Agile Attorney Law Practice Self Assessment

Agile Attorney Law Practice Self Assessment
Assessment Questions

I've designed this self-assessment to get you thinking more deeply about your law practice. It will help you systematically approach five different components of your practice to highlight opportunities and identify roadblocks.
Please note that there are no right or wrong answers; this is an exercise, not a scorecard, and your answers will not be graded (not even if you ask nicely). One of the principles of Agile process improvement is "Start where you are," and this tool is meant to help you capture and assess your status quo as the starting point for incremental improvement. You'll get a copy of your answers once you finish the form, and you can decide what to do with them.

The first five sections contain a combination of objective and subjective questions (section 6 is largely subjective). If you don't know an answer off the top of your head or don't feel like answering, feel free to skip the question and move to the next one. Again, this is for you
About you and your role (section 1 of 6)
In this section you will provide information about you and your overall practice. It has more "required" sections than the remaining sections, so once you're through this page the others should go more quickly. Questions that might take a little more of your time to complete are marked with an "Optional" label.
Your Name*

First NameLast Name
Your Email Address*
example@example.com
What best describes your role?

Lawyer primarily engaged in legal practiceLawyer who balances law practice and other rolesLawyer primarily engaged in other rolesParalegalLaw Clerk, Legal Secretary, or other support roleLegal Technology SpecialistLegal Operations / Administration SpecialistLegal Marketing SpecialistLaw StudentLaw ProfessorOther
What best describes the type of entity you work for?

Law Firm / Private PracticeSmall BusinessLarge Business or CorporationNonprofit EntityGovernment AgencyEducational InstitutionLegal Technology CompanyLegal Process Outsourcer / Service ProviderE-discovery CompanyOther
What is your managerial role?

CEO, Executive Director, or Managing PartnerSmall Firm / Small Business OwnerSenior Management / Firm Management CommitteeLaw Practice Group Director / Lead ManagerFunctional Group Director / Lead ManagerMiddle ManagementLeadership Committee MemberNo Management ResponsibilitiesOther
What size is your immediate team?

Just me2-4 people5-9 people10-15 people15-20 people21+ people
What size is your overall organization?

Just me2-10 people11-25 people26-50 people51-100 people101-300 people301-1000 people1001+ people
What is your (or your team's) primary area of law or primary function?
What other types of law do you practice, or what other functions do you have, if any?
How long have you been in the legal profession or industry?

0-3 Years4-9 Years10-20 Years21+ YearsOther
When you meet someone new at a social or networking event, how do you describe what you do?

Pricing, Billing, & Collections (section 2 of 6):
In this section you will be asked about your pricing and billing model and your payment & collections practices. Only the first question is required, but all others are helpful.

On a scale of 1-5, how much do you agree with the following statement: "I / we could be significantly more successful if we had better pricing, billing, or collections practices"*

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Strongly Disagree, 5 is Strongly Agree

How do you (or your team) typically charge for your services? (Select all that apply)

Hourly BillingHourly with DiscountsHourly with Caps / Not-to-exceedBlended Hourly (single rate for all team members)Discounted Hourly with Success FeesContingency FeeFlat Fee (Entire Matter)Phased Flat Fee / UnbundledSubscription / RetainerPortfolio Management FeesInternal Chargebacks (for in-house or similar orgs)Not applicable (we don't charge fees or track them internally)Other
What do you like most about your current model?
What do you dislike about your current model?
To what extent are you exploring other billing / pricing models?

Not Exploring: No interest in other billing modelsRarely exploring: Curious, but not actively lookingSomewhat exploring: Interested but no active plans to change thingsActively exploring to SUPPLEMENT our current model(s) with anotherActively exploring to REPLACE our current model(s) with anotherOther
Have you already adopted an alternative billing / pricing model within the last few years?

Yes, and it is going wellYes, and it has had mixed resultsYes, and it is not working well (but we are still trying)Yes, and it did not work (so we abandoned it)NoOther
What your thoughts on the usefulness of alternate billing / pricing models for your practice.
How often do you track your time on client work?

AlwaysMostlySometimesRarelyNeverOther
How often do you track your time on other work (e.g. admin time, marketing, etc.)?

AlwaysMostlySometimesRarelyNeverOther
What best describes your attitude toward time tracking?

It is my preferred way to workIt isn't perfect, but it mostly worksIt is just OK, but it seems necessaryI dislike it, but I do it anywayI hate it and avoid it whenever possibleOther
What payment options do you offer (select any that apply)?

CashCheckCredit CardACH / E-CheckPayment Plans (Managed Internally)Buy Now Pay Later Services (e.g. Affirm, AfterPay, PayPal Credit)Litigation Finance or Matter FinanceLegal Insurance (e.g. ARAG, Legal Shield)Barter or other trade of servicesCrypto CurrenciesNot ApplicableOther
Do you require advance payment or an advance fee deposit? (Select any that apply)

Our products and/or services are pre-paidWe take advance payment that we consider "earned on receipt"We always require a retainer / advance fee depositWe usually require a retainer / advance fee depositWe sometimes require a retainer / advance fee depositNo, we do not take advance payment or fee depositsNot applicableOther
Do you use evergreen or replenishing retainers?

AlwaysSometimesRarelyNeverNot ApplicableWhat is an evergreen / replenishing retainer?Other
Do you charge for consultations?

AlwaysSometimesRarelyNeverNot ApplicableOther
What other opportunities or frustrations do you have around fees, billing, and/or collections

Practice & Workflow Management (section 3 of 6)
In this section you will provide information about your Practice and Workflow Management practices. Only the first two questions are required, but all others are helpful.

On a scale of 1-5, how much do you agree with the following statement: "I / we could be significantly more successful if we had better workflow processes or tools."*

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Strongly Disagree, 5 is Strongly Agree

On a scale of 1-5, how much do you agree with the following statement: "I / we frequently feel exhausted and/or overwhelmed by the amount of unfinished work we need to complete."*

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Strongly Disagree, 5 is Strongly Agree

What software do you currently use for Law Practice Management

AbacusAderantAmicusCaret (formerly Zola)CasefleetCasepeerCenterbaseClio ManageCosmoLexFileVineFirm CentralLawcusLegal BoardsMeerus CaseMyCaseNeedlesPC LawPractice PantherRocket MatterSmokeballTimeMattersNoneOther
What types of computer and handheld devices do you and your team use in your practice? (Select any that apply)

Windows 11 computerWindows 10 computerWindows computer older than Version 10Windows (Unknown Version)MacOS 13 (Ventura) computerMacOS 14 (Sonoma) computerMacOS computer older than VenturaMacOS (Unknown Version)Chromebook ComputerAndroid TabletAndroid SmartphoneiPadiPhoneOther
What is your primary device or computer?
What is the machine that you personally use for the majority of your work.
What tool do you use to as your primary email service

Microsoft Exchange / Outlook as part of Office 365Microsoft Exchange / Outlook that we host ourselves or through an IT serviceWe host our own email server on a platform other than Microsoft ExchangeGoogle Mail as part of GSuite / Google AppsHosted email through my internet service provider (e.g. Comcast, Lightspeed, etc.)Hosted email through my domain name registrar (e.g. GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)Gmail (standalone: email ends in gmail.com)Outlook.com / Hotmail (standalone: email ends in outlook.com or hotmail.com)Yahoo Mail (standalone: email ends in yahoo.com)Other
What online tool(s) do you use to communicate internally? (Select any that apply)

EmailMicrosoft TeamsSlackGoogle ChatNotes / Chat within our Law Practice Management Tool (e.g. Clio, MyCase, etc.)Notes / Chat within our Productivity Tool (e.g. Trello, Kanbanize, Asana, etc.)Loom or similar other screen-sharing video toolNot applicableOther
If you use a non-email messaging tool like Teams or Slack, do you use it to communicate with clients or other external resources?

Yes, regularlyYes, sometimesNo, but we've considered itNo, we would never do thatNot applicableOther
Do you use the "Client Portal" feature of your law practice management tool to communicate with clients?

Yes, regularlyYes, sometimesNo, but we've considered itNo, we would never do thatNot applicableOther
What tool(s) do you use to store work documents or files?

Apple iCloudBox.comDropboxGoogle DriveMicrosoft OneDriveNetDocumentsWorldoxSelf-hosted server or share driveFile Storage in my Law Practice Management Tool (e.g. Clio, MyCase, etc.)Other
Do you use the "Client Portal" feature of your law practice management tool to share documents with clients?

Yes, regularlyYes, sometimesNo, but we've considered itNo, we would never do thatNot applicableOther
What tool(s) do you use for document creation and editing? (Select any that apply)

Microsoft Word (installed)Microsoft Word online (cloud)Google DocsApple PagesWordPerfectDistraction-free editor (e.g. Bear, ByWord, FocusWriter, etc.)Other
What tool(s) do you use for forms and templates? (Select any that apply)

Self-managed form / template libraryCopy/paste from prior work product3rd party form / template library (e.g. within Westlaw, Lexis, Fastcase, etc.)Templates within my Law Practice Management Tool (e.g. Clio, MyCase, Smokeball, etc.)AfterPattern (formerly Community.lawyer)BestCaseDocAssembleDocketWiseDoxserá (formerly The Form Tool)Gavel (formerly Documate)Hotdocs (hosted)Hotdocs (cloud)JubileeLawmaticsLawyawPathagorasNextChapterText ExpanderWealthCounselNoneOther
What is your primary document automation or automated document assembly tool?
(Feel free to include more than one if applicable)
How often do you use document automation and/or automated document assembly?

FrequentlySometimesOccasionallyRarelyNeverOther
For what purposes do you use document automation and/or automated document assembly? (Select all that apply)

Lead nurturing of prospective clients pre-engagementEngagement letters & client on-boardingClient communication during a matterOther communication during a matter (e.g. with opposing counsel, 3rd parties)Client-facing legal documents (e.g. wills, trusts, powers of attorney, etc)Negotiated legal documents (e.g. NDAs, buy-sell agreements, other contracts)3rd party focused legal documents (e.g. subpoenas, etc.)Court-filed legal documents (e.g. pleadings, motions, etc.)Agency-filed legal documents (e.g. deeds, title, immigration filings, etc.)Other legal documents (please specify in the "other" section)Other communications (please specify in the "other" section)Internal documents (please specify in the "other" section)Post-engagement client communications (e.g. requests for feedback, other service opportunities, etc.)None of the Above / Not ApplicableOther
If you use document automation, how do you capture information for document fields? (Select any that apply)

I personally enter the dataSomeone else on my team enters the dataCustomers enter data by filling out a PDF document that syncs with our toolCustomers enter data by filling out a PDF document that we re-type into our toolCustomers enter data by filling out a paper form that we re-type into our toolCustomers enter data through a portal / API from my document automation toolCustomers enter data using a 3rd party form builder (Google forms, JotForm, etc.)Not applicableOther
What tools do you use for productivity / task management? (Select any that apply)

Task management within my Law Practice Management tool (e.g. Clio, MyCase, etc.)Task management within my email / calendar tool (e.g. Outlook, Google Apps, etc.)Task Management within an information management tool (e.g. Evernote, Microsoft Notes, etc.)Checklist-based task management using separate software (e.g. Todoist, RTM, etc.)Kanban-based task management using separate software (e.g. Trello, MS Planner, Kanbanize, KanbanZone, etc.)Checklist or Kanban options within separate software (e.g. Asana, Monday.com, AirTable, etc.)Manual / physical checklists or to-do listsManual / physical kanban boardOther
What is your primary productivity / task management tool?
What other opportunities or frustrations do you have around practice and workflow management.

Business Development & Marketing (section 4 of 6)
In this section you will provide information about your Business Development and Marketing practices. Only the first question is required, but all others are helpful.

On a scale of 1-5, how much do you agree with the following statement: "I / we could be significantly more successful if we had better business development or marketing"*

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Strongly Disagree, 5 is Strongly Agree

Through what channels do you get new business? (Select any that apply)

Referrals from lawyersReferrals from clientsReferrals from other professionalsReferrals through a professional networking groupReferrals through a referral serviceContent marketing on my website or blogContent marketing on social mediaContent marketing through other channelsContent marketing with a lead magnetContent marketing using videos (including webinars)Content marketing using audio (including podcasts)Search Engine Optimization (SEO)Advertising online (including paid search)Advertising in print (newspapers & magazines)Advertising with display media (billboards; bus stops; vehicle wraps)Other
What is your most useful business development channel?
What is your website address?
What website platform does your site use?

Basic HTMLDrupalGoogle SitesInstapageJoomlaKajabiLeadpagesSquarespaceUnbounceWebflowWeeblyWixWordpressI don't have a websiteHosted by my ISP or Domain Name Registrar (Go Daddy, NameCheap, etc.)Other

Please indicate who is primarily responsible for each of the website functions

	Me Personally	An Internal Resource	An Independent Professional	A Web-Dev or Marketing Agency	I Don't know	Not Applicable
Technical Configuration
Backups & Updates
Design & Layout
Content & Copywriting
Metrics & Reporting
Online Advertising
Search Engine Optimization

What software do you use for lead tracking, customer relationship management (CRM), or marketing automation? (Select any that apply)

ActiveCampaignaWeberClio Grow (formerly Lexicata)HubspotInfusionsoftLawmaticsMailchimpPipedriveSalesforceSugar CRMZohoMy Law Practice Management toolSpreadsheets / Internal DocumentsNone / Not applicableOther
What business development activities do you typically engage in at least once a quarter? (Select any that apply)

Networking events with lawyers / legal professionalsNetworking events with other professionalsNetworking events with prospective clientsIndividual outreach to lawyersIndividual outreach to other professionalsIndividual outreach to prospective clientsPodcastingSocial Media - FacebookSocial Media - InstagramSocial Media - LinkedInSocial Media - TikTokSocial Media - X (formerly Twitter)Social Media - YouTubeSocial Media - OtherSpeaking / WebinarsWriting / Blogging on my siteWriting for other online channelsWriting for print channelsDelivering Training or CLEsOther
What other opportunities or frustrations do you have around business development and marketing.

Strategy & Operations Management (section 5 of 6)
In this section you will provide information about your strategy and operations practices. Only the first question is required, but all others are helpful.

On a scale of 1-5, how much do you agree with the following statement: "I / we could be significantly more successful if we had better strategic direction"*

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Strongly Disagree, 5 is Strongly Agree

What is your organization's mission or purpose?
If you have a mission statement online, feel free to copy/paste or just give the URL. If you don't have a formal mission statement, just write what you believe the mission to be.
Who are your primary customers (clients or otherwise)?
Which of the following regarding MISSION / PURPOSE describes your organization? (Select any that apply)

We have a formal mission / purpose that we reference frequentlyWe have a formal mission / purpose that we reference occasionallyWe have a formal mission / purpose that we reference rarelyOur mission / purpose statement is primarily for marketingOur mission / purpose statement is for all of our activitiesI can recite our mission / purpose statement from memory (or get darn close)Others in my org can recite our mission / purpose statement from memoryOur mission / purpose statement is on our websiteOur mission / purpose statement is posted in our officeWe do not have a formal mission / purpose statementOther
Which of the following regarding ORGANIZATION GOALS or OBJECTIVES describes your organization? (Select any that apply)

We have formal revenue goals for the organizationWe have formal billable hour goals for the organizationWe have formal throughput / workflow goals for the organizationWe have formal marketing / business development goals for the organizationWe have formal client experience / client satisfaction goals for the organizationWe have formal professional development goals for the organizationWe have other formal goals for the organizationWe do not have formal goals for the organizationOther
Which of the following regarding INDIVIDUAL GOALS or OBJECTIVES describes your organization? (Select any that apply)

We have formal revenue goals for individualsWe have formal billable hour goals for individualsWe have formal throughput / workflow goals for individualsWe have formal marketing / business development goals for individualsWe have formal client experience / client satisfaction goals for individualsWe have formal professional development goals for individualsWe have other formal goals for individualsWe do not have formal goals for individualsOther
What methodology do you follow for your GOALS or OBJECTIVES (Select any that apply)

E-MythMeasure What Matters (Objectives & Key Results / OKRs)Profit First and/or Pumpkin PlanSMART GoalsTraction (Boulders, Rocks, etc)We don't use a formal methodologyNot applicableOther
Which of the following regarding STRATEGY describes your organization? (Select any that apply)

We have a strategic plan for the next yearWe have a strategic plan for the next 2-3 yearsWe have a strategic plan for the next 4-5 yearsWe have a strategic plan for the next 6+ yearsWe do not have a formal strategic planOther
Which of the following regarding METRICS & REPORTING describes your organization? (Select any that apply)

We have formal KPIs or OKRs that we check at least weeklyWe have formal KPIs or OKRs that we check at least monthlyWe have formal KPIs or OKRs that we check at least quarterlyWe regularly check metrics (but not KPIs or OKRs)We occasionally check metrics (but not KPIs or OKRs)We only check metrics to diagnose a problemWe rarely or never check metricsI am not very familiar with what a KPI isI am not very familiar with what an OKR isOther
What are your favorite or most useful metrics?
Which of the following regarding FORMAL CUSTOMER FEEDBACK describes your organization? (Select any that apply)

We regularly solicit formal customer feedback using an index or ratingWe sometimes solicit formal customer feedback using an index or ratingWe occasionally solicit formal customer feedback using an index or ratingWe never solicit formal customer feedback using an index or ratingOther
Which of the following regarding INFORMAL CUSTOMER FEEDBACK describes your organization? (Select any that apply)

We regularly solicit informal customer feedbackWe sometimes solicit informal customer feedbackWe occasionally solicit informal customer feedbackWe never solicit informal customer feedbackOther
What methods do you use to solicit CUSTOMER FEEDBACK? (Select any that apply)

AvvoGoogle ReviewsYelpNet Promoter ScoreHappiness indexPhone calls or emails from managing attorneysPhone calls or emails from another internal resourcePhone calls or emails using a 3rd partyShort customer surveysDetailed customer surveysNot applicableOther
When / how often do you solicit CUSTOMER FEEDBACK? (Select any that apply)

We solicit feedback on a fixed schedule (e.g. monthly)We solicit feedback after all customer interactionsWe solicit feedback after some customer interactionsWe solicit feedback upon the conclusion of a matter or engagementWe solicit feedback irregularly or when we think about itNot applicableOther
What other opportunities or frustrations do you have around strategy and operations management.

Personal Motivation & Satisfaction (section 6 of 6)

The following questions are designed to help you better understand what drives your personal sense of growth and achievement. There are no right or wrong answers, and no value judgments. Different people have different attitudes around each of the areas below, and everyone's attitude is valid. For each question, there is space for you to capture why you answered the way you did.

On a scale of 1-5, how much do you agree with the following statement: "It is important to me that my practice involves important and/or meaningful work that makes the world a better place."

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Strongly Disagree, 5 is Strongly Agree

Please elaborate on your answer.

On a scale of 1-5, how much do you agree with the following statement: "I would continue doing what I do even if I received a financial windfall that meant I didn't have to work to maintain my desired lifestyle."

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Strongly Disagree, 5 is Strongly Agree

Please elaborate on your answer.

On a scale of 1-5, how much do you agree with the following statement: "I feel it is important to build a practice where people are empowered to deliver work and make decisions without my input or review."

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Strongly Disagree, 5 is Strongly Agree

Please elaborate on your answer.

On a scale of 1-5, how much do you agree with the following statement: "I feel like I have external pressures—financial, social, familial, or otherwise—that cause me to make choices with my practice that I wouldn't otherwise make."

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Strongly Disagree, 5 is Strongly Agree

Please elaborate on your answer.

On a scale of 1-5, how much do you agree with the following statement: "I tend to work harder to achieve team goals than I do for individual accomplishment."

	1	2	3	4	5

1 is Strongly Disagree, 5 is Strongly Agree

Please elaborate on your answer.

Please rank how proficient you feel at various elements of your practice

	I Don't Do This	Not Proficient	Somewhat Proficient	Proficient	Very Proficient
Managing People
Managing Process & Workflows
Managing Technology
Sales & Client Acquisition (Closing)
Managing Marketing & Outreach
Managing Financials
Setting Goals & Strategies
Delivering Legal Work
Managing Client Experience & Expectations

Please rank how much you enjoy working in various elements of your practice

	1 - Least Favorite	2 - I'd Rather Not	3 - Take It or Leave It	4 - I Enjoy It OK	5 - Most Favorite
Managing People
Managing Process & Workflows
Managing Technology
Sales & Client Acquisition (Closing)
Managing Marketing & Outreach
Managing Financials
Setting Goals & Strategies
Delivering Legal Work
Managing Client Experience & Expectations

Complete the following sentence: I wish my law practice had more...
Multiple Answers are Encouraged
Complete the following sentence: I wish my law practice had less...
Multiple Answers are Encouraged
What do you most need help with for improving your law practice?
Should be Empty:

Agile Attorney Law Practice Self Assessment

Assessment Questions

About you and your role (section 1 of 6)

Pricing, Billing, & Collections (section 2 of 6):

Practice & Workflow Management (section 3 of 6)

Business Development & Marketing (section 4 of 6)

Strategy & Operations Management (section 5 of 6)

Personal Motivation & Satisfaction (section 6 of 6)