Are you just starting to make a name for yourself in the legal world? Or have you been at this a while and wondering how long it will take for you to feel 100% at ease when you stroll into a courtroom? Can you crush those feelings of anxiety with pure, rock-solid confidence? After all, being an attorney in the fast-paced legal world requires a high level of self-confidence. Read on to learn more about how you can build rock-solid confidence to boost your feats in and out of the courtroom.

Dress for success. The very first step in building your confidence is one of the first tasks you’re faced with each morning: choosing what to wear. What we wear can have great influence over how we feel. It is also one of the first things people notice about you. In order to make the best first impression possible, you should take time to build a wardrobe that leaves you feeling good about yourself.

Choose well-fitting, professional clothing that is not too flashy or distracting since you are trying to be taken seriously. Opt for professionalism over personality. If you’re wondering what color suit or dress to choose, black is always a safe bet: it represents power, authority, and who doesn’t look good in black?

Arrive early. A lot of our anxiety stems from the unknown, and who needs the added stress of running late for an appointment? Make it your goal to arrive early whenever possible. This gives you time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings and get your things in order. Once you’re settled in and prepared, you might find some of that anxiety easing, and confidence taking its place. Remember, the more prepared you are, the less pressure you will feel when it’s time to present to the court.

Stand tall, speak boldly. Harbor an awareness for your posture and your tone of voice when speaking to the court. Keep your back straight and avoid letting your shoulders cave forward. Make eye contact with those you are addressing. Don’t speak too quietly or quickly and avoid long moments of hesitation. Your body language and manner of speaking tell others of your confidence or insecurity. Even if you don’t feel like the most confident person in the courtroom, you can certainly fake it ’til you make it.

One last tip: stay hydrated to avoid a dry mouth! If you’d like even more tips on how to be an awesome orator, check out this past blog post!

Repetition, repetition. Everyone likes to say that practice makes perfect. The idea of perfection is debatable, but it certainly rings true that repetition builds confidence. No two cases are the same, but standing before a judge time and time again will hone your skills and imbue you with more confidence. You might find yourself breathing a little bit easier with each new case.

Remember–we’re all human. The opposing counsel makes mistakes, too. The judge has his or her own worries nagging at the back of their mind. We’ve all been there, where we forget to attach a file to an email or accidentally miss a deadline, and through experience we know that it’s not the end of the world. Own up to your mistakes when they do happen and seek to correct them. Odds are, everyone will be understanding–because we’re all human and none of us are perfect.

Thrive in your emotions. Even as you build your confidence, the fear of failure might never truly leave, and that’s okay. If you get too comfortable, it means you’ve stopped growing as a professional. It also grants you humility. It’s dangerous to have an attitude in which you think you know everything. There is always more to learn; look no further than the PBI webcasts all about the latest hot topics and changing laws. CLE exists for a reason!

So, embrace the growing pains and thrive in the occasional anxiety–it might just keep you from making a mistake–but at the same time, don’t let it overwhelm you. Keep building that rock-solid confidence to outweigh the nerves and demonstrate to your peers that you’re one badass lawyer!

Ever since the pandemic, our work lives have been put under a microscope. People all over the country are determined to live their best lives and find a career they can thrive in. Conversations surrounding the workplace have become more and more prominent. The younger generations have especially been forthcoming with many details that were once private, boldly sharing their salaries or regaling tales of injustices faced while on the clock. One word we constantly hear is “toxic.” Voted Oxford Dictionary’s “Word of the Year” in 2018, this popular word has yet to lose its steam as toxic relationships are a forever part of an ongoing discussion–and this includes our relationships with our jobs.

Workers are prioritizing their mental health more than ever and keeping a sharp eye out for signs of a job that may have a negative effect on it. After all, you can tell a lot about what a workplace will be like solely based on the interview process. If you’re in the market of applying to a law firm, or you head up an excellent firm and want to be sure you’re making a good impression to prospective employees, read on about which signs scream, “This is a toxic workplace!”

High turnover. Do you constantly see jobs popping up from the same place? It could be a sign of growth…but it could also be a sign of high turnover. It’s extremely telling if a workplace is struggling to keep a department staffed for more than a year. If you fancy yourself an internet sleuth and want to dig a little deeper, LinkedIn might have information. Since people post their resumes and work history to this platform, you can see for yourself how long someone typically works in a certain job.

Transparency. The next time you are in an interview, ask why the previous person left the job you are applying to. If your interviewer hems and haws, and doesn’t provide a clear answer, approach with caution. Make sure to get your questions in about pay, PTO, work-life balance, potential for growth, your interviewer’s favorite part of their job, and anything else important to you. Pay close attention to whether you get a clear answer or they dodge the question.

If you’re in the position of interviewer, strive to be transparent and honest. After all, you should want to find a good fit for the role. The interview process is time-consuming; you don’t want to be doing it again a month from now after your new employee turned in their two-week notice because the job wasn’t what they expected.

Negativity. Keep an ear out for negative speak when visiting firms. Does the boss complain about clients or take shots at the employee who left this role? What’s the general attitude of the workers you pass by? Do they seem relaxed and friendly or glassy-eyed and unengaged?

Sometimes, you might need to read a little more into it. Positive statements could have a negative underbelly. For example, if you are promised ample opportunity to rise through the ranks…is this because the company is expanding and prioritizing growth? Or is it because overworked higher-ups are constantly heading through a revolving door to disembark for greener pastures?

“We’re like a family!” This popular phrase, perhaps once found to be comforting, has become a bright red flag to younger generations. It’s a sign that a workplace might try to push boundaries and place themselves at a higher level of priority in your life, equating them with your true family and forcing you to choose between them. Work-life balance is more important than ever and setting healthy boundaries is a major part of that.

If you’re interviewing prospective employees, resist from parroting this well-worn phrase. Instead, opt for “We have an excellent work culture here,” or “We have a great team who will always have your back.” And always respect that your employees have a life outside work, and you should not expect them to be checking their email at all hours of the night and day.

They pull the rug out from under you. Have you ever gotten to an interview only to find out the pay wasn’t what was advertised, or even the job you’re interviewing for has suddenly been changed up on you? Perhaps you learn they opted for an inside hire and suddenly you’re applying for a less prestigious role than promised. Or maybe the job description wasn’t entirely honest about certain aspects. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence, and you should take it at face value. If you get hoodwinked before you’ve even gotten the position, it’s a tell-tale sign of what working at this job would be like. Trust between an employer and employee is of utmost importance. Don’t hesitate to step away if you find yourself in this situation.

Rules for thee, not for me. As you leap through the many hoops of the interview process, pay attention to the standards you’re held to vs. your prospective job’s. Do they expect you to drop everything at their command? Do you struggle to receive communications from them? Does the boss show up 15 minutes late to their interview? All of this blatant disrespect for your time foretells what working for them will be like.

On the other side of the coin, prioritize communication when you’re in control of the interview process. Do whatever you can to keep your appointments. If you do happen to run late to an interview, be prepared with an apology and a reason as to why.

Glassdoor reviews. You can find reviews on anything these days! As you race to Glassdoor to check reviews on a certain company, keep in mind that people are more likely to review if they’ve had an extremely positive or negative experience with something. If your prospective job has a single negative review from an irate employee, take it with a grain of salt. However, if you spy a pattern of unhappy workers with similar details on their experiences, it might be time to run the other way.

A toxic workplace can wreak havoc on your mental health. It might not always be obvious right away. In fact, the thrill and relief of finding a new job might leave you feeling great. But as time passes, boundaries break, and burnout looms, you might find yourself becoming the boiled frog: a frog, once happy in a pot of water, who realizes too late that the heat is being turned up and up until he’s left boiling. Don’t become the boiled frog and continue to look for signs of a toxic workplace wherever your career path takes you!

Did you know that September is Self-Care Awareness Month? As a lawyer, you may find yourself often putting your client’s needs, the needs of the firm, or others’ needs above your own. You work long hours to get the job done, despite the threat of burnout. However, if you are constantly filling up everyone else’s cup, you might one day find yours dry and empty. That’s why it’s so important you take time for self-care.

When you think of self-care, you might imagine a luxurious day at the spa, complete with a massage, but boosting our mental health comes in many forms. If you take a little time for self-care each day, you’ll find yourself feeling much better for it. Here are several, simple ways you can self-care without breaking the bank.

Use those vacation days. Inconceivable! Even so…use ’em or lose ’em and they would serve you better if you used them! Stepping away from your busy career every so often can help you reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and potential for burnout. On the flip side, it will increase your energy, resilience, and overall happiness. Taking breaks is of utmost importance if you truly want to embrace self-care. Don’t shy away from using those vacation, personal, or sick days if you need them.

If you’d like to learn more about how to vacation like a pro and not an overworked lawyer, check out this past blog post.

Be your own cheerleader. When you hold yourself to high standards and fall short of them, you might internally admonish yourself for it. If you’re constantly thinking phrases such as “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m such a screw-up,” it’s time to turn that around. If your critical internal monologue was a stranger, would you let them talk to you that way? Or would you ever say these words to a beloved friend or family member? Absolutely not. Speak to yourself as you would another loved one and be your own cheerleader. If you ever feel toxic thoughts starting to seep in, catch yourself and stop them in their tracks. Instead of dragging yourself down with negativity or laser-focusing on your mistakes, reflect on the positive. A positive mindset will not only lift up your mental health, but also those you surround yourself with.

Keep in touch with friends. Humans are social creatures. We naturally feel better by staying connected with our friends, family, and community. Unfortunately, a social life is the first thing to fall by the wayside when we get ultra-busy. Set the intention to put some time aside each week to spend time (or at the very least check in) with your friends. Everybody has different social needs. Understanding what yours are can aid you in fulfilling them.

Care for your body. Your mind and your body are closely connected; good choices for your physical being will positively affect your mental health. This means be sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and take time to exercise. Don’t skip those yearly physicals or dentist appointments, either. If your physical health has fallen by the wayside because of your busy schedule, don’t be intimidated by making big changes. Instead, take baby steps. Try going for daily walks in nature before buying that expensive gym membership. Eliminate overprocessed foods from your diet and trade that bag of chips in for a handful of berries or a healthy salad. Your body is worth the effort because you only get one.

Does it spark joy? Remember when Marie Kondo was all over the news with her famous quote on what household items should stay in your life? It can be applied to almost anything! Ask yourself which activities bring you the most joy or relaxation and reserve a space in your schedule for them. There’s no better way to fill up your cup than by doing what you love. On the flip side, if you find something is causing unnecessary stress in your life, it might be time to take a step back.

Set the intention. Throughout this post, I keep mentioning “put it in your schedule!” That’s because if you don’t set the intention to self-care, you might never get there. It’s easy to fall back into old habits if you’re not careful. Take some time to review your daily or weekly schedule with a critical eye. Determine where there’s room to fit in some “you” time. Ask yourself if every task is 100% necessary. If it is, can you pair it with something that makes you happy? For example, combine a chore with a fun playlist or your favorite podcast. I personally save one of my favorite YouTube series only for when it’s time to fold laundry, which actually has me looking forward to it now (crazy).

By setting intention and formulating a solid plan, you will be that much more likely to successfully pull off the art of self-care!

What’s your favorite way to self-care? Leave us a comment on our Facebook or LinkedIn and let us know!

To be a successful lawyer, one must be an effective orator. When you’re giving a presentation or educating others on your practice field, what can take it to the next level? Visual aid. Specifically, a compelling PowerPoint presentation. Like anything else, crafting a winning PowerPoint presentation is a skill. Here are some tips to help you become a pro at PowerPoint and take your presentations to new heights!

Font matters. When choosing a font, always be thinking of the person seated at the very back of the room. Pick a legible font type and size it up to at least 24-points. Resist the urge to get too fancy with it and opt for something simple such as Arial, Calibri, or Verdana. Avoid using italics, overly unique fonts, or colors that make the words more difficult to read. Ensure your font has high contrast with the background (black words on a white background tend to be the best option visually). Many different pairs of eyes will be on your presentation, and you must ensure that every last pair can read it. Try testing things out by standing back from the screen to see how readable your PowerPoint is. Lastly, keep it consistent! Use the same font throughout to give your presentation a cohesive look.

Keep it simple. The most important information should appear on the PowerPoint as bullet points. Try to keep these bullet points short, sweet, and to the point. Aim for each one to be one line, on average. Large blocks of text are harder to read and deter your audience from narrowing down the most important takeaway. They could also get distracted and miss what you’re saying while they struggle to read everything on the screen. Instead, elaborate on each point verbally.

Use graphics. A picture is worth a thousand words! Sometimes, a graphic or chart might get your word across more effectively than…well, words. Make sure to clearly label what the graphic is representing. Sometimes it can be tempting to flood your presentation with clipart or animations to give it a little more pizzazz, but try to resist the temptation to do so. Moving imagery can especially be distracting to onlookers when you’re up there speaking. Use graphics sparingly and make each one count.

Choosing what appears in the presentation is just as important as keeping everything legible. Everything in the slides should reinforce the information by sight. For example, dates, statistics, and numbers–those are easier to understand and retain if you are seeing them rather than hearing them.

Try a template. You’re a lawyer. You’re up to your neck in work. You don’t exactly have time to construct the perfect PowerPoint from the ground up. Good news–there are thousands of PowerPoint templates available online, created just for busy professionals like you! These templates come equipped with all types of slides you can easily edit to your liking. Pick a design that speaks to you and get busy. Here are 10 free PowerPoint templates designed by the marketers of HubSpot to make your next presentation pop!

Proofread. There’s nothing more embarrassing than pulling up a presentation only to see a glaring typo on the title slide. It’s a surefire way to instantly lose respect. Your audience might start to doubt your expertise and attention to detail if you don’t put ample care into proofreading your work. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Ask a friend to look over your PowerPoint to see if you missed anything–sometimes we get so deep in our work that we become blind to our mistakes. For more tips on foolproof proofreading, check out this past blog post!

Avoid this! During the presentation, do not turn your back on the audience to read directly from the PowerPoint. It feels unprofessional, and your audience is perfectly capable of reading the slides themselves. The bullet points are there the aid your audience in learning the key points of your presentation; they can also serve as your guide. Use them to bolster your work, but do not completely rely on them and read through the presentation word-for-word. Elaborate! After all, you’re the expert!

As the years go by, you might feel your memory starting to slip a bit. Who among us hasn’t struggled to recall the name of something that’s on the tip of our tongue? You might also find yourself easily able to recall the name of your first grade teacher, but can’t remember what you ate for dinner yesterday. It happens to the best of us…and yet, what if we could take action to improve our memory? Great news; you can. Here are seven, easy-to-follow tips on how to do just that!

Repeat information. We retain information better if we repeat it in some fashion, committing it to memory. That’s why written notes can be so effective in the learning process. Speaking aloud can also prove effective. Just learned someone’s name? Use it in a sentence. Need to remember a sequence of numbers for later? Say them out loud a few times over for better recall. Or maybe you’re like me, so entrenched in routine, that you can’t remember if you locked the door when you left the house. Next time, declare to yourself “Door is locked!” as you’re heading out. You might get a glance from your neighbor, but it will seal the task within your memory.

Avoid multitasking and too much screentime. At any given moment in a day, we have multiple things on our plate. Your memory will improve (as will your productivity) if you force yourself to focus on one task at a time. This means you should avoid distractions, if possible. Our phones, with their many social media platforms and opportunities for infinite scrolling, have trained our minds to observe one thing, then instantly forget it as we move onto the next hit of dopamine. Try not to spend too much time on your phone; replace the infinite scrolling with a good book or a walk in nature. Your mind with thank you for it.

Try mnemonic devices. Mnemonic devices are useful hacks to aid your memory. Techniques include acronyms, rhymes, chunking, and many more. Most likely, you used these devices in your school days. Singing the alphabet to music is probably among the first mnemonic devices you learned! “My very educated mother just served us nine pizzas,” is another one, meant to aid in remembering the planets. Sometimes, coming up with your own personal mnemonic devices can help you remember what’s important to you. For more examples, check out this article from Verywell Health.

Add brain foods to your diet. Certain foods are wonderful memory-boosters, and we have a blog post to back it up. Fish, nuts, legumes, grains, berries, and leafy green vegetables all contribute to brain health. Along with improving memory, they can also ward off cognitive decline. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, too! Water makes up a large percentage of our brain. It will shrink if you’re overly dehydrated, affecting your ability to recall.

Avoid sugar and other unhealthy foods. On the other side of the coin, try to avoid too much sugar in your diet because it can cause inflammation in your brain and make you feel sluggish. Too much fat and sugar are proven to impair your memory. Stay away from overprocessed foods, fried foods, alcohol, and lots of salt, too. A healthy diet goes a long way for both your body and brain!

Manage your stress. Stress never leaves us feeling our best. This is because your body releases a hormone called cortisol, which impairs your mind’s memory process. You’re more likely to forget important things when suffering from too much anxiety. Worst of all, chronic stress can actually damage your hippocampus, the part of the brain that stores memories. It’s important to manage your stress, especially in the ever-stressful legal career. Get plenty of sleep, take time to self-care, and be sure to check out this past blog all about stress management if you find yourself struggling.

Never stop learning. Our brains grow tired from the monotony of day-to-day life. Like our bodies, they need to be active to stay in shape. You can keep yourself sharp by learning new things and taking on new experiences. Try learning an instrument or picking up a new language. Read a chapter of a book each night before bed. Or make time for that new hobby you’ve been interested in. Too busy for any of those options? Then take five minutes in your morning to attempt Wordle, a crossword puzzle, or another brain teaser that gets you thinking.

The world is huge, and we’ve got limitless technology at our fingertips–the opportunities for learning are endless! After all, lawyers never stop learning. That’s why PBI is always here to bring you the timeliest topics in top-notch CLE. See what’s coming up and start scoring those credits today!

In this era of technology, we spend a great deal of time hunched over our laptops, our phones, and our work (leaving us with what people are calling “tech neck”). Over 80% of the population will deal with back pain at some point in their lives and it’s no mystery why. We put a lot of stress on our poor necks and backs, which can cause long-term consequences if we’re not careful. In an effort to prevent such a thing, here are 6 exercises for your neck and back that you can do at your desk throughout your busy workday!

Now read on! And remember, if something is out of your range or causes pain, don’t push it. Find what works for you.

Neck Exercises

Upper Trapezius Stretch. This stretch is as simple as tilting your head to each side to get a nice stretch on the sides of your neck. Tilt your head so that your ear reaches to touch your shoulder. You should feel the stretch on the opposite side of your neck. For a little extra oomph, you can rest your hand on top of your head to add some gentle pressure. Hold for ten seconds and repeat on each side.

Neck Rolls. Need to work out a crick in your neck and get that blood circulating? Do some circular neck rolls. Draw clockwise circles with your nose, starting small and growing bigger, then switch to counterclockwise. Break it up by slowly nodding up and down, and shaking your head “no” side to side. This is a great way to bring some relief to a stiff neck and upper back! However, be careful not to roll your head across the midpoint of the spine in the back of your neck because this can cause damage. Move slow and gentle!

Chin Tuck. Let’s not forget the back of the neck. This one is as simple as lowering your chin towards your chest, holding it there for ten seconds, then returning and repeating.

Back Exercises

Side Stretch. This one will stretch out your arms, back, and sides. Raise your left arm and bend your body to the right, feeling the stretch in your left obliques. Then switch sides. This stretch is great for both your lower back and spine flexibility.

Chair rotations. Twisting is a great way to stretch your upper, mid, and lower back, but don’t overdo it! You can do this facing forward or sitting sideways in your office chair; whichever is easier. Keeping your legs flat on the ground, rotate your torso, using the chair to steady you. Feel the stretch deepen and hold for ten seconds before repeating on the other side.

Pectoralis Stretch. Sit up straight, lock your hands together behind your back, and squeeze your shoulder blades back and together. This will open up your chest and work your pectoral muscles–but most importantly, it’s a great way to stretch out your back. Strong pecs will keep your shoulders from rolling forward and worsening your posture. Remember, everything is connected, and building strength in certain muscles will help out the rest of your body!

Want more do-it-at-your-desk exercises from PBI? Check out this past blog post!

There’s only so much time in a day. When you’re busy putting your client’s needs first, sometimes yours get pushed to the back-burner. However, it’s important you continue to take care of yourself and set aside time for exercise. The human body was not built for a sedentary existence. 

But you work in the legal world! Sometimes you barely have time to breathe, much less get to the gym. Luckily, there’s an exercise where no special equipment is needed and it’s free—and just 30 minutes a day can make a major difference in your health. It’s the simple act of walking. A daily walk is overflowing with health benefits, both physical and mental. Take this blog post as your sign to incorporate one into your routine!

Build muscle. This might be the most obvious tip, but it’s worth mentioning. Walking can help you lose a little weight while building endurance and strength in your bones, muscles, and joints. If you regularly suffer from back or joint pain, you might find that walking will help alleviate the pain. Movement will allow more oxygen and nutrients to flow through your body, leaving you feeling better. Don’t forget to stretch before and after your walk in order to truly maximize it and avoid strains!

Boost immunity. As a lawyer, you can’t always afford to call out sick. That means you’ve got to stay on top of your health. Daily walks not only boost your immunity, but will leave you with milder symptoms if you do happen to get sick. If taking a sick day is out of the question, put aside a little time each day for your walk. It might just save you time in the future!

Improve mental health. Mental health is a constant topic of conversation in the legal world. Exercise releases endorphins, which leave you feeling good. Thanks to this, getting your walk in can reduce stress and anxiety, and even fight depression. The fresh air and sunshine double as a natural mood-booster. Lastly, a walk can help clear your head and keep you sharp.

Aid sleep. We always sleep better after exercising. This is because exercise releases hormones such as serotonin, which aids your sleep and boosts your mood. If you find yourself plagued by sleepless nights, a daily walk might be of assistance.

Fight disease. Did you know that walking can reduce your risk of heart disease? A brisk walk gets the heart pumping and blood circulating. And that’s just the top of the list. Walking also lowers your cholesterol and reduces your risk of certain cancers, stroke, diabetes, and chronic ailments. It’s a great investment for your long-term health.

Speed up digestion. Some say it’s best to go on a short walk right after a meal to aid your digestive system. Movement stimulates your stomach and keeps things moving through your intestines. This will help you feel less bloated and more energetic. It can also lower your blood sugar levels, help reduce your sugar cravings, and distract you from your dessert stomach (if you’re like me and always find yourself craving something sweet post-meal).

If it’s tough to find time for a daily walk, try to work it into your routine. Park your car farther away from the courthouse or your firm. Opt to take the stairs over the elevator if you can. Aim for at least 30 minutes each day, but if you find that a struggle, try to build up to it. 

Make your daily walk something you can really look forward to. Soak in the nature, bring along a designated walking buddy, create a playlist of your favorite music, or download an app that turns walking into an adventure! 

Making a name for yourself isn’t easy, especially in the competitive legal world. You want to get the word out about your helpful services, but self-promotion can often be viewed unfavorably; you don’t want to give the impression that you’re always trying to sell something or else a person could sour on you completely. Even more importantly, you should always remain ethical in your marketing efforts lest you find yourself violating the Rules of Professional Conduct and facing down the disciplinary board. Read on for valuable tips on navigating the ethical minefield of attorney marketing.

Know the rules. In the past, attorney marketing was prohibited by state bars, but eventually it was ruled that it fell within the first amendment, and that truthful advertising should be permitted. The public deserves to know what services are available to them, especially when they’re in need of legal aid. 

However, there are still many rules surrounding attorney marketing that should be taken into account. For example, you cannot bribe previous clients with rewards for positive recommendations, and you cannot pay for celebrity endorsements. This might be okay for other products, but certainly not the services of lawyers. Read the full list of rules for attorney advertising in Pennsylvania here. Keep in mind that each state might differ in their rules.

And remember, the PBA is always ready to assist if you have any questions surrounding ethics.

Honesty is vital. While many advertisers get away with bending the truth, attorneys can do no such thing. You must be 100% truthful in marketing your services. That doesn’t stop at outright falsehoods. This includes any statements that might be misinterpreted or have no evidence to back them up. For example, saying “We are the best law firm in the county!” is a statement that can’t be proven. Do not claim to be an expert or guarantee success for your clients, because that’s not always within your control. Instead, show this through positive testimonials from past clients or by demonstrating your knowledge in your own online space.

Avoid comparing yourself to other law firms, as well—it’s in poor taste. Just put your best foot forward and let the potential clients make comparisons on their own.

To learn more, check out this article on aspirational goals for lawyer advertising from the American Bar Association.

Honor your clients’ wishes. If a client wishes to be removed from your email list, you must comply. If a client wishes to remain anonymous, you must comply. Confidentiality between you and your client is integral. Never violate that trust and always honor their wishes or requests.

Remember that potential clients must not be subjected to aggressive solicitation, especially those who are in vulnerable situations. Instead of actively seeking out these clients, you must let them come to you through other efforts: print advertising, online marketing, and referrals are just naming a few methods. Cultivate an awareness for your firm and you will gain clients at your doorstep naturally.

Know what’s at stake. False advertising affects everyone negatively. You and your client might not be the right match, leaving them unsatisfied and blasting you with negative reviews online. Your reputation and law firm could crumble from bad press. Dishonest marketing can also lead to a broader distrust of lawyers in general. For the sake of the profession, you should always aim for sound, ethical marketing. 

Double check your work. It’s always safe to have multiple eyes on a project. Have someone check over your marketing efforts, whether it’s your fellow coworkers or a team of advertising professionals. This will not only help you avoid any ethical pitfalls, it’s also a great way to proofread.

There are plenty of legal marketing agencies that would be happy to take the burden of becoming known off your hands. Check out some of the top companies on this ranking by Design Rush.

Want to learn more about marketing for lawyers? Keep an eye out for our soon-to-be-released whitepaper all about the basics of marketing your law firm!

We all have a little bit of narcissism in us. Who among us hasn’t wanted to believe we are special, or that we deserve a little admiration for our efforts? However, when certain traits are taken to the extreme, you can wind up with full-blown NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder), and a person who is very difficult to deal with. It’s hard to pinpoint just how many narcissists walk among us, but Cleveland Clinic’s guess is anywhere between 0.5% and 5% of U.S. citizens have this disorder.

In the legal world, you might encounter narcissists more often than the average person. There could be a narcissist on the opposing counsel. Perhaps it’s someone you work with day in and day out. Or maybe your client is the one who is exhibiting these feelings of superiority. Narcissists are often good at blending in, until you get to know them. Here are a few ways to spot a narcissist so that you gain an understanding of what you’re dealing with.

What is a narcissist? Narcissism is a mental health condition in which someone thinks themselves highly superior to others while lacking the ability to care about anyone but themselves. NPD is a spectrum and can appear as various types of narcissism. On the highest end of the spectrum lies malignant narcissism, which can be harmful to others and negatively affect relationships.

Superiority complex. Most narcissists have a heightened sense of self-importance. They spend a great deal of time talking about themselves. If you try to talk about yourself, they will bring the conversation back around to them. They feel entitled to everything, such as your time and attention. Their hungry ego constantly needs feeding, so they try to surround themselves with admirers. Consumed by arrogance, they will often convince themselves that others are jealous of their success and brag about it; all while secretly coping with their own feelings of envy for others’ success.

They despise rejection. Narcissists can be very charming–until they’re told “no.” Rejection is a powerful tool that drops their mask. They may get angry or use emotional manipulation tactics to try and get their way, because a narcissist likes to be in control 100% of the time. On top of rejection, they don’t handle criticism (or even perceived criticism) well, either. In their eyes they can do no wrong and will become incredibly defensive.

Lack of empathy. A narcissist couldn’t care less about your feelings–they are too focused on themselves. You will be hard-pressed to ever get an apology from a narcissist because to them, they will never be the one at fault. They exhibit no remorse and use relationships as tools to get what they want. This makes it very difficult for them to understand the emotions of others and forge deep bonds. Their superficial relationships might thrive, but close connections are a challenge for them. Lack of empathy is one of the biggest signs you’re dealing with a narcissist. The more you get to know someone, the more obvious this can become.

You are never good enough for them. Those closest to narcissists often get hurt the most. Narcissists have a tendency to drag others down in order to lift themselves up. They might give you backhanded compliments or kick you when you’re down. Everything you share with them is information that could be turned against you later. If you draw boundaries with a narcissist, you will wind up as the “villain” in the story that the narcissist spins for sympathy. Sometimes the best thing to do is to cut the narcissist off in order to prioritize your mental and physical well-being.

Employs techniques such as “gaslighting” and “triangulation.” A narcissist likes to be the one in control. They will use a number of manipulation tactics in order to maintain that control. For example, “gaslighting” (a popular term that has picked up traction in recent years) is when they will manipulate a victim into questioning their own reality through repeated lies. Hearing “You’re crazy,” “You’re always overreacting,” and “I never said that” will create self-doubt within the victim and make them easier to control.

Another common technique is “triangulation,” in which the narcissist seeks to turn the people around them against each other, while they happily play the role of onlooker. For example, a narcissistic father might pit his children against each other. The reward for this competition: his approval and affection. Sadly, this can tear families right down the middle and you could wind up facing the aftermath in court.

Can a narcissist change? Yes, they can, but they have to actively decide to change and seek therapy. Unfortunately, that is a very rare thing for a malignant narcissist who believes that everyone else is the problem. They will deflect all flaws onto others. It’s not easy to have a narcissist in your life, but spotting the signs can help you establish boundaries or aid you in understanding what makes someone tick.

Summer is in full swing! Beach trips, mountain-biking, camping, barbeques, pool parties—or maybe for some of us summer is looking more like work, work, and more work. It can be tough pulling away from your job when so many people are depending on you, but remember that lawyer burnout is a very real threat. Work-life balance is important. You may find yourself joking to coworkers, “I need a vacation,” but that might ring truer than you think.

Is stepping away from work a struggle for you? Do you find yourself taking calls in the middle of mini golf with the fam? Can you not resist checking email when lounging by the pool? Then this blog is for you! This is how to vacation like a pro (and not an overworked lawyer).

Plan. Ample planning is the key to being stress-free! Look at your schedule ahead of time and find the most convenient time that allows you to step away from work. Once you’ve got it nailed down, notify your clients and coworkers as early as possible so they can plan ahead, too.

If stepping away for an extensive amount of time causes too much stress, consider using those vacation days for several short trips instead of one big one. That way, you don’t have to agonize about being out of office for too long. Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend are the perfect times for a quick getaway.

Unplug. Set up out of office email that will notify others you are not available in case they try to contact you. Make sure to include your return date. Another step that will help you unplug is delegating responsibilities to your team members. Let them know what work they will have to cover in your absence.

Don’t forget to turn off your notifications! This will help draw boundaries and put your mind at ease. If there is an emergency, they can always give you a call. After this, it just comes down to you resisting that urge to check your work email!

Get your CLE credits done ahead of the deadline. Nobody likes a looming deadline! Don’t worry—PBI is always here to make compliance stress free. We’ve got a wide range of CLE to help you score those credits way ahead of the deadline. Choose from any of these on-demand courses or check out what’s coming up here.

Be open to spontaneity. Sometimes, a vacation can wind up feeling like more work, especially if you’re traveling to a new, faraway destination. You might over-plan your trip in hopes of making the most of your time there. Yes, planning is a great way to counter stress, but it can easily turn against you if you’re not careful! That’s why keeping an open mind for spontaneity is so important. Instead of jam-packing your itinerary, select several key items you’d like to do each day, and give yourself time to explore in between.

Not everything will go according to plan and that’s okay. Sometimes, you’ve just got to let it roll. Who knows? Some of your best memories might come from unplanned moments off the beaten path!

Prioritize rest. Use your vacation to recharge and self-care. Spend time with your family, soak in nature, treat yourself to delicious food, and enjoy every moment. You will feel so much better for it.

If this is the adventurous type of vacation, in which you go, go, go, and aim to see as many new places as possible, be sure to create “rest checkpoints.” Recharge your stamina so that you will be able to enjoy yourself even more. You don’t want to burn yourself out on what’s supposed to be a break!

Ease back in. When you finally do return to work, do not fear the task list that awaits you. Instead, take your time getting back into the swing of things. Organize your task list by priority and go from there. Spread your to-do list out through the week and tackle things one at a time. Don’t look at the big picture or you might feel overwhelmed. Baby steps!

What are you waiting for? Get out there and make the most of your summer–you deserve it!

Mindfulness. A word you’ve heard more and more lately, particularly when the topic of mental health is on the table. But what exactly is it–and why is it so important for lawyers?

(more…)

Lawyers and leaders are two positions with great overlap: the ability to command a room, to influence others, and to be the driving force towards a goal are just naming a few similarities the two share. Even if you’re stepping into the beginning of your career and don’t picture yourself as a leader, trust that the potential is there. However, becoming an effective and successful leader takes hard work and requires certain traits.

Every effective leader should encompass these eight qualities. If you hope to one day lead your own firm, or you simply need a quick reminder, this blog is for you.

Now read on to discover the top qualities of an effective leader!   

(more…)