Introduction

If one were to distill a law practice down to two essential elements, underneath all the layers of philosophy and procedure, time and money would prove to be the bedrock upon which the success of any one law firm depends. This book is designed to aid novice and veteran lawyers alike in the task of utilizing their time, and the time expended by their support staff, in the most efficient and cost effective way possible.

I have divided Never Too Small into two general sections. The first is an overview of general practice and partnership, with special attention given to personal injury and discrimination. The second portion of the book is dedicated to forms and contracts, which when adapted into general firm procedure, are guaranteed to keep business running on a smooth and efficient track. The forms section has five sub-sections: Office Procedure and Partnership Agreements; General Contracts and Fee Agreements; Discrimination Cases; Personal Injury Cases; and Miscellany. These forms are also available on diskette to ease the process of adaptation to any particular firm’s individual needs and format.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ………………………………………………………………. iii

Acknowledgments …………………………………………………………………v

About the Author …………………………………………………………………vii

SECTION ONE
  1. Keeping Track…or …The Little Things Really Do Matter 
  2. Client Relations
  3. Establish a partnership that works
  4. The importance of Civil Rights
  5. Personal Injury
  6. End Notes

SECTION TWO ---- FORMS:

    Office Procedures and Partnership Agreements
    Alphabetical Index Of Forms

  1. Daily Time Record
  2. Telephone Log
  3. Photocopy Log
  4. Fax Log
  5. Postage Log
  6. Pre-partnership Agreement
  7. General partnership Agreement
  8. Partnership distribution sheet
  9. Letter of Introduction To Summer Clerkship
    General Contracts and Fee Agreements
  1. General Fee Letter
  2. Basic Legal Services Agreement
  3. Flat Fee Agreement With Minimum Retainer
  4. Unconditional Guarantee Agreement
  5. Guarantor's Agreement
  6. Promissory Note
  7. Contingent Fee Contact
  8. Contract For Employment
    Personal Injury
  1. Client Interview Form
  2. Medical Malpractice Interview Form
  3. Personal Injury Checklist
  4. Contingent Contract
  5. Letter Of Instruction
  6. Medical Release Form Cover Letter
  7. Release Of Medical Information
  8. Wage Loss Verification
  9. Letter Of Representation
  10. Letter Explaining Photo Costs
  11. Settlement Release Form
  12. Witness Accident Report
    Discrimination
  1. Civil Rights Check List
  2. Sliding Scale Fee Letter
  3. Letter Of Representation (Discrimination)
  4. Letter Of Instruction (Things To Do To Make Your Case Stronger)
  5. Maintenance And Development Of Discrimination Files
  6. Settlement Letter (Initial)
  7. Letter Explaining Client's Responsibility To Answer Discovery
    Miscellany
  1. Divorce, Letter Of Representation
  2. Criminal Appeal, Letter Of Representation
  3. Bankruptcy, Letter Of Representation

118 N. Delaware, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 283-1218 Fax: (317) 926-1582


© 200-2003 Roberts and Bishop Attorneys at Law
Designed and powered by: etrafficers.com