Many lawyers have an intrinsic belief that they can do everything. There is no such word as “can’t”.
It’s hard to admit that some demands on your time are a bridge too far.
It’s been well written that “time management” is a misnomer. It’s actually impossible to manage time itself, or to create more time. In fact, what we’re really talking about is managing yourself.
Of course there are tons of ways in which you can manage yourself to make better use of your time, but the one which will give you instant relief is just saying “no”. Plain and simple.
Saying no to clients:
Consider this – how many things do you do for clients which aren’t really necessary but which your client has talked you into doing, and which you agree to just for a quiet life? Sometimes, what you should be doing is having that difficult conversation with your client to explain that you’re not going to carry out their request because it’s against your advice, unreasonable, unnecessary, disproportionate or a waste of resources. If you’re doing unnecessary work against your better judgement are you really acting in your client’s best interests?
Saying no to your opposition:
How much of your time pressure comes from arbitrary deadlines set by the other side? When you’re feeling under pressure it can be easy to slip into complying with deadlines just to get them out of the way. Step back for a moment. Whose timetable are you working to? If you’re in control of the case it should be your own, not your opposition’s.
Saying no to colleagues:
When you add your colleagues into the mix, you can see that there are demands being made on your time from all sides – clients, opposing parties, team members, supervisors, partners, junior staff reporting to you, external counsel… there aren’t enough hours in your day for everyone.
It can be especially hard to say no to those you work alongside, whether it’s those you report to, or those you manage. Ambition, guilt or a desire to please can mean you take on work for your superiors without thinking through how you’re going to fit it in. Alternatively, your “open door policy” can mean that you are subject to constant interruptions from more junior staff.
It’s crucial to allocate your time based on those who deserve it, not those who demand it. If you are struggling with management demands, consider allocating set times of the day when you will be available to junior colleagues. If you are overloaded with work from your supervising partner, be open with them about how much you have on your plate. They won’t see you as incompetent. They will see you as someone who is serious about doing a good job and making the most of their working time.
This post has been written by Catrin Mills, founder of The Lawyer Coach. The Lawyer Coach helps lawyers and other professionals to achieve more with their time. Catrin’s book on time management for lawyers is due to be published in Spring 2010.
Related posts:
- Prioritisation vs Procrastination by The Lawyer Coach To conquer procrastination, you have to recognise it which is not as easy as it sounds. Putting certain things off...
- Prioritisation vs Procrastination by The Lawyer Coach Procrastination – or the putting off of important tasks – is a problem which plagues many lawyers. There is a...
- Eight tricks that The Efficiency Coach uses to maximise her time and productivity on social media Social media is often touted as being a free tool that anyone can use to market their business. In terms...
- How to make the jump to junior partner Surely, a partner role is just the same as an assignment manager with a bit of other stuff chucked in?...
- Thinking about going part time? Thinking (or have been asked!) of going part-time? Read on for my top tips to make it work for you...
