10 Habits for Successful Email Communication 

To make your inbox more manageable, you must change your ways and find new habits. From not using an existing email thread to cover a new topic to scheduling “email time” on your calendar to avoid constant interruptions, here are 10 habits that can help you create better email patterns to maintain an efficient and effective inbox.

Virtually Irresistible:  Tech Tools + Strategies for Solos and Small Firms

Our first-ever virtual annual conference features some of the top practice advisors in the country. You’ll learn first-hand from Florida attorneys who have built—and sustained—thriving law practices using technology and effective practice management techniques. Registrants have 90-day, on-demand access. Course 4253. 5 General; 3 Tech CLE credits.

Invest a small amount of money—only $185—and register for the 2021 Solo & Small Firm Conference. REGISTER

Interested in a YLD scholarship?  The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division is proud to be the Education Partner for the 2021 Solo & Small Firm Conference and 10 scholarships are available for YLD members. Apply by Jan. 15, 2021, by sending a resume and brief essay about your experience as a solo or small-firm lawyer to rlibbert@floridabar.org with a “Conference Scholarship” subject line. Special consideration will be given to YLD applicants who also are members of the Solo & Small Firm Section. Learn more at FLSoloSmallFirm.org/virtually-irresistible.

Out With the Old, In With the New:  How to Recycle Old Electronics

Tech tip from The Florida Bar:  You can’t just toss your old iPhone or MacBook in the trash because electronics products can contain toxic substances—lead mercury and cadmium—so disposal must be handled carefully. From trade-in programs through Best Buy and Amazon to account credits by mobile phone carriers, this article offers tips on how properly and socially responsibly dispose of old consumer goods.

Start the New Year With a ‘Digital Declutter’

Digital minimalism is a way to not only clearly define what technologies you let into your life but how you use them.

Once you understand your true values you can build your technology use around them. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, you become more intentional, empowered and productive. What if there was a way to use your technology without feeling used by it? Here’s a 30-day plan for digital declutter.

Upcoming CLE for Solos and Small Firms

Jan. 19 @ 12–1 PM Live GoToWebinar:  Digital IP: Helping Clients Protect, Defend & Recover Intellectual Property Rights Online, In Social Media & E-Commerce PlatformsModerator: Chris Johnson. Registered Patent Attorney Luca Hickman will discuss strategies to protect increasingly important digital IP by registering domain names and social media handles, and by using trademark and copyright laws. The program will highlight proactive defense strategies to defend and attack against third-party infringement of digital IP rights, including social media takedowns, using the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and more. Course 42761.0 General; 1.0 Technology CLE credit. REGISTER

Jan. 27 @ 12–1 PM Free CLE: Professional Approach to Managing the Client ExperienceWednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar, free CLE for Solo & Small Firm Section members.* By Rob Howard, founder and president of RC Howard and Associates LLC, a certified Sandler Training Center of Greater Tampa Bay. Learn advanced communication techniques that incorporate a repeatable, systemic approach and supporting processes for managing the overall client experience that can impact client satisfaction and sustain positive financial performance and growth for the firm or practice. Course number and 1.0 General CLE credit pending. *Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed. REGISTER

Feb. 12 @ 8 AM–12:55 PM: Virtual Solo & Small Firm Conference, Virtually Irresistible:  Tech Tools and Strategies for Solo and Small Firms. $185 section members, $230 non-section members. Course 4253, 5 General; 3 Tech CLE credits. REGISTER

Feb. 16 @ 12–1 PM: Practicing with the Machines: Artificial Intelligence, Automation & Technology Tools. By Nicole (Niki) Black, attorney and legal technology evangelist, MyCase, Rochester, NY, Live InReach webinar. Course number 4277. 1 General; 1 Tech CLE credit. REGISTER

Feb. 24 @ 12–1 PM: Residential Landlord/Tenant Basics & COVID-19 Governmental Protections: How Have Evictions ChangedWednesday Wisdom Zoom webinar, free CLE for Solo & Small Firm Section members.* By Kevin Rabin, Senior Staff Attorney, Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. in Gainesville. REGISTER *Registration will be approved when section membership is confirmed.

Join the section’s members-only Facebook group to network with colleagues around the state.

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

If you’d like to be featured in the section’s member spotlight series, please contact section communications consultant Lisa Tipton.

Thank you to our 2020-21 section sponsors.