BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Professional Development for Solo Practitioners: Making the Most of Office Networking Events.
For solo practitioners, shared office networking events are golden opportunities to grow professionally and build valuable connections. Here’s a quick guide on how to maximize these events:
1. Set Clear Goals
Identify what you want to achieve, whether it’s finding collaborators, learning new trends, or gaining insights. Having a purpose makes your interactions intentional.
2. Perfect Your Introduction
Craft a concise, engaging introduction that captures what you do. Practicing it will help you make a memorable first impression.
3. Build Genuine Connections
Networking isn’t just about exchanging contacts—focus on meaningful conversations. Show genuine interest in others’ work, and follow up afterward to build lasting connections.
4. Approach with a Learner’s Mindset
Take advantage of talks and breakout sessions. Each conversation or presentation can offer valuable insights to inspire your own work.
5. Offer Value
Whenever possible, share your expertise or connect others. Contributing meaningfully establishes you as a valuable network member.
6. Stay in Touch
Maintain connections by engaging on LinkedIn, sharing relevant articles, or just checking in occasionally. Consistent interaction strengthens professional relationships.
Final Thought
Networking events can propel solo practitioners forward. By setting goals, fostering genuine connections, and adding value, you’ll turn these opportunities into stepping stones for growth.
How Coworking Spaces for Lawyers Foster Collaboration and Innovation.
The legal profession, long associated with traditional office setups and individual practice, is embracing a new trend: coworking spaces. Initially popular among startups and freelancers, coworking environments have evolved to cater to professionals across industries, including law. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the benefits coworking spaces offer—particularly in fostering collaboration, innovation, and flexibility.
For lawyers, who often juggle a combination of client meetings, case preparations, and research, a coworking space presents an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment that encourages fresh ideas and enhances productivity. Here’s how coworking spaces are reshaping the legal landscape.
1. Collaboration and Networking Opportunities
Coworking spaces allow lawyers to interact with professionals from diverse backgrounds, ranging from tech entrepreneurs to marketing specialists. This environment facilitates cross-industry networking, enabling lawyers to gain insights into various fields, which can be incredibly valuable when handling cases that involve specialized knowledge.
Many coworking spaces also offer networking events, lunch-and-learns, and community gatherings, which provide informal settings for lawyers to exchange ideas, seek advice, and explore potential partnerships. These interactions can lead to referrals, collaborations on complex cases, and even new client opportunities.
2. Access to Cost-Effective Resources
Setting up a traditional law office comes with substantial overhead costs—from rent to utilities to office furnishings. Coworking spaces offer a cost-effective alternative, where lawyers can access modern amenities like conference rooms, high-speed internet, and secure document storage without bearing the full cost of a dedicated office.
For small firms and solo practitioners, coworking spaces provide access to high-quality resources that may otherwise be financially prohibitive. The flexibility of coworking memberships, which often allow for monthly or even daily access, enables lawyers to scale their office space according to their workload.
3. Increased Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
The legal profession is often demanding, requiring long hours and extensive research. Coworking spaces typically offer 24/7 access, which allows lawyers to manage their time more effectively and work outside the constraints of a traditional 9-to-5 schedule. This flexibility can lead to better work-life balance, as lawyers can choose hours that suit their personal productivity cycles and family needs.
Additionally, many coworking spaces feature relaxation areas, fitness centers, and wellness programs. These amenities support mental and physical health, which can be especially beneficial for lawyers working under high stress.
4. Innovation-Driven Atmosphere
Coworking spaces are known for their energetic, forward-thinking atmospheres. The presence of tech startups and creative agencies can inspire lawyers to think outside the box and adopt more innovative approaches to their practice. Some spaces even offer access to technology, such as AI-driven research tools, which can enhance legal research, data analysis, and case management.
For example, tech-oriented coworking spaces may host workshops on emerging trends, such as cybersecurity law or AI ethics. Lawyers in these spaces gain exposure to new technology and ideas that are transforming the legal field, allowing them to stay competitive and relevant.
5. Client Accessibility and Enhanced Professional Image
Coworking spaces are typically located in central, easily accessible areas, making it convenient for clients to meet with their legal advisors. Having a professional, well-furnished space for client meetings projects a polished image, which is critical in establishing trust and credibility.
Many coworking spaces offer reservable conference rooms and soundproof pods, allowing lawyers to conduct confidential meetings with clients in a private setting. This is particularly useful for solo practitioners who may not have a permanent office but still want to provide a professional client experience.
Conclusion: A Future-Ready Work Environment for Legal Professionals
Coworking spaces are transforming the way lawyers approach their work, offering unique opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and grow. By moving away from isolated office environments, lawyers can leverage the benefits of a shared workspace to build valuable connections, improve work-life balance, and stay at the forefront of an evolving industry. Embracing coworking may well be the key to thriving in today’s fast-paced, interconnected professional landscape.
As the demand for flexible and collaborative workspaces grows, coworking spaces are likely to become a vital part of the legal profession, enabling lawyers to work smarter, more efficiently, and in sync with modern trends.
A Guide to Managing Client Meetings in Shared and Virtual Offices
With the rise of remote work, many professionals are conducting client meetings from shared or virtual offices. These spaces are often convenient and cost-effective, but they come with unique challenges that can impact your ability to make a good impression and run a smooth meeting. Here’s a quick guide to effectively managing client meetings in these environments.
1. Plan the Logistics in Advance
- Reserve a Private Space: In shared offices, always book a private room for your meetings. Check for any policies on noise and client usage so you can confidently handle your conversation.
- Test Equipment: If using video conferencing, verify that all technology is working beforehand. Poor audio or visual quality can create a frustrating experience for clients.
- Send Clear Details: For virtual meetings, share the access link, password, and any meeting agenda with clients in advance. Providing clear instructions on how to join minimizes technical issues.
2. Create a Professional Atmosphere
- Declutter the Background: Whether in a shared office or virtual setup, a neat background is essential. It conveys professionalism and keeps the client focused on you, not distractions.
- Dress Appropriately: Even in virtual settings, dress in a professional or business-casual attire. A polished look reinforces that you take the meeting—and the client—seriously.
- Control Background Noise: Use noise-canceling tools or features to minimize disruptions. Some virtual offices offer noise-dampened rooms; if available, take advantage of this.
3. Set Clear Meeting Objectives
- Define Purpose and Goals: Start the meeting by outlining the goals to help clients understand what you aim to achieve. This sets a clear roadmap and maximizes efficiency.
- Prepare an Agenda: An agenda helps guide the discussion and ensures you cover all critical points without going off track. It also demonstrates that you’ve put thought into the meeting.
4. Use Effective Communication Tools
- Share Visual Aids: For virtual meetings, screen sharing can be a powerful tool for showing presentations or documents. In shared office settings, make use of any whiteboards or display screens available.
- Take Notes and Summarize Key Points: This helps maintain clarity, especially when complex topics are discussed. Summarize main takeaways at the end to confirm everyone is on the same page.
5. Follow Up After the Meeting
- Send a Summary: A brief summary email of discussed points and next steps shows professionalism and reinforces the meeting’s goals.
- Seek Feedback: Ask if the client had any concerns with the format or if improvements could be made. This demonstrates a commitment to a client-focused approach.
With a few intentional steps, you can overcome the challenges of shared and virtual offices and create a smooth, professional experience for your clients. Planning, communication, and professionalism will ensure your client meetings leave a lasting positive impression.
Maximizing Efficiency in a Shared Legal Office Space: Tools and Tips
In a shared legal office, maximizing efficiency is key to balancing client demands, confidentiality, and collaboration. Here’s how to streamline operations and boost productivity:
1. Leverage Communication Tools
Effective communication is critical. Platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams enable quick, organized communication for case updates and team discussions. Using dedicated channels for each case reduces clutter and keeps everyone on the same page.
2. Adopt a Document Management System (DMS)
A secure, cloud-based Document Management System (e.g., Clio, iManage) allows for easy access, version control, and collaboration on case files. This minimizes physical paperwork and ensures that all team members can access the latest documents.
3. Implement Task Management Software
For law firms managing multiple cases, tools like Trello or Asana are great for tracking tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities. These tools help ensure that nothing slips through the cracks and that each team member is clear on their role.
4. Optimize Office Layout
Design your office space for collaborative work while ensuring privacy when needed. Use soundproof areas or partitions for confidential discussions and areas that foster teamwork, ensuring both collaboration and privacy are maintained.
5. Embrace Virtual Collaboration Tools
With hybrid work becoming the norm, integrating virtual tools like Zoom for meetings and Google Workspace for document sharing allows legal teams to collaborate seamlessly, no matter where they are.
Conclusion
Maximizing efficiency in a shared legal office space requires adopting the right tools, setting clear workflows, and optimizing your physical layout. With the right strategies in place, your team can improve productivity, enhance collaboration, and provide top-notch service to clients.
Discover the Advantages of Wolf Law Chambers’ North York Location
Nestled in the heart of North York at 2 Sheppard Ave E, Suite 303, Wolf Law Chambers offers a sophisticated and convenient space for legal professionals. This modern, elegantly designed workspace is not just about its prime location; it’s about providing an environment that fosters productivity, networking, and professional growth. Here’s a closer look at why Wolf Law Chambers North York stands out.
Prime Location with Exceptional Connectivity
Strategically located with a direct connection to St. Sheppard-Yonge Station, the Chambers ensure seamless access to public transportation, making commutes easier for both the members and their clients. This prime location in North York, one of Toronto’s most dynamic neighborhoods, puts you in the middle of a bustling area filled with potential clients and networking opportunities.
A Suite of Premium Amenities
Wolf Law Chambers North York is designed to cater to every need of a legal professional. The building highlights include:
- Retail and Services: Having essential services and retail outlets within the same building brings unmatched convenience, saving you valuable time that can be spent focusing on your clients and cases.
- Food Court and Coffee Shop: Whether you’re meeting a client over lunch or need a quick coffee break, having a variety of dining options right at your doorstep is a luxury that cannot be overstated.
- Underground Parking: The availability of underground parking addresses one of the biggest concerns for anyone commuting to North York, offering a secure and convenient option for your vehicle.
- Meeting Rooms: With access to well-equipped meeting rooms, you can host client meetings, depositions, or team discussions in a professional setting, enhanced by modern interior design that is sure to impress.
- Modern Interior Design: The contemporary and sophisticated design of Wolf Law Chambers creates a professional and welcoming atmosphere, conducive to productivity and client confidence.
- Proximity to Fitness Centre: For those who understand the importance of work-life balance, being close to a fitness centre means you can easily integrate physical wellness into your busy schedule.
- Concierge Services: The convenience of concierge services adds a layer of luxury and efficiency, assisting with everything from greeting clients to managing deliveries.
The Professional Edge
Beyond the tangible amenities, Wolf Law Chambers North York offers an intangible advantage – the opportunity to work alongside like-minded professionals. This environment fosters networking, collaboration, and a sense of community among legal practitioners. Sharing a space with other lawyers and legal professionals provides unique opportunities for learning, mentorship, and business development.
Designed for Success
Wolf Law Chambers North York is more than just a workspace; it’s a strategic location designed for the success of legal professionals. With its blend of prime location, comprehensive amenities, and a professional environment, it’s the ideal choice for lawyers looking to elevate their practice and provide exceptional service to their clients.
In a profession where the details matter, choosing a workspace that supports and enhances your practice can make all the difference. Wolf Law Chambers North York offers just that – a space where lawyers can thrive, grow, and succeed.
7 Tips for Solo Practitioner Lawyers to Maximize Their Billable Hours
In the competitive and fast-paced legal industry, solo practitioners face unique challenges, particularly when it comes to managing and maximizing billable hours. Unlike larger firms that have departments dedicated to different aspects of the business, solo lawyers often wear multiple hats, from handling client cases to managing administrative tasks. However, with strategic planning and the right tools, solo practitioners can efficiently maximize their billable hours, ensuring a successful practice. Here are seven practical tips to help solo lawyers make the most out of their working hours:
1. Leverage Technology
Investing in the right technology is crucial for solo practitioners looking to streamline their workflow and increase productivity. Legal practice management software can automate administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, and client communication, freeing up more time for billable work. Additionally, adopting document automation tools can significantly reduce the time spent on drafting legal documents.
2. Implement Time Tracking from Day One
Effective time management starts with accurate time tracking. Utilize digital time tracking tools to record every minute spent on a client’s work, including phone calls, emails, and research. This practice not only ensures that you are billing accurately but also helps in identifying non-billable tasks that might be consuming a significant portion of your time.
3. Set Clear Boundaries
For solo practitioners, work can easily spill over into personal time, making it difficult to maintain a work-life balance. Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time can help you stay focused and productive during work hours. This includes setting specific work hours and communicating your availability to clients.
4. Prioritize Tasks
Not all tasks are created equal. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, focusing on billable work that directly contributes to your revenue. Consider delegating or outsourcing non-billable tasks, such as administrative duties or marketing efforts, to free up more time for client work.
5. Batch Similar Tasks
Batching involves grouping similar tasks and tackling them together in a dedicated time block. This method reduces the mental load and time lost in switching between different types of tasks. For instance, designate specific times for client meetings, email correspondence, and legal research to improve efficiency.
6. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Burnout is a real risk for solo practitioners who try to maximize billable hours at the expense of their well-being. Ensure you’re taking regular breaks and setting aside time for personal activities and rest. A well-rested lawyer is more productive and can provide better service to clients.
7. Continuously Evaluate and Adjust Your Strategies
The legal industry and your practice will evolve, so it’s important to regularly assess your productivity and billing practices. This might involve reviewing your billing rates, evaluating new technology solutions, or adjusting your work habits based on what’s working and what’s not.
By implementing these seven tips, solo practitioner lawyers can more effectively manage their time, maximize billable hours, and build a thriving practice. Remember, the goal is not only to increase productivity but also to maintain a high quality of service for your clients and a balanced life for yourself.
Expand Your Law Firm with Virtual Offices in Ontario through Wolf Law Chambers
In the rapidly evolving legal landscape, law firms are constantly seeking innovative ways to streamline their operations, reduce overhead costs, and expand their presence in competitive markets. One emerging trend that has gained significant traction is the adoption of virtual offices. This model offers the flexibility and efficiency that modern law firms need to thrive, particularly in a bustling and diverse legal market like Ontario. Wolf Law Chambers is at the forefront of this movement, providing a comprehensive solution for law firms looking to expand their footprint without the traditional constraints of physical office spaces.
Embracing the Future of Law Practice
The concept of a virtual office is simple yet revolutionary. It allows lawyers and law firms to maintain a professional business address, access office facilities, and utilize administrative services without the need for a dedicated physical office space. This model is particularly advantageous for small to medium-sized firms and solo practitioners aiming to establish or expand their presence in Ontario without incurring the substantial overheads associated with traditional office spaces.
Wolf Law Chambers specializes in offering tailored virtual office solutions designed specifically for the legal profession. Their services are not just about providing a mailing address; they offer a comprehensive package that includes access to fully equipped meeting rooms, private offices for client consultations, and administrative support from legal professionals. This enables lawyers to maintain a high level of professionalism and client service, regardless of their physical location.
Benefits of Partnering with Wolf Law Chambers
1. Professional Image and Credibility
Having a virtual office in prestigious locations across Ontario enhances your firm’s professional image and credibility. Clients often associate a firm’s location with its success and reliability. Wolf Law Chambers allows you to leverage this perception by offering addresses in sought-after locations.
2. Flexibility and Scalability
The virtual office model provided by Wolf Law Chambers offers unparalleled flexibility. You can scale your operations up or down without the constraints of long-term leases or the need to physically relocate. This is particularly advantageous in the current market, where agility and responsiveness to change are key competitive advantages.
3. Cost Efficiency
By eliminating the need for physical office space, law firms can significantly reduce their overhead costs. This includes savings on rent, utilities, office equipment, and maintenance. The funds saved can instead be redirected towards growth initiatives, technology adoption, or enhancing client services.
4. Access to a Supportive Community
Wolf Law Chambers is not just a service provider; it is a community of legal professionals. By joining this community, you gain access to networking opportunities, professional development events, and the chance to collaborate with peers across various legal specialties. This can lead to referrals, partnerships, and a stronger professional network.
5. Technology and Administrative Support
In today’s digital age, having the right technology is crucial for the success of any law practice. Wolf Law Chambers provides access to high-speed internet, teleconferencing facilities, and other essential technologies. Additionally, their administrative support services can handle call answering, mail management, and other clerical tasks, allowing you to focus on your legal work.
Conclusion
Expanding your law firm with virtual offices in Ontario through Wolf Law Chambers offers a forward-thinking, flexible, and cost-effective solution to traditional office spaces. It not only enhances your firm’s professional image and operational efficiency but also provides access to a supportive community of legal professionals. As the legal industry continues to evolve, embracing innovative solutions like virtual offices will be key to staying competitive and meeting the changing needs of clients. Wolf Law Chambers is leading the way in this new era of legal practice, and partnering with them could be the strategic move your firm needs to thrive in Ontario’s dynamic legal landscape.
We are in Toronto
We have double the reason to celebrate this Canada Day. We have found the best place to open our Law Chambers in downtown Toronto! Our third location will be opening on July 1, 2021 (Happy Canada Day!) in the Richmond-Adelaide Centre on the 29th floor. We have a beautiful view of the city and the CN Tower. Join the Wolf Law Chambers community today and revel in the stunning views of Toronto.
Wolf Law Chambers Toronto
Legal professionals in Toronto will finally have access to the industry’s leading services offering full-service office space for small and medium firms, which are also located in Mississauga and Oakville.
Wolf Law Chambers provides an elegant workspace to allow legal professionals to grow their business and network while maintaining their independence. We offer spacious and fully furnished private offices, secretarial workstations, and boardrooms, along with a full range of administrative and support services found in established law firms so that you can focus on your legal practice.
At Wolf Law Chambers you will belong to a community of legal professionals that actively share knowledge, experience and referrals; the ideal conditions to help your practice grow and succeed.
Wolf Law Chambers members are able to focus their time on what really matters: practicing law. We take care of the administrative tasks involved with running an office. From furnishing your office, to setting up the security system and maintenance, our professional team takes care of your packages, greets your clients and makes sure that you and your clients are in a safe and clean space, disinfecting the common areas regularly.
Your private office in Toronto
At Wolf Law Chambers Toronto you will find spacious offices with lots of natural light and big windows providing a stunning view from the 29th floor.
All you need to bring are your computer and files. The offices are furnished with L-shaped desks, lockable filing cabinets and chairs for you and your clients. We leave the decoration of the office up to you.
You can “hang your own shingle” and have your nameplate on your door and at reception.
You will have a private and secure internet connection, as well as printer, scanner and fax services. A shredding service will guarantee the safe disposal of your confidential documents.
At the front desk, our office coordinator greets your clients, receives and sends your packages and manages the maintenance of the office.
For your convenience, we have several services available online, including a booking app to book the boardroom and a messenger app to communicate with colleagues and the Wolf Law Chambers team.
Basically, with a private office at Wolf Law Chambers Toronto all you need to care about are your practice and clients.
You will have access to the office 24/7 including the boardroom. So you can meet your clients in our sophisticated/elegant boardroom after hours and on weekends.
Premium Virtual Office in Toronto
If you are looking to expand your practice to Toronto or work from home, the Virtual Office is a great option for you. You will have a professional address in the core of downtown Toronto where you can meet and impress your clients.
With a virtual office you are a member of the pack, so you will have access to our referral network and our social and CPD credit events. On top of that, we will help you to promote your practice with a micro-website and social media posts.
Like other members, our office coordinator will take care of your packages and clients, and not even notice that your office is not physically with us.
Remember: We want you to succeed!
Location, Access and Parking
Wolf Law Chambers Toronto can be found on the corner of Adelaide St. West and York St. in the Richmond-Adelaide Centre within the financial district, steps away from the entertainment district and deep within downtown’s vibrant business community.
Our offices can easily be reached by car, transit, bike or on foot.
Our building is easily accessed from the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway. There is underground parking as well as other nearby parking options, such as the parking lot at City Hall.
If you prefer to take transit, the King and St. Andrews subway stations are minutes away, and Union Station and the Go Transit services are close by as well. The Richmond-Adelaide Centre is also connected to the PATH that connects Toronto underground enabling you to avoid the wind, snow and rain.
If you prefer to take your bike, the Richmond-Adelaide Centre has underground bike racks and changing rooms on the premises.
Premises
The Richmond-Adelaide Centre is a beautiful building with many amenities such as a food court, car wash and care, a fitness centre, outdoor space, and a concierge. Anything you could think of to make working away from home easier, this building has it, including dental clinics, a pharmacy and printing services.
The Richmond-Adelaide Centre has a beautiful patio and outdoor space where you can bring your food to eat and enjoy the sun. In 2020 a large sculpture, Dreaming by Jaume Plensa, was unveiled in the courtyard by Oxford Properties. Plensa hopes the sculpture will inspire all who see it to look inward, contemplate and dream of the future.
Services
Wolf Law Chambers has many services designed to help make our members’ practices run more smoothly and to free up their time to focus on the law and their clients. Included among our many amenities we have binding services available for binding court documents, live reception services where we greet and welcome clients as well as send and receive packages. As part of our community, legal practitioners also have unique access to our referral network and readily available witnesses and commissioners.
Security
As we are lawyers ourselves, we understand the paramount importance of confidentiality and security. To that end each private office will have their own separate internet connection. All the furniture as well as the offices are equipped with locks. We have installed an internal surveillance system to maintain the security of the Chambers at all times. Confidential documents can be discarded in a locked container which will be emptied and destroyed by a certified company. Working amongst a community of legal practitioners has the added benefit of a shared understanding amongst all the members regarding the importance of confidentiality and security. There is no better or safer space to set up a law practice.
Meet Clients in a Professional and Impressive Space
Wolf Law Chambers Toronto, like our other locations, has been exquisitely designed by the interior designers at Silver Elephant. The vibrant artwork is inspiring and motivating. Canyon-inspired walls and carpets complement the sleek finishes of the furniture. Natural light beams through tall windows and even on rainy days, the view is magical. Our boardroom combines the comfort of a meeting space, accents of Earth’s natural wonders and the inspiring view of the Toronto skyline to make a space that is both functional and destined to impress your clients.
Join Wolf Law Chambers Toronto!
Wolf Law Chambers is the place to be. It will help you save money in a professional and safe environment. Be surrounded by people that understand what your profession demands and will help you avoid distractions so that you can grow your practice. The best thing is: you are not alone. Our regular social events and office activities will keep you connected, supported and help you decompress.
Don’t waste time; schedule a tour or a phone meeting with a member of our team NOW.
Click here to schedule an in-person meeting to see our beautiful facilities.
To get more information about our services, schedule a phone meeting here.
If you want to learn more about our locations click here.
We will help you grow your practice.
At Wolf Law Chambers, we’re here to help you succeed
Reinventing the legal framework
Dezso Farkas
The significance of a man’s prestige is a collective reflection of all his attributes. Dezso Farkas is a man of many attributes. Apart from being a law practitioner and an entrepreneur who helps start-ups, Dezso is responsible for the conception of Wolf Law Chambers. The chambers, described as a multi-disciplinary law practice, is an innovative approach to providing a workplace where legal professionals can seek support and resources, while maintaining their status as a singular entity.
Educational Background
Dezso graduated with a BA Honours degree from York University and then went on to earn his Master of Laws (LLM) degree (specializing in Corporate Governance) and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, both from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. Soon after he was called to the Bar and currently, he is licensed to practice as a Barrister & Solicitor in the Province of Ontario.
Apart from periodically visiting the courthouse, Dezso made time to publish several articles in the prestigious Delaware Journal of Corporate Law, Transnational Legal Theory Journal and the London Review of International Law. On a certain occasion Dezso also served with the Institute for Global Law and Policy at Harvard Law with his expertise on the legal side.
Professional Ventures
The scope of Dezso’s abilities is not just limited to law. On top of being a real-estate entrepreneur with considerable experience in the field, in the past Dezso has also acted as a director of the Reliant Gold Corp., a publicly traded junior mineral resources company.
Farkas Law “Business Lawyers”, the independent law firm chaired by Dezso Farkas, caters to the needs of small and medium-sized business clients. The self-description of the firm is stated as a body of “Business Lawyer” with an aim to provide customized legal services, guidance and trusted advice for business ventures of all kinds. Currently the clientele of Farkas Law includes start-ups, commercial landlords, real-estate developers, manufacturing companies, non-profit organisations and small business owners. The firm acts as an external “in-house” corporate counsel to save their valuable resources and focusing them towards successful outcomes.
Dezso’s substantial history of merit is a result of his personal ideology which can be better expressed by himself:
I believe in continuous professional growth and I am committed to gaining new knowledge and experience to better serve the needs of my clients.
Dezso Farkas
Vision
Ideally lawyers are intended to be a means of resolving problems for their clients. Sadly, not all lawyers are attuned to the needs of their clients. For Dezso Farkas, the motivation to become a lawyer came from his own unsavory past experience. As a young entrepreneur, Deszo encountered some obstacles and to resolve them he obviously pursued legal assistance; unfortunately, he got saddled with a ‘disengaged’ lawyer. At this point Dezso realized how detached lawyers are to the ideology of young entrepreneurs. Back then, if he had been a lawyer, he definitely could have handled his case more efficiently, he realized that going into law practice could be a real opportunity for him to help people.
Young entrepreneurs have no idea of the trouble they might get into when they are starting out. Its not possible for them to know everything about the line of commerce they are about to enter on their own. The consequences of their natural ignorance can sometimes be dire. Consequently, it is more complicated to undo a problematic situation than to avoid it in the first place.
Nevertheless, if an entrepreneur seeks the right advice from the very beginning, there’s no reason for them to get into trouble. According to Dezso, the biggest complaint he hears from his clients is that other lawyers don’t understand their clients’ businesses. Dezso on the other hand wants to understand his clients’ businesses and perspectives. He has a desire to leave people better than when they first came to him seeking a solution to their problems. In his own words, Dezso wants to be ‘Their Trusted Advisor’.
Wolf Law Chambers
Not all lawyers have the innate ability and the right personality to make it as sole practitioners. Lawyers who possess such qualities cannot work under others for long and can only thrive when they work for themselves. However, when these lawyers enter the domain of sole practice, they face a multitude of unique challenges they are not ready for. Support is non-existent as a result of their isolation and limited networking opportunities. The Law Society provides certain resources, to help solo firms stay compliant, but they have no avenue of providing any personalized advice in light of the ever-evolving business landscape to individual lawyers. In terms of modern-day workspace flexibility, the options for a lawyer on his own are very limited. Sometimes it becomes practically impossible for them to go out and search for law-based developmental resources to further their practice.
To Dezso the idea behind the creation of Wolf Law Chambers came as a solution to all the problems discussed above, which are being faced by lawyers. The services available at Wolf Law Chambers are uniquely targeted for law professionals, in order to allow them to grow personally in their sphere. The networking opportunities at Wolf Law Chambers are incredibly advantageous for sole practitioners. All the available resources, connections and events, allows lawyers to seek counsel from others in their profession, without any prejudice and with the purpose of benefiting each other. All of this is being carried out by lawyers at Wolf Law Chambers, while retaining their status as owners of their own law firms.
All lawyers should seek every opportunity they can to enhance their practice.
Dezso Farkas
Future
For Dezso Farkas, the future is just as promising as his present. He’s already planning to launch his upcoming project; the Legal Innovation Centre. Legal Innovation Centre will act as a ‘technology incubator’ to mentor start-ups in areas of legal research and development. According to Dezso, currently technology start-ups in the GTA West area are facing many challenges. There is a definite need for a facility like Legal Innovation Centre. The center will alleviate issues using their 3-step assistance plan; finding funding programs, providing a collaborative space and introducing start-ups to an already established network of industry experts. Legal Innovation Centre will focus resources on technological innovations which aim to shape the legal industry.
Are You Always Running Out of Time?
Are the current standards you have set in place the most efficient and viable in achieving your goals? Are you finding the right balance between your work and personal lives? Are you always pushing back deadlines and rescheduling matters? These are some of the questions you must ask yourself when assessing your legal practice. For lawyers, time is of the essence, no pun intended. They must prioritize their schedules in order to complete tasks on their daily agenda. There is always a constant influx of tasks and prioritization means everything when your most important assignment could be the next one you receive. Having the right skillset, tools, balance, flexibility, and procedures in place can simplify even the most complex matters allow lawyers to execute their plans proficiently. Such practices enable a firm to become more productive and this increased productivity is inevitably going to result in increased profits.
Let’s examine a billing trend report to determine how much billable time lawyers are actually getting out of their workday. Lawyers are working long hours to meet productivity goals but are only billing for 29% of their workday on average [1]. There is definitely a discrepancy in this figure and how occupied a typical lawyer’s schedule is. That means legal professionals are spending time carrying out tasks that do not equate to billable time. These tasks include, but are not limited to, administrative functions that are required in running your practice. Law school teaches lawyers how to carry out legal work and put their valuable legal expertise to practice. It is this knowledge and capability that allows lawyers to bill their clientele and earn an honest living. Yet, all law firms include tasks which need to be performed in order for a practice to remain functional but are not billable.
A simple business principle that can be implemented is outsourcing these tasks and leaving more time for yourself to work on assignments which can generate billable time. Bookkeeping and office administrative tasks can take up large portions of a workday but by outsourcing them to staff and paying for a particular service, more time is left for lawyers to focus on the legal matters specific to their line of work.
In realizing the proper techniques that need to be applied for running a more efficient legal practice, a quote from Mark Twain came up numerous times.
If you eat a frog first thing in the morning, the rest of your day will be wonderful.
Mark Twain [2]
and
If you have to eat a frog, don’t look at it for too long.
Mark Twain [2]
It is important to note that certain tasks can be daunting, and lawyers may push them back because they may take up most of their day. According to Twain, it is these tasks that could hold one back. Complete your most difficult assignment first thing in the morning, and suddenly, the other tasks become minute and less challenging. In doing so, you are able to prioritize your assignments, and create to-do lists for yourself in collaboration with your calendar [3].
Next, eliminating distractions will give you a sense of clarity in your work/practice. It is healthy to take breaks throughout your day and refresh but being unproductive is unjustifiable. Another healthy practice is taking care of your emotional and physical health. Being mentally and physically fit will contribute to your success just as much as your skillset and business intelligence will [4]. Being able to attract clients is not the sole determinate of success for a legal practice. It is equally important to be able to work on matters for those clients on a time efficient basis. If that includes taking a break, so be it. One should be open to the idea of stepping away from their work. Research shows that our brains are capable of solving problems while we are not actively working on them [5]. Hence, stepping away from your practice may, in fact, prove to be more beneficial than harmful.
Implementing technology may also prove to be an effective practice tool in time management. Using the most adept practice management software, communication tools, and digital services can lighten the burden on you and allow you to allocate time more freely. That simple advantage separates those attorneys who surrender focus on one aspect of their work and those who are all over the place.
A workspace committed to providing lawyers with the excellent communication tools and services to improve efficiency, is that of Wolf Law Chambers. Located in the heart of Mississauga, the chambers aids lawyers through the administrative aspects of their practice. This helps facilitate growth and expansion for the lawyers in their area of practice. Come in and see for yourself how Wolf Law Chambers is innovating time management in the practice of law. Visit us as 90 Matheson Blvd. West, Suite 101 and feel free to join us for all our upcoming events and workshops.
-Narvir Goindi