They Deserve a Break: Impacting Planning for the Ultimate Good Marketing Does Not Our Veterans Through Pro Bono Vacation: Retirement 5 Take a Vacation 8 Representation 7 State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division THE YLD REVIEW Volume 58, Issue 4, June 2017 Working for the Profession and the Public

Why I Broke Up With My Smartwatch | 3 ART BY BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM/SKYPICSSTUDIO 2 THE YLD REVIEW Volume 58, Issue 4 Volume 58, Issue 4 THE YLD REVIEW 3

YLD Officers From the President

PRESIDENT Jennifer C. Mock, Statesboro [email protected] Taking a Break Is About More

PRESIDENT-ELECT Nicole C. Leet, Atlanta Than a Change of Scenery [email protected]

TREASURER Hon. Rizza O’Connor, Lyons Jennifer in taking complete breaks from work—and [email protected] Mock work-related communications. An article published in The Washington Post earlier this SECRETARY year reported on the imposition of no-email William T. Davis, Atlanta [email protected] vacation policies as a way some employers For busy lawyers (is there any other kind?), are dealing with the stress of the technolo- IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT work/life balance is vitally important. The gy-boosted modern workplace. John R. B. “Jack” Long, Augusta mental and physical demands that go along The Association of Corporate Counsel, [email protected] with the practice of law necessitate break- based in Washington, D.C., is one such NEWSLETTER CO-EDITOR ing away from the office from time to time. workplace. When an employee takes a vaca- ShaMiracle S. Johnson, Atlanta But the ability to carry the office home tion, the national organization for corporate [email protected] with us in a pocket-sized electronic device in-house lawyers takes the extra step of sus- NEWSLETTER CO-EDITOR can mean that we are never really taking a pending the employee’s work email account. Heather Riggs, Atlanta much-needed break. The policy earned the association the “When [email protected] The mobile technology that was de- Work Works” award, presented by the Soci- signed to make life easier for working pro- ety for Human Resource Management. fessionals, including lawyers, has in fact had Also honored were Creative Plan De- the opposite effect when it comes to getting signs, a retirement consulting firm based away from the office for a relaxing evening, in East Meadow, N.Y., which automati- a weekend excursion or, especially, a sum- cally forwards emails directed toward a staff mer vacation. member on vacation to one of his or her col- It is hard to disconnect these days. The leagues; and San Francisco-based technol- innate desire to keep up with what is go- ogy company Olark, which gives a $1,000 ing on with our clients and at our firms can bonus to employees who take at least five In this Issue result in a 24/7/365 approach to reading days of vacation without checking in online emails and checking voicemails as soon as and share vacation photos when they return. 2 From the President they arrive on our phones—a terribly bad And then there is the government of habit when we should be getting some France, which in January enacted a new law 3 Why I Broke Up With quality rest and relaxation with our fam- giving employees nationwide “the right to My Smartwatch ily, friends or in solitude. I have found that disconnect.” Companies with 50 or more 3 From the Editors disabling my phone’s email auto-sync helps employees are required to devise a policy 4 Starting Your Own Practice me. I can only see my email if I manually that prevents office emails from encroach- and Breaking Away From a sync, which at least reduces the temptation ing on leisure time. It is too soon to gauge Big Law Firm to reply immediately. the results of the new law or determine how 5 Planning for the Ultimate However, there is still an expectation stringently it is being enforced, but it is an- Vacation: Retirement by clients and other lawyers that you will other sign of how the world is dealing with 6 Good Lawyers Deserve a Good continue to check your emails and take issues related to work/life balance, or the Summer Vacation calls, even on vacation. I am sure we have lack thereof. all experienced a time when a panicked cli- The Post also cited a University of Brit- 7 They Deserve a Break: Impacting Our Veterans ent or opposing counsel has tracked us down ish Columbia study that found higher levels Through Pro Bono on vacation. I think that it is important for of stress and tension among people who Representation young attorneys to not only take time off, frequently check email throughout the day, 8 Good Marketing Does Not Take but to also respect other attorneys’ vacations, thus constantly shifting their attention be- a Vacation leaves of absence, etc. We all need a break. tween tasks and rearranging priorities. According to recent news reports, more When employees cut their inboxes’ life- 10 Thank You to Our 2016-17 Sponsors employees, employers and even one nation- line to them while on leave from the office, al government have begun to see the value it is a win-win for them and their com- 2 THE YLD REVIEW Volume 58, Issue 4 Volume 58, Issue 4 THE YLD REVIEW 3

From the Editors

panies. “Studies show that taking time off away from the office on time that should from work—and work-related email—low- be personal. Are you still struggling with Summertime ers levels of fatigue and job burnout,” the the idea of completely disconnecting from article concluded. “Employees who come work? If so, take a moment to read “Good in Georgia back rested tend to perform better at solv- Lawyers Deserve a Good Summer Vacation” ing problems and other creative tasks. Such on page 6. Co-Editor ShaMiracle Johnson policies are also a recruitment tool and en- provides practice pointers regarding balanc- ShaMiracle Johnson courage retention, employers say.” ing your work responsibilities prior to, dur- & Heather Riggs With summer now upon us, let’s make ing and after your vacation. You will greatly an effort to completely disconnect from benefit from taking a break, and so will your work when we are on vacation or otherwise firm and your clients. YLD

Why I Broke Up With My Smartwatch

Ginger Arnold

ART BY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/TOPVECTORS I will be the first one to admit—I love gadgets and technology. In addition to loving tech- Summer is amongst us. Take a moment to nology, I always wear a watch; even in the stop and smell the roses—literally and figu- water if they are waterproof. So a couple of ART BY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SCANRAIL ratively. Far too often, as lawyers we find years ago, when I found out that my favorite needed to be answered. I found it very con- ourselves getting caught up in the same computer company was coming out with a venient and thought we would be together routine tasks, day-in and day-out. We wake smartwatch, I was ecstatic. I bided my time forever. I would “dress up” my smart watch up, get ready for work, drive to work, have (get it? it’s a watch joke…), thinking it over with snazzy bands instead of just using the spirited “conversations with co-counsel” at and gauging how other people liked theirs. plain band that the watch arrived “wear- work, drive home from work, eat, sleep and Then the holidays came and the smartwatch ing.” I put cute photos on the watch face so then hit repeat. Does this sound like your I wanted was on sale at a large electronics I could see my dogs, my daughter and/or my average work week? If so, dare to step out store. That day I found the one I wanted, in husband anytime I wanted to. of your potentially mundane routine and try stock but 45 minutes out of my way. I drove A few months ago, I started to notice something new! What better time of year to to get it in a thunderstorm; I was so excited something different. Every time my watch remix your routine than summer time? to try it out. I wanted to open it right away, would buzz I would jump a little bit. I real- Georgia summers are particularly special but through sheer will, waited until Christ- ized that I was starting to feel anxious every because there is always something to do. mas morning. When the day finally arrived, time it did, even if it was just a reminder Instead of heading home right after work, I played with my new smartwatch all day, for me to drink more water, breathe or walk consider attending a unique CLE. During like, well, a kid on Christmas. I changed the around. I thought it would be neat to have the summertime, many bar organizations face, added pictures and downloaded all of reminders to do those things more often, offer CLEs that are “outside” the proverbial the apps. but when those reminders came, I found box. With a simple search, you can find I wore my smartwatch for almost a year myself suddenly getting aggravated with my CLEs that are hosted at local breweries, and a half, and at first it made me very hap- beautiful wrist candy. As time went on (an- museums and parks. While you are learning py. I could play my favorite trivia game on other watch joke…), I had added more and about a new area of law, you can do so while it. I could see text messages when I was in more notifications without even realizing it. sampling a local brew or cooling down with a meeting and answer them if it was some- I noticed that I felt bad when I could not a flavorful popsicle. Who knew CLEs could thing important that I had to answer right answer an email that I saw come through be so cool? away. I could get my emails and see what SEE SMARTWATCH, PAGE 10 SEE SUMMERTIME PAGE 10 4 THE YLD REVIEW Volume 58, Issue 4

Starting Your Own Practice and Breaking Away From a Big Law Firm

Keep Overhead Low Marlon As soon as you hang your own shingle, a STATE BAR OF GEORGIA Rhine line of snake oil salesmen will begin lining up at your front door. You may even be sure that there are certain tools that you have to Member Every now and then I will be out with a col- have. Some of these things are really impor- league who is curious about the process of tant, like a computer. You will need a good starting their own practice. For me, building one. Most are things that you can do with- Benefits a practice has been difficult, incredibly excit- out, at least initially. With a little research ing, anxiety inducing and one of the most re- you can avoid falling into one of the many warding things I have had the chance to do in traps that can overtake you early on. my life so far. Hands down, I could not have For example, when you start a firm, there done any of it without the support of a select are plenty of mobile phone applications that few people that I have been lucky enough to are capable of handling your phone, fax, have around me. With that in mind, I have email, case management, accounting, bill- compiled a few tips for those who may be ing and scheduling needs. An effective use interested in striking out on their own. of cloud-based technology can provide your firm with scalable, flexible and affordable practice management solutions. Going solo, Identify Your Area of Practice you may think that you need all the bells and Figuring out your practice area and niche whistles your previous firm provided, but a early will save a lot of hassle on the back little resourcefulness can go a long way in end. It is incredibly hard to do estate plan- increasing your profit margins early. ning, personal injury, divorce and business law (or any combination of practice areas) all at once. It is hard because there is simply Focus on the Client LAW PRACTICE too much to learn and it makes networking No two clients are the same. Every client has MANAGEMENT really difficult. If you do a little of every- different needs, goals and preferences. My as- PROGRAM thing under the sun, most people will not sessment of each client begins at first contact. remember you the same way as when you Based on this, decide the client’s communi- say, for example, that you handle motor ve- cation preferences. This may mean always The State Bar of Georgia provides hicle collisions involving ride share compa- meeting in person at a location convenient all of its members with business management assistance; technical nies. When I started out, I spent a good bit to your client. Or maybe you are represent- and general consultations; of time narrowing down my practice area: ing a startup that prefers communicating software advice and training; personal injury law. Even now it feels weird almost exclusively via email. Be attentive to sample forms; start up resources to turn potential clients away, but I know each individual client and be flexible. It is also and solo small firm discussion in the long run it is a much better strategy. very important that you maintain channels board and video resources. With that said, I like getting calls for things of communication with your clients. Being I do not necessarily specialize in. It allows clear about client expectations and goals al- me the opportunity to reach out to other at- lows you to provide the best service possible. torneys and to also send some business their Of course, there is no rule book for get- way. Of course, the aim here is to establish ting your own practice up and running. A we’re here for you. a reciprocal relationship. By focusing on my little creativity, ingenuity and never being Learn more at www. gabar.org or practice area, I can let other attorneys know afraid to ask for help can go a long way to contact Natalie Kelly at 404-527-8770 the type of cases to refer. helping you break away. YLD Volume 58, Issue 4 THE YLD REVIEW 5

Planning for the Ultimate Vacation: Retirement

Leila Shaver

In today’s world there is a great deal of un- certainty. Millennials face higher levels of student loan debt, poverty and unemploy- ment, and lower levels of wealth and per- sonal income then the two most immedi- ately preceding generations. According to a survey from the Pew Research Center, a whopping 90 percent of Millennials believe they will get no or reduced Social Security ART BY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SELIMAKSAN benefits.1 Between dealing with a lagging Roth IRA are taxed, but your withdrawals they are required to be registered with a state economy, cohabiting with parents after after retirement are not taxed. If you are at or federal regulatory agency. Online, you are college and paying into a social service that a higher tax bracket when you do retire, you able to see if they have had any client com- Millennials do not believe they will see a will ultimately save a lot in income taxes. plaints, the licenses they hold and whether dime of, the idea of saving for retirement their registration is in good standing. You seems far-fetched and unimportant. can go to BrokerCheck online at https:// In fact, the most important thing that You are young, live a little. brokercheck.finra.org to search the history Millennials can do is to save for retirement. 3Now is the time to invest in more vola- of a broker-dealer or registered representa- Millennials can stretch their dollar and make tile investments. With greater risk comes tive. For registered investment advisers, go the most out of the money they do put away greater reward. You have some time before to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure by following the tips. you reach retirement age, so you have time website at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov. to recoup a loss if your gamble does not work out. If it does work out, you will see higher Take advantage of employer matches. returns than more conservative investments. Have a separate savings account. 1Many employers who offer a 401(k) plan 5Millennials have a lot of financial bur- will match your contributions up to a certain dens, and unexpected costs happen fre- percentage of your salary. Check with your Go skydiving, but have a plan. quently. A retirement account is great, but, human resources representative to find out 4 There are a lot of great retirement cal- unless you want to pay penalties, you can- what your company offers. Try to contrib- culators online. Find out how much money not touch the money until you reach the ute at least the same percentage your em- you need to retire at the level of comfort you retirement age. So, it is a good idea to have ployer is willing to match to your 401(k). It desire and tweak your strategy on how you a traditional savings account for those un- is kind of like having your own money tree. will get there. Do this calculation annually expected expenses. If your dog gets sick or Always find out if there are any other and make adjustments, as needed, to ensure you face medical costs that are not covered employee benefits. Many employers are able that you stay on track. If you need help, you by your insurance, you will be happy that to secure discounted gym memberships, in- can seek the services of either a traditional you squirreled away some money. ternet or mobile phone service, or free con- financial adviser or a robo-adviser. Robo- Saving for retirement is like preparing sultations with nutritionists. The money advisers provide digital financial advice for the ultimate vacation. After a success- you save is money you can put into your based on algorithms and utilize minimal ful legal career, you will be glad you can retirement account. human intervention. They are generally continue your journey thanks to the smart cheaper than using traditional financial ad- financial decisions you make now. YLD visers, but there are pros and cons to both Consider opening a Roth IRA. types of financial services. Choose the one 2A Roth IRA works well for when you that best fits your individual needs. Endnote are starting your career and not making a lot If you do seek the services of a financial 1. Bruce Drake, 6 New Findings About Milleni- of money, yet. Your contributions to your adviser or robo-adviser, keep in mind that als (March 7, 2014). 6 THE YLD REVIEW Volume 58, Issue 4

Good Lawyers Deserve a Good Summer Vacation

ShaMiracle Johnson

Stepping away from the practice of law to take a much needed vacation is a novel idea for many lawyers. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to carve out some “you time” or “family time” amidst working in a busy practice, attending court appearances and managing client expectations. Not only is it possible to do so, Susan Cartier Liebel, founder and CEO of Solo Practice Univer- sity, suggests that a vacation is essential to being a good lawyer: ART BY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/GOLERO When you are busy and exhausted sel expectations while you are out. First, clear [O]n vacations specifically, I think all the time, you never give your brain your calendar. Prior to leaving for vacation, one way to do it that’s very effective is a chance to turn off. Like a computer double check your calendar for scheduling to have perhaps one or two days during that is never shut down, our brains stop conflicts. If a conflict is present that cannot your vacation that you try to stay fo- working properly, and take too long to be rescheduled, find coverage. Pro Tip: be cused as much as possible on just the va- load. There is cognitive decline. What sure to provide your coverage counsel with cation. You may still need to check your results over time is insomnia, stress all the relevant information and documents email or if an emergency comes up, deal which can lead to depression, substance that are required for the meeting, deposi- with it, but try to take, again, one to two abuse and even worse.1 tion or hearing. Once you clear your calen- days—if say you’re taking a week vaca- dar, set communication boundaries. Advise tion—where you try to avoid work as Vacationing is good for your mental your staff and colleagues of your availability much as possible. But then on the other health, personal relationships and creativity. while you are out of the office. Identify mat- days, create windows of time when you Regardless of your practice area, summer- ters which may rise to a level of urgency that can devote some time to work issues.2 time affords a number of opportunities to would warrant your vacation being inter- take a traditional vacation or a local stayca- rupted. Last, similar to identifying cover- Carving out protected time affords you tion. Are you now eager to plan your next age counsel for calendar conflicts, identify an opportunity to focus on your vacation vacation? Before you finalize your plans, another attorney in your office or firm who and the individuals you are sharing it with. take a moment to review the practice point- can address urgent matters in your absence. It also makes the window of time that is de- ers below regarding balancing your work voted to work issues less daunting. Rosen- responsibilities prior to, during and after berg recommends dedicating either the your vacation. Relaxing in Paradise early morning before you engage in daily Once you make it to paradise, you should activities or the late evening, after you have take affirmative steps to unplug from your enjoyed your day, to answering emails or The Countdown legal life and enjoy your vacation. A prac- making that very important phone call. With any great vacation, there is an immense tical step to take is carving out protected amount of planning that occurs prior to ar- time that is spent solely on enjoying your riving at your intended destination. As a law- vacation. Jones Day Partner Lawrence D. Back to Reality yer, it is essential that prior to your vacation Rosenberg emphasized the importance Your vacation has come to an end. Hopeful- you establish and communicate with your of- of protected time in a 2015 ABA podcast. ly, you have had an opportunity to relax, re- fice your plan for managing client and coun- Rosenberg noted: SEE VACATION, PAGE 10 Volume 58, Issue 4 THE YLD REVIEW 7

They Deserve a Break: Impacting Our Veterans Through Pro Bono Representation

Kevin Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, Patrick who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his Many of us have become accustomed over brother in the field and serves, as he best the years to standing for the national an- them, thanking a soldier at the airport and can, the same cause. making donations to wounded soldier proj- —Abraham Lincoln ects. Despite these gestures, we as younger lawyers oftentimes wish to connect with a qualities, such as courage, loyalty and re- to provide the necessary guidance. He also veteran on an even more personal level. Pro spect. Most importantly, I learned the true described the importance of compassionate bono service is a meaningful way to forge a meaning of the naval motto: Non sibi, sed pa- family lawyers given the stressful nature of deeper bond with a member of our armed triae, which means not for self, but country. military service. forces. This article accordingly will focus on Officer Motes always had and still would put We have the unique ability to use our two aspects of pro bono service: personal his country above himself. respective talents to give back to those indi- reflections from a recent case; and, the uni- The representation of Officer Motes viduals that are willing to sacrifice their own versal nature of this type of work. teaches by extension all of us an impor- lives to protect our Constitution. Veterans Like so many veterans, Officer Motes tant lesson. Pro bono service transcends are not mere statistics, but rather they are made countless sacrifices to our country, all practice areas. Officer Motes explained very real people with legal needs. The words but he felt that he received a fair amount of that soldiers deployed to combat zones have of Atticus Finch in “To Kill A Mockingbird,” seemingly hollow gestures after returning questions about their wills; therefore, trust “You can’t understand someone until you’ve home. We initially met under challenging and estates attorneys would be a welcomed walked a mile in their shoes,” captures the circumstances in early July of 2016. He was asset before their actual deployment. When essence of pro bono representation. On hurt in an automobile collision. By serving these soldiers return home, they may decide behalf of all lawyers, we salute you, Offi- Officer Motes in a pro bono capacity in his to start a nonprofit company for a military cer Motes, and all of your fellow men and case, I witnessed first-hand his inherent case so a corporate attorney would be able women in the armed services. YLD

STATE BAR OF GEORGIA

PRO BONO We can help you do pro bono! • Law practice management support on pro bono issues RESOURCE CENTER • Professional liability insurance coverage • Free or reduced-cost CLE programs and webinars [email protected] • Web-based training and support for pro bono cases • Honor roll and pro bono incentives @ProBono_GA Visit www.gabar.org / www.GeorgiaAdvocates.org 8 THE YLD REVIEW Volume 58, Issue 4

Good Marketing Does Not Take a Vacation

Heather Riggs

A newsletter article about newsletter ar- ticles? So meta! Seriously though, the right newsletter can be a powerful way to con- nect with your existing and prospective cli- ents. So what do you do if you have a boring newsletter on your hands? We here at The YLD Review cannot relate, but I wanted to offer a few pointers nonetheless.

They Have to Read to Succeed Getting your clients to open your newsletter is the first step to a successful campaign, but ART BY ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SORBETTO it will fail to produce results if they are not engaged with its content. your content. A newsletter should help your tion. You need to have a strategy in place to The following will help you identify the law firm achieve its branding, marketing market your newsletter. Clients and pros- difference between a boring newsletter and and outreach goals, too. Over time, your pects may be unaware that you have a news- one that can generate greater visibility and newsletter positions your firm as an indus- letter if you do not invite them to subscribe revenue for your law firm. try leader while giving it a brand “voice” that to your mailing list, if you decide to send Newsletters are being used effectively becomes recognizable to your audience. your newsletter through traditional medi- by many businesses in today’s marketplace. Effective newsletters keep your audi- ums. Your website design should include an Many law firms, however, deliver market- ence up-to-date on industry changes, pro- option to sign-up for your newsletter while ing messages that are irrelevant or fail to motions within your practice and special giving site visitors information letting them engage their recipients. events. These goals may not translate into know what to expect when they receive it if Poor list segmentation, a lack of under- immediate sales, but they pave the way for you are going in an electronic distribution standing of their target audiences and other the relationships that result in new clients. direction. This is an effective way to gener- factors result in boring newsletters that can Your newsletter must be focused on the ate new leads for your legal practice. negatively impact your bottom line. client’s needs. Understanding your target The right newsletter keeps your audience Some law firms publish newsletters audience gives you the insight to deter- engaged while distinguishing your practice that focus on information that is of little or mine what questions need to be answered from its competitors. Giving your audience no interest to their audiences. This occurs in order to provide the solutions that your information that is relevant and useful is es- when those practices focus on themselves audience is looking for. You can also pro- sential to your newsletter’s success. more than on the specific needs of their pro- vide information that is indirectly related spective clients. Your newsletter should be to your legal services. The more you know useful, unique and have a sense of urgency your target audience, the easier it is to cre- To Mail or to Email that is addressed directly to the legal con- ate compelling content that builds trust and Your firm’s newsletter can be one of the best cerns of your target audience. credibility while enhancing its engagement. tools in your marketing toolbox. Newslet- ters serve many functions including lead generation, client education and the pro- It Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint Set Expectations motion of your legal services. A totally-not- Law firms must focus on the long-term re- A consistent publishing schedule helps re- boring-at-all newsletter can set your law wards of publishing a newsletter. A consis- cipients know when to expect to receive firm apart from its competitors and position tent newsletter helps your audience develop your newsletter. It keeps your law firm “top you as an industry leader. So how should the habit of receiving, opening and reading of mind” and helps with its brand recogni- you deliver your newsletter to your audi- Volume 58, Issue 4 THE YLD REVIEW 9

ence? Next, I will help you determine the to the recipient, which increases conversion benefits and drawbacks of print and email rates and engagement with your brand. newsletters so that you make the best choice The design of your electronic newslet- for your law firm’s marketing strategy. ter can be updated easily, which lets you optimize its look and usability over time. It can be integrated into other online assets in- The Power of Print cluding your website and social media pages. Despite living in a digital world, print Although there are many benefits, elec- newsletters still carry a lot of weight for law tronic emails can be easier to ignore. The firms looking to market their services. Print public is often inundated with emails from newsletters have historically been shown to friends, family, work and businesses trying achieve higher response rates when com- to get their attention. Deleting or unsub- pared to digital newsletters sent via email or scribing from your email newsletter can be join other distribution channels. A well-crafted, done with a simple click. This is the biggest relevant and useful print newsletter can drawback of electronic emails, and your law give your practice anywhere between a 3 to firm must keep this in mind when creating us 5 percent response rate. That sounds low, and distributing a digital newsletter. but for this medium it is excellent. In addition, print newsletters give recip- ients a physical product, which inherently Using Print and Digital Together has a greater perceived value. They can be When it comes to print and electronic transported and held onto over time, which newsletters, the good news is that you do increases the likelihood that your audience not have to choose just one. Both can be will actually read your content. used to target a specific group within your The biggest drawback of print newslet- target market based on your insight into ters is their cost. Printing and mailing news- their needs and preferences. Integrating letters adds to your marketing budget, so you both print and electronic newsletters into will have to weigh the higher cost against your marketing strategy leads to better the potential for higher response rates. results, improves brand recognition and makes marketing spending more efficient. Done correctly, print and electronic theyldreview.com The Ease of Electronic newsletters can each supplement the other, Email newsletters have almost become the creating a more integrated experience for norm in online marketing. Most law firms your target audience. Your law firm can of- facebook.com/ offer some way for existing and prospective fer exclusive content within each format in GeorgiaYLD clients to receive ongoing correspondence order to compel electronic newsletter re- related to the services they provide. Email cipients to sign up for your print newsletter @GeorgiaYLD newsletters are an easier and more inexpen- and vice versa. sive way to nurture prospects and provide If you choose to just use one format, you greater value to your target market. This al- will need to consider your budget along with flickr.com/ lows law firms to send newsletters frequent- the resources required to produce each. De- yld ly without any significant increases in cost. signers, printers, copywriters and other key Email newsletters can also be sent ac- team members will be needed at different cording to your audience segmentation. levels with both print and digital newsletters. georgiayld This means that your newsletter can be cus- You can always find The YLD Review in tomized to each recipient based on a number both printed and electronic form. And do of factors including: legal needs, purchase not forget about our brand new blog, www. history, occupation or industry, and loca- theyldreview.com, which you can use to www.gabar.org tion. This results in content that is tailored catch up in between issues. YLD 10 THE YLD REVIEW Volume 58, Issue 4

SMARTWATCH, FROM PAGE 3 SUMMERTIME, FROM PAGE 3 VACATION, FROM PAGE 6 right away. I would be distracted in meet- Similar to attending a unique CLE, Geor- late and release before your highly anticipat- ings because a text message would come gia summers abound with legal open houses, ed return to the office. Since you have been through that I felt I needed to answer. I firm anniversaries and summer networking out of the office, there are likely a number was stressed when I would get a notifica- socials. Attend one, or all! Attending such of people who are awaiting a response from tion from my watch while I was driving and events allows you to connect with your col- you to matters that arose during your time I could not look to see who it was from; I leagues in a more social setting, meet new away. Upon your return to work, set up a would feel bad because I could not get back colleagues to add to your circle of influ- plan for tackling your inbox and returning to that person right then and there. ence, and celebrate the accomplishments of phone calls. Once you have tamed your in- That is when I decided to do a little ex- Georgia lawyers and firms. Frankly, Geor- box and settled in, pull out your globe and periment. I decided not to wear my smart- gia evenings were made for socializing with start planning your next vacation. YLD watch for a few days, just to see how I felt. colleagues and friends on the rooftop of the Every morning my smartwatch would be Glenn Hotel. If your event is near the State sitting there, just waiting for me to put it Bar, remember you can always park in the Endnotes on, but instead, I would reach for my good garage free of charge as a member benefit. 1. Susan Cartier Liebel, Vacations Or ole’ analog watch. I have to say it was weird Last, remember that the summer (well Staycations, You Need Them In Order To Be at first because I still felt little phantom hap- any season) is a great time to give back to Truly Productive (March 8, 2016), http:// tic vibrations, even though they were not others. Become a volunteer. Break up your abovethelaw.com/2016/03/vacations-or- happening. It was almost as if my brain had normal routine by doing some good for staycations-you-need-them-in-order-to- become addicted to them, and I found that someone else. There are a number of legal be-truly-productive/?rf=1. even when they were not actually happen- programs through the State Bar and your 2. Stephanie Francis Ward, How can lawyers ing, it would make me anxious and stressed. local bar associations that are in need of maximize relaxation while on vacation? A few weeks after I started my experi- great volunteers. Making a difference in the (podcast with transcript) (July 6, 2015), ment, I was talking with a friend and fel- lives of others may be exactly what you need http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/ low technology enthusiast who sheepishly to make a difference in your own life. We podcast_monthly_episode_64. confessed that she was going to sell her own hope that you enjoy your summer and dare smartwatch. I was shocked because she had to do something new, exciting, rewarding been even more excited to have one than and different. YLD I was. When I asked for her reasons, she echoed my own sentiments; she found that it was too stressful to have it on. She was feeling the same way I was. Every time an email, text or other notification would come through THANK YOU TO OUR 2016-17 SPONSORS and she could not answer it, she would feel guilty. The more I thought about it, the more DIAMOND LEVEL SILVER LEVEL BRONZE LEVEL I realized she was on to something. I felt too connected, too anxious and too guilty when I could not answer an email or a text message right away. That is when I decided I had to break up with my smart- watch. It was a decision I never dreamed I would have to make, but for my health and sanity, it had to be done. I have been without my formerly be- STATE BAR OF GEORGIA loved, beautiful watch for almost a month, FRIEND OF THE YLD CORPORATE SPONSORS and my stress and anxiety levels are definitely 5 Gavel lower. I feel freer and I do not have the guilt Ron Daniels of not answering an alert right away any- Bert Hummel more. With today’s technology, it is easy to 2 Gavel rely too much on devices like smartwatches. That was true for me, which is why I broke up with mine. We were once very happy to- gether, but alas I realized it was a bad rela- tionship that was not good for me. YLD Volume 58, Issue 4 THE YLD REVIEW 11

Join your colleagues, return to law school and Law School dedicate a half day of your time this August to 2017 Orientations participate in the 25th anniversary of this annual orientation program. We Need You! Orientation Schedule All times are tentative and subject to change)

Tuesday, Aug. 8 3:10 - 5:35 p.m. | Georgia State University College of Law Friday, Aug. 11 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Mercer University School of Law 2:20 - 5 p.m. | University of Georgia School of Law Saturday, Aug. 12 9:40 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School 10:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Savannah Law School Thursday, Aug. 17 1 - 4 p.m. | Emory University School of Law* *Please sign up directly with Emory at law.emory.edu/professionalism

CLE credit is available. For more information and to register, please visit www.gabar.org.

Sponsored by the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism and the Professionalism Committee of the State Bar of Georgia

www.lawyerslivingwell.org

The State Bar of Georgia has made lawyer wellness a priority this year. In addition to CLEs and other activities related to wellness, we’ve launched lawyerslivingwell.org. Visit the new site to view articles and resources related to wellness, and learn more about State Bar programs that help lawyers in their lives and practices. Be sure to check out the wellness partners and get discounts on gym memberships, fitness classes and more.

Learn more by visiting www.lawyerslivingwell.org YER LAW S D ShaMiracle Johnson, Editor Presorted G IV N I U S

O IO

Y N

th Heather Riggs, Editor

Standard Mail

70 The YLD Review

US Postage Paid

Anniversary S 1947-2017 T IA A G 104 Marietta St. NW, Suite 100 T R E B O Atlanta, GA AR OF GE Atlanta, GA 30303 Permit No. 1447

2017 YLD SUMMER MEETING Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin | Austin, Texas | Aug. 3-6