Time Management Tips for Young Lawyers

Time Management Tips For Young Lawyers

Time management is one of the most important skills young attorneys can master. Good time management results in more productivity, more hours billed to clients, and more trial and career success overall. Young lawyers fumbling with time management should strongly consider following these tips to develop this essential skill.

Use A Time Management App Or Program

Technology has made many elements of running a law practice easier, and the same is true for time management. There are plenty of good apps and programs available, some specifically catering to law firms. Young attorneys in the market for an effective time management app should read reviews, decide on desired features, and try a few until the perfect one is found. Law firms often have time tracking software because they charge by the hour, but an app or program can be an additional source of help.

Have A Prioritized To-Do List

Writing things down on to-do lists increases the likelihood of goals getting accomplished. Prioritizing tasks is a skill that will go a long way towards improving time management ability as well. It should not be considered a waste of time to take a few minutes at the end of each day to determine what needs to be done the following day and in what order. When deciding which tasks to prioritize, define goals, plan ahead and communicate with other employees at the firm.

Reduce Distractions

Answering phone calls and e-mails throughout the day can prevent important tasks from being done. While it is important to be responsive to clients, it is also important for attorneys to have segments of time where they do not respond to e-mails or answer phone calls throughout the day. Instead, either let it go to voicemail or allow the secretaries to handle it. During this time, only take calls that absolutely must be answered when they come in. Other times of the day can be dedicated to returning phone calls and e-mails.

Delegate Work

If delegating tasks is an option, it may be worth taking. This is why paralegals and legal secretaries continue to fill an important role in law firms and have grown in demand. They are there to help young lawyers get acclimated and take on much of the routine work so the attorneys can focus on doing the work only they can do.