THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL 62 | MARCH 2025 Examples of Processes to Document These also illustrate how many of your processes are a blend of technology tasks and assignments for staff or lawyers. Numbers are hypothetical for example purposes only. Ten things we do after filing a new consumer bankruptcy case Seven things we do after being retained for a new criminal defense case where charges have been filed Four things we do after being retained for a new criminal defense case where charges have not been filed Seven things we do ASAP after being retained for the defense of a foreclosure You may think you know these brief items from memory, but that is the point. We don’t want to rely on fallible memories. Even more importantly, the existence of accurate checklists makes it more comfortable to delegate items to your staff because they have great instructions. I believe the office procedures manual should be easily accessible on the firm computer network. But I also suggest buying a pair (or more) of three-ring binders in a unique color to physically have the manual available. It will be an ongoing process of updating the manual. Most law firms will not be able to cease operations for a time to create the manual. So it is important that every lawyer doing a series of tasks that are not yet documented take the additional time to create the first draft of the checklist, and there should be regular times the firm reviews processes for inclusion in the procedures manual. Consider updating and documenting your procedures as an investment in the future of your law firm. Mr. Calloway is the OBA Management Assistance Program director. Need a quick answer to a tech problem or help solving a management dilemma? Contact him at 405-416-7008, 800-522-8060 or jimc@okbar.org. It’s a free member benefit.
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