Introducing No Delay May
Introducing No Delay May
This month ALIA encourages you to check in on every file.
Spring has arrived, carrying an opportunity to spring-clean your practice! ALIA is launching No Delay May, an initiative designed to help you check in on every file. The goal is to ensure all files are properly diarized, progressing as intended, and thoroughly documented to capture your advice and your client’s instructions. Throughout No Delay May, ALIA will send tips and tricks to support your efficient practice.
Master File List Challenge
To kick off No Delay May, we challenge you to set up or refresh your Master File List. A well-maintained Master File List is beneficial to lawyers practising in nearly every area of law. Properly used, they facilitate file status reviews at a glance, allowing you to identify next steps, outstanding matters, and approaching deadlines. A Master File List may also help you to manage your overall capacity and workload.
A Master File List should complement your diarization system and offer positive redundancy to ensure your files are progressing and are in order. As you create or refresh your Master File List, be sure to also check that every file is appropriately diarized.
If you are concerned you do not have the time to create a Master File List, consider the return on investment you could realize from the time spent. Setting up a Master File List can yield significant benefits, including enhanced control over your practice, reduced time spent transitioning between files, improved client service, and a lowered risk of communication or delay-related claims.
Resources
For more guidance on Master File Lists, please refer to section 9.5 of Law Practice Essentials (File Management), and Mastering Client Files, which includes links to sample Master File Lists for civil litigation, criminal law, family law, and real estate law. Section 9.3 of Law Practice Essentials also provides an overview on Limitation Dates, Other Deadlines and Diary Systems.
As an Alberta lawyer, you also have access to a wide range of personal and professional services, including practice support from Practice Management, legal and ethical guidance from Practice Advisors, and personal well-being support from Assist, Alberta Lawyers Assistance Society.
Say Nay to Delay in May!
This May, commit time to refreshing your best practices and toolkit. A current Master File List gives you a clear, at-a-glance picture of every matter so you can keep work moving, catch issues early, and prevent delay. Watch for the next No Delay May ALIAdvisory providing practical information around standstill and suspension period agreements.
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