Simplifying the Practice to Amplify the Impact

I recently had the chance to join the Be That Lawyer podcast to talk about how I approach law practice, productivity, and balancing the demands of lawyering with effective systems.

🎧 Listen to the episode here (https://youtu.be/3Ks4JVXX2v8)

Why This Conversation Matters

As lawyers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pace and complexity of our work. We’re often juggling multiple cases, clients, court deadlines, discovery, motions, and more. Without systems in place, the work drives us instead of us leading the work. That’s why I believe simplifying how we work is the surest way to amplify the value we bring to clients.

My Workflow in Practice

On the podcast, I walked through why it is important to create processes that work for the individual. Below is my workflow that helps me stay organized:

    •    Capture first: I take notes by hand on my Remarkable Paper Pro during meetings and strategy sessions. All other notes are captured in OneNote, which I have on my computer, phone, and iPad. 

    •    Organize second: Each week, I move those notes into Microsoft OneNote, organized using the PARA method (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archive).

    •    Act third: For tasks and deadlines, I use Things as my GTD task manager, keeping cases as Projects and breaking them down into actionable steps.

This process connects handwritten clarity with digital organization and ensures every idea or action has a trusted place. It also helps me have notes located in one place for quick reference. 

Lessons That Apply Beyond Lawyering

While I built this system to help me be a better lawyer, the lessons apply broadly regardless of whatever field you’re in:

    •    Have a reliable capture system.

    •    Keep a trusted next-action list connected to a trusted reference system.

    •    Make reviewing your commitments a regular practice, not a once-in-a-while clean-up.

Final Thoughts

I’m grateful for the chance to share these ideas on the Be That Lawyer podcast. If you listen to the episode, I’d love to hear your takeaways. What systems have helped you simplify your own practice or profession?

🎙️ Watch the full conversation here (https://youtu.be/3Ks4JVXX2v8)