**When the “Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer” end, Fall is a great time to finish strong for the year and begin planning for the next. Sit down with your goals for the year and determine where you are. Then, create the plan you will use to win this year (if you are not already doing so, play around with GenAI to help you create this – it’s incredible how fast and personalized you can make your plans).**
I woke up this morning and opened my blinds and window. After a slow, deep breath of the cool morning air, I sipped my coffee while watching the sunrise.
And then I noticed it! The first set of leaves turning orange, yellow, and fuchsia en masse. It’s Fall!
Yes, I know that summer doesn’t officially end for a few days, but I wondered where the past four months went. If you have been a subscriber or following me on social media, you know that I have been dealing with health issues for a few years but am now on the mend.
For many of us, Fall carries the energy of a fresh start, reminiscent of our school days. Remember how exciting it was to begin a new academic year? That feeling of possibility, armed with crisp notebooks and sharpened pencils? Even as adults, this autumnal “new year” sensation often lingers. If you’re a parent, you might find this cycle continuing through your children’s school years. But here’s the thing – you don’t need kids to tap into this renewal energy. I don’t have children myself, yet I’m embracing this Fall as a new beginning, especially after the challenges I’ve been facing. It’s a perfect time for all of us to reset, refocus, and reignite our professional passions.
So, now is the time to get your desk organized, your client lists updated, and your social media profiles and law firm website bio modernized with any missing information. It’s also crucial to reassess your networking strategies. Consider which professional events or conferences you’ll attend this Fall, and start reaching out to reconnect with contacts you may have lost touch with over the summer.
It is also your time to play with GenAI. I do not care if you use ChatGPT, Gemini, Co-Pilot, Claude, or any other version; just noodle around with it. Experiment with prompts related to legal research, case summaries, or even drafting client communications. You might be surprised at how these tools can streamline your workflow and save time for higher-value tasks.
I use a few different sites because:
a) I only use the free versions since this method is relatively new, and I want to see which is my favorite before I commit to one version and
b) I am still learning. I love playing around with new technologies when I have time.
However, I am making time to learn AI because this technology will change the legal industry for good. So take the time to learn it now!
One practical way to incorporate AI into your legal practice is by using it for initial document review. For example, you could use AI to quickly scan through large volumes of contracts or case law, highlighting key clauses or relevant precedents. This can significantly reduce the time spent on initial research, allowing you to focus on the nuanced analysis that requires human expertise.
I will help you with it for your Rainmaking. But you will have to learn on your own (or work with your information technology department) for other things, such as contract revisions, due diligence, and many of the other redundant tasks you do every day.
Consider setting up a “tech learning hour” each week where you dedicate time to explore new AI tools and their applications in your specific area of law. This consistent practice will help you stay ahead of the curve and potentially give you a competitive edge in your field.
We will talk more about AI, particularly regarding your business development, but for now, I will start leaving you with assignments in the column below. Do it, don’t do it, but every exercise I leave you will help you with your Rainmaking and your life.
Remember, embracing new technologies and methodologies isn’t just about staying current – it’s about enhancing your ability to serve your clients effectively and efficiently. As you dive into these Fall activities and explore AI tools, keep your clients’ needs at the forefront. How can these new approaches help you provide better, more responsive service? How can they free up your time to focus on the high-level strategy and counseling your clients truly value?
By combining traditional Fall “reset” activities with forward-thinking technological exploration, you’re setting yourself up for a productive year-end and a solid start to the next. Let’s make this Fall a season of growth, learning, and enhanced business development and client service.
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