The Journal
Notes on the business of law.
Short, practical essays on running a firm: fees and retainers, trust accounting, hiring, profitability, and the systems behind them.
Marketing
Law Firm SEO: What Actually Moves Rankings for a Small Firm
What actually moves search rankings for a small law firm: Google's published ranking factors, the content that earns visibility, and the myths to skip.
July 20, 2026
Firm Finances
Attorney Compensation: How to Pay Yourself and Your Associates
Your billing rate is not your income. How firm owners should pay themselves, set associate pay, and use the five levers that move firm…
July 15, 2026
Trust Accounting
Trust Accounting and IOLTA: A Compliance Guide for Small Law Firms
Trust-accounting mistakes are a top source of attorney discipline. A plain guide to Rule 1.15, IOLTA, and the monthly reconciliation that keeps your account…
July 15, 2026
Fees & Billing
How Attorney Retainers Work: Structuring Fees at a Small Firm
Most retainers are advance fees that belong in your client trust account until you earn them. How to structure retainers to stay compliant and…
July 15, 2026