Avoiding Surprises: Plan for Contingencies

By Jared Correia, Senior Law Practice Management Advisor at Massachusetts Law Office Management Assistance Program

It’s been said that no one likes surprises. And, while that’s not entirely true (a surprise in the form of a legitimate Publisher’s Clearinghouse check, for example, would be alright), it’s certainly the case for lawyers. But, most lawyers don’t do enough to eliminate or reduce the threat of surprise in their own practices. Not that that’s entirely surprising, either: In order to reduce surprises in the practice of law, attorneys must prepare to meet eventualities, and many feel as though they are too overwhelmed to do anything other than bounce around, putting out the fire that is hottest at the time. There is, however, a better way; and, if you can lay the groundwork that will reduce the surprises you experience in your practice, you’ll find that you end up becoming more efficient, and feeling less stressed.

There are a number of surprises that may rear their stealthy heads in the practice of law; fortunately, there are even more ways to avoid them:

The Surprise.