In A Stagnant Economy M any of you reading this article may have attended one of the Annual Educational Conference of the Association of Legal Administrators. You probably sat in on several sessions presented by people with a variety of experiences on topics of wide ranging interest. However, I suspect that one overriding concern was present in the vast majority of the formal sessions and the several round table discussions. That issue was specifically related to the current state of the business recession and the effect that this economic downturn is having on your law firm's profitability.
T here is little doubt that the economic climate is having an effect here in Southern California.
I recommend that you read this issue and utilize the lessons wherever applicable. E ach of you has a unique opportunity to provide creative leadership to your firm, especially during the critical months ahead. Regular and detailed analysis of each non-billable time category for each timekeeper will provide you with the information for recommending alternative use of time to increase productivity. Most lawyers, especially litigators, enjoy the challenge of arguing with your facts and conclusions. The use of charts and graphs can usually help to defuse this anticipated reaction.