Managing Caseload

As your workload increases, deadlines will start to overlap.

It is not fun, but most often: it will be doable.

How do I manage?

I constantly check the calendar.

This is part of my closing ritual--what's coming up tomorrow, the next day, into next week.

It is part of my opening ritual--confirming what's due today, tomorrow, and around the corner.

I rely on my firm's docketing system--but I confirm and verify those calendar notices, creating my own as needed, especially when there is a lag between an order coming down and docketing going through.

On my perpetual to-do list and timesheet, I write the deadline next to time-sensitive tasks, so I keep the priority top of mind.

I have a master case chart (see attached). I review it weekly--and more often if I'm really anxious about the deadlines.

The quickest way to distinguish yourself as an associate is owning deadlines.

This shows that you are organized and have an eye on the details.

This allows you to then keep matters pushing forward.

A lot of a legal practice is project management.

Owning, tracking, meeting (or beating) deadlines is a substantive way to add value and excel.

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