My practice continues to be a nonprofit venture. However, things are looking up with a couple of great referrals.

Nonprofit does not equal bored however. Yesterday I was all set to have a civilized day getting caught up and ahead on a few days. I was happily working away in my office (still in my jammies) when I got a phone call that shot it all to hell quickly. I ended up in an emergency hearing within about an hour of meeting my new client and reading a pile of documents. In spite of the fact that I had to work off the cuff and against a skilled opposing counsel, we came with the results we wanted. Phew.

I ended up at home hours later with voice mails and e-mails to respond to as well as a new file to set up. I’m very particular about my new client procedures. Here’s how it works (I reserve the right to tweak this process):

1. Enter client and opposing names into my quick and dirty Excel conflict database.
2. Set up a client information sheet that stays in front of one section of the file at all times.
3. Enter client information in Outlook contacts.
4. Ditto in Quickbooks.
5. Calendar all hearing dates and upcoming tasks in both Outlook and paper calendar.
6. Sync Blackberry.
7. Index pleadings chronologically behind a cover sheet which lists the indexed pleadings, the case caption, case number and assigned judge.

I’ve opened up a new category for the blog called “Solo Practice Management” where I’ll be dumping all of this practice management stuff that I’ve already developed or think about. Comments as well as tips from other solos are always appreciated.

And please snicker at the irony that I’m listing some management tips under a post announcing my utter loss of control.