There are several professions that everyone knows are busier than others and one which we know is getting even busier is divorce lawyers. The simple fact that divorce rates are still relatively high is the prime reason that is so. What this means is that divorce lawyers must be able to manage their time effectively. If not, they are likely to not be able to provide the level of service that they would wish for their clients.
If you are a divorce lawyer or in any other profession, and managing your time is crucial, but you are struggling to do so, you are not alone. Thousands of professional people, including divorce lawyers from Davies & Co Lawyers, have gone through years of education and training to get where they are in their careers. However for some lawyers, what they have not been taught, is time management. Well, we are about to change that with seven-time management best practices for divorce lawyers.
Create Your Personal Planning System
There is not really a universal planning system that works for everyone. Options include a traditional diary, apps on a mobile device, or a diary and planning system on a laptop or PC. For yourself, utilise a means of planning and creating your schedule that suits you and which you find the easiest to use and follow.
Create Daily And Weekly Task Lists
Having a to-do list with all of the tasks you need to complete each day and each week might seem overly simplistic, and yes, it is simple, but that is why it works so well. Crossing off each task not only keeps you on track but is motivational as you see yourself making progress.
Complete A Task Before Moving On
Following on from creating a task list is the principle of completing each task before starting another. Working on two, three, or more tasks at the same time might seem like a great way to make progress, but in most cases, it means none receive your full attention and many completion deadlines will be missed.
Wherever Possible Delegate Tasks To Others
This will depend on whether you have staff, although do not discount the use of independent freelancers. Obviously, you would not delegate key legal matters, however, there will be many mundane and time-consuming administrative tasks that can be delegated to free up much of your time.
Use The Phone To Communicate Rather Than Email, If Appropriate
Email has transformed how we communicate, but it is far from perfect. Think of how many times you have been delayed while waiting on a response to an email. If appropriate, instead of emailing a client or another party for the answer to one or two questions, phone them instead as it is quicker and negates your waiting.
Keep Your Desk And Office Tidy
Ever considered how much time you waste each day searching your desk or office for something you were sure you had to hand, whether it be your calculator, a crucial document, or simply your pen. To avoid wasting time searching keep your desk and office as tidy and organised as possible.
Avoid Burnout
A tired mind can be a disorganised mind and one which lets time slip away wastefully. To avoid this, make sure that you take short breaks during each working day, and more importantly, that you allow yourself to re-energise your mind and body by taking vacations whenever your schedule allows.