Time management is often considered an art, especially for legal professionals operating as sole practitioners. Balancing between client appointments, case preparation, and personal lives often necessitates a strategic approach towards juggling multiple tasks.
One such approach is recognizing your three most important tasks for the day. This approach is not novel, it was dusted off by Jill Roth-Gutman during the COVID-19 lockdowns when a more flexible work-from-home strategy was necessary. The technique was previously used during Roth-Gutman’s tenure as a law guardian, a child welfare attorney for the New Jersey state ( Above the Law).
Roth-Gutman often had to manage over 100 cases for her clients while also attending to her familial and household needs. Designating three major tasks a day became a survival strategy to fulfill her professional obligations and personal commitments. Such a method allows sole practitioners to prioritize the most critical actions for the day, despite facing what often feels like an insurmountable pile of to-dos.
As for how Roth-Gutman adapted this strategy when she opened her firm as a solo practitioner, she found that her previous approach wasn’t entirely applicable. With an ever-growing list of tasks as a business owner on top of her legal obligations, finding balance was critical. Incorporating the project management tools available online helped streamline her process.
It’s also advised to maintain some flexibility; sometimes the list of three extends to five. But maintaining this short list prevents getting overwhelmed and ensures that at least those tasks are accomplished, granting a sense of achievement.
Every task also needs to be evaluated in terms of the time it requires, the meetings lined up for the day, and the practical timeframe for its completion. Selecting the most important task becomes the primary goal for the day, with the next two tasks serving as desirable goals.
The road from being a government attorney to a solo practitioner involves integrating a solid time management system. Learning to prioritize between being an entrepreneur and practicing law is crucial to keep a small business afloat. Striking that balance can serve as a significant step towards maintaining productivity without overburdening oneself.