covers five common tech challenges we’re facing while working remotely.
May 27, 12–1 PM live Zoom webinar, free CLE. Join us for “Stay Sane – Practice Better” by SSF Section Chair Lee E. “Pete” Muschott to learn about the art of relaxation and the benefits it can have for your practice.
Pete Muschott has devoted much time and energy to the study and practice of relaxation since he started practicing law. He finds that relaxation becomes more and more important as his practice matures. Hear pro tips from an attorney who says this about the importance of mental health and wellness for lawyers: “I have survived 45 years in the practice of law with my marriage intact, reasonably good relationships with my daughters and grandchildren, and my addictions limited to black coffee and things with two wheels that make a lot of noise. Also, and perhaps most important, I am still having a good time practicing law.”
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Do yourself a favor and register for this important wellness CLE. Course number 3845. Approved for 1.0 General; 1.0 Mental Illness CLE credit. REGISTER NOW
It’s time to renew your Solo & Small Firm Section membership and pay your Florida Bar annual fees. The online portal is open for Florida Bar electronic fee payments, including voluntary section memberships and voluntary contributions. Understanding that these are also difficult financial times for many, The Florida Bar is providing an installment payment plan option that must be elected no later than Aug. 15. Read the Florida Bar News story here.
Why Join?
#1—FREE CLE. The section offers at least 10 free CLE hours each year; that’s a $750 value. Our free Wednesday Wisdom series—one-hour CLEs on practice management, tech and more—is a benefit to our section members. If you miss the webinars, the videos are available 24/7 in the section’s members-only Facebook group.
#2—Great Publications. Looking for great content to benefit your practice? Join the section to gain access to our biannual LINK magazine and biweekly QuickLINK email newsletter. Both publications are free resources for section members. We’re always seeking content, so this is a great opportunity to get published.
#3—Members-Only Facebook Group. The section offers a members-only Facebook group so you can interact with colleagues from around the state to get coverage for hearings, recommendations on vendors, CLE updates and more. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and join our LinkedIn group to stay up-to-date on Florida Bar news, section announcements, practice and tech tips and resources.
#4—Discounts on Outstanding CLE Programming. Take advantage of your section member discount on numerous section-sponsored CLE courses. We make it easy to get your credits by offering monthly live audio webcasts, in-person CLE events and a large inventory of aftermarket CLEs—all at reduced pricing for members. If you attend each seminar we offer and use your section-member discount, your cost savings will be more than $500!
#5—Leadership Opportunities Through Committee Service. Network with colleagues from around the state, make a lasting difference in the section and increase your professional profile by joining a section committee. The value to your practice is priceless! More details and the committee preference form are online; forms are due May 1. We welcome your participation.
Tech tip from The Florida Bar: On Zoom, the mute button is your friend, whatever noises you (or your dog) might make. With the correct use of the mute button, we need not share any of that with our fellow Zoomers. But don’t forget to unmute yourself when the time comes to make a brilliant contribution to the meeting.
Click the “Mute” microphone option in the bottom left-hand corner. Click again to unmute. This mutes your own microphone—others on the call will no longer be able to hear you.
If you are hosting a meeting, you can click the “Manage Participants” tab at the bottom toolbar. At the bottom are the controls to mute and unmute individuals. Click the “More” button to see what features your participants have available during the meeting. Click any option to turn on or turn off the setting.
Whether you’re learning a new practice area or keeping your practice on the cutting edge, Florida Law Update 2020 is an incredible CLE opportunity. 8.0 hours of credit. Solo & Small Firm Section members register for only $195—less than $25 per credit hour.
June 18, 8 AM – 4:25 PM live audio webcast. Florida Law Update will provide statutory updates for the following areas: Business and Litigation Law, Labor and Employment Law, Animal Law, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Family Law, Criminal Law, and Real Property Law.
Approved for 8.0 hours of CLE credit, 1.0 each in Business Litigation, Criminal Appellate, Criminal Trial, Elder Law, Labor and Employment, Marital & Family Law, Real Estate, and Wills, Trusts & Estates. Course number 3353. Section members register for only $195. Non-section members $240.
Special thanks to Program Chair Peggy Hoyt for her hard work in recruiting an excellent group of presenters and producing another outstanding CLE event. REGISTER
One of the biggest issues lawyers have is talking about fees. It can be even harder in this era of COVID-19 where there might be some guilt for charging when so many people need help. The reality is we are business owners. And, like everyone else, we need to earn an income. Once you become confident in your value it will become easier to express that value to others. Here are some ways to discuss fees with confidence.
One of the most difficult things about working remotely is trying to stay connected. Let the Solo & Small Firm Section’s Facebook group be a resource for you. Find co-counsel, refer a case or ask for recommendations. It’s free. Our Wednesday Wisdom series is live on Facebook each month and the library of past videos is available 24/7 through the Facebook group for free, on-demand CLE. Join today to network with your colleagues from the section. JOIN NOW
