During our recent national event in New Orleans, I gave a presentation about the rapid changes in technology that have devastated a number of industries and professions. I commented that every group thinks their business is exempt. Even as the last one goes out of business there is this surprise and wonder that it could really happen to them. Attorneys are no different. Many believe that our venerable profession is too important or complex to be pushed aside by digital tools, but forces are at … [Read more...] about Is the Legal Business Going off a Cliff?
Attorney-Client Relationship
Our Clients Don’t Know What They Don’t Know
We all know how hesitant people can be to confront the idea of estate planning in the first place. Maybe it’s the idea of confronting their own mortality… maybe they’re superstitious about tempting fate… maybe it’s just not fun. Whatever the reason, it can be hard to get clients into the office in the first place. And once they’re in, and the first set of documents is signed, they seem to have a false sense of security. People seem to be under the delusion that estate planning is a one-time … [Read more...] about Our Clients Don’t Know What They Don’t Know
What Business Are You In?
So many of us make the mistake of thinking we’re in the “Estate Planning Legal Business.” While we practice estate law, defining ourselves in this way is a mistake, because our actions flow from the way we define ourselves. When you’re in the “Estate Planning Legal Business,” you tend to judge your practice and your worth solely by how legally competent you are. Therefore, you spend the bulk of your time staying up on the law, attending CLE classes and reading the latest IRS opinions. You … [Read more...] about What Business Are You In?