The Value of Practice Advisors in Reducing Claims
Practice advisor programs are administered and strongly supported by many of our subscribing law societies. There is good reason for this. The experienced practitioners providing practice advice or reviews are often the ‘first line of defence’ to mitigate practice issues. As noted by the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador:
The review will point out any deficiencies and potential issues in the management of the member’s practice and provide suggestions and resources on how to improve them. The goal is to find proactive ways to prevent complaints and insurance claims.
Improving practice management equals practising more effectively and efficiently which can have a direct impact on billing, client satisfaction and the amount of time spent in the office.
Practice advisor services vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but generally a practice advisor will provide advice and assistance on a broad range of practice management areas such as:
Starting a new practice;
Opening a trust account;
Office systems;
Retiring from practice or winding down.
If a one-on-one assessment of the management of the lawyer’s practice is one of the services offered, topics covered during the review may include:
Time management systems (tickler system, docketing, etc.);
File management (organization, conflicts, undertakings, etc.);
Financial management (fees and billings, controls on accounts, etc.);
Client service (managing expectations, communication, etc.);
Technology and equipment (computers, software, etc.);
Professional management (supervision of others, continuing professional development, etc.); and
Personal management (coping with stress, professional assistance program, etc.).
To see what practice advisor services are available in your jurisdiction, see the links below:
The Law Society’s Practice Management Advisor is available, at no charge, to provide advice and assistance in a broad range of practice management areas.
The Practice Management Review Program was introduced in February 2020 as a tool to help members make their practices more efficient and effective. The review is a one-on-one assessment of the management of the lawyer’s practice. The reviewer will provide suggestions and recommendations for improving the member’s practice and complete a report after the review.
Members can either be selected or required to undergo a practice management review. Members are required to undergo a practice management review if they start practising or switch to practising as a sole practitioner or in a firm with 4 or fewer other members.
Whether you’re opening your practice, looking for practice guidance, succession planning, or seeking to understand your professional and ethical obligations, Legal Services Support (LSS) is here to assist you. Legal Services support is here to
help you understand and fulfill your professional responsibilities and requirements
support you in managing and enhancing your practice systems
LSS achieves these goals by answering your questions, providing resources and supporting you through practice transitions and LSS initiatives.
The Law Society of the Northwest Territories has an agreement with the Law Society of Alberta to allow members to use their Practice Advisors. The Practice Advisors provide assistance and advice to lawyers in the area of legal, ethical and practice concerns. They also provide information in relation to strategic planning, practice management, marketing, technology and office systems, with a key focus on the needs of sole practitioners and lawyers practising in smaller settings.
The Practice Advisors of the Law Society of Alberta are available to discuss legal, ethical, and practice concerns, as well as assist lawyers in accessing resources for practice-related stress. Members of the Law Society of Nunavut are invited to contact the Practice Advisors at any time.
Practice Advisors provide assistance and resources to lawyers in relation to strategic planning, practice management, marketing, and technology and systems, with a focus on the needs of sole practitioners and lawyers practicing in smaller settings.
Practice advisors help lawyers with practice and ethical advice. They do not provide substantive legal advice to lawyers. The Law Society of Yukon does not have in-house Practice Advisors at this time. Members wishing to speak to a practice advisor may contact a practice advisor with the Law Society of British Columbia or the Law Society of Alberta.
The Law Society of Saskatchewan’s Expanded Practice Advisor Program is available for any members who need help working through practice management issues. Under this program, the practice advisor and member will work together to address the particular issue at no cost to the member.