New this week

Have you been appointed as an arbitrator for the first time?  Worried?  Don't know what to do?  We've got you covered!  This guide will help you get started.  Still have questions?  Call us at Practice 2.0 and we'll help guide you through what you need to do.

Are you using LastPass as your password manager?  Although it was always one of the most reliable, tech gurus are now soured on LastPass after a data breach, and what some feel has been inadequate disclosures.  Judge for yourself, but many are saying that it is time to ditch LastPass.

Choosing a new laptop?  It can be difficult.  This article walks you through some of the considerations.

Practice 2.0  offers virtual 30-minute (free, confidential) consultations!  We now offer our 30-minute consultations via Zoom. It's now even easier to get the help and advice you need.  Just call us at 602-340-7332 to schedule.

Why might you want to schedule a 30-minute consultations?  Are you setting up a new practice?  Wanting to implement some new technology?  Have more than one or two questions?  Then our 30-minute consultations are for you.

Have a quick question?  Call us at 602-340-7332 and get an answer.

Guidance on electronic funds transfers and trust accounts

Can you use Zelle, or Venmo, or other forms of electronic funds transfers?  Read the latest guidance here.

Working Remotely?

Thinking about reopening your physical office?  Here are some of the issues you'll want to consider.  And here is the latest guidance from the Center for Disease Control.

Having trouble with your internet speed while working from home?  Here are some tips from our colleague in NC that may help.

We have a new quick guide for lawyers who may be working remotely for the first time, or even if you've teleworked occasionally.  

Staying productive without losing your mind while working from home.  Great suggestions for making sure working from home is the best it can be.

Remote Online Notarization - effective April 10, 2020

The Governor has accelerated the effective date for remote online notarization.  You may find the Executive Order here.

Worried about coronavirus?

If you are concerned about coronavirus and the possible impact on your firm and/or your practice, now is the time to make sure you have a continuity of operations plan.  Here are some tips:

• Can you (and your staff, if you have staff) work remotely?
  • If you are using cloud-based technology, you are already a step ahead.
  • Do you have enough laptops, cell phones, and fast enough internet connections to make this possible?
  • If you plan to have a telework option, then test it before the need is urgent and critical.
• Do you know what the courts in your area are doing?
  • Do they have a plan?  Check the courts website, or if they haven't posted anything, call your clerk of court's office or local court administrator to be sure you understand how the courts will operate.
• Do you have written procedures so that your staff knows what to do if they are working more independently than usual.
  • Do you have a plan to communicate with your staff?
  • Do you have policies relating to sick leave?  What will your employees do if they, or a family member are sick and they don't have sick leave available?  How will you address that?
  • If you have staff, are they cross-trained?  it's not too late to be sure you have back-ups for important tasks.
• Communicate with your clients if you are going to work remotely and they can't come to your office, or if you are making any changes to your standard operating procedures.
• If you have any events coming up, check the cancellation policies so you can make wise decisions about if, and when, or whether to cancel.
• Don't ignore the conventional cold/flu season precautions - they work on coronavirus as well.  
  • Wash your hands frequently - with soap and water - for at least 20 seconds (sing "Happy Birthday" to yourself twice)
  • If you are sick, stay home!
  • If you are coughing, or sneezing for that matter, cover your mouth! But not with your hand - use your sleeve, or even better, a tissue and then discard the tissue.
  • Observe social distancing - between 3 and 6 feet.  
  • Don't shake hands.
• Standard disinfectants (Lysol, Clorox products, Purell) work on coronavirus.  So do soap and water.  Or if all of those aren't in stock, 1 part bleach to 100 parts water is sufficient for killing germs.
  
  

COVID-19 Resources, Tips and Guides

Practice 2.0 is up and running during this time.  Call us at 602-340-7332 with questions, or for advice on keeping your practice going during the pandemic.

Practice 2.0 gratefully thanks our practice management colleagues around the country for generously contributing to and sharing these materials.  

Click here to access a variety of resources, tips and guides to help you and your practice.