If 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic has given us anything, it is the ability to survive absolute chaos. We were all forced to take a hard look at the specific things that matter and really move our priorities to the forefront personally and professionally. Below are the top five things that helped me keep on task while working remotely and that I kept utilizing once we returned to the office.
#1 Create a Customizable List
Create a list that is easily customizable. I have found that the best way to make a list is through an electronic app that is available to access on any device. During my workday I may utilize a laptop computer, desktop computer, iPhone, and iPad to go about my daily work. I researched apps that provided a checklist I could create and maintain over all of my devices, that was compatible between Windows and iOS, and picked the one that had the features I needed. The app I chose does everything I want it to do on the free version, but if you are super tech savvy you can opt-in to a paid version with even more features such as integration with your email provider.
#2 Evaluate Court Deadlines
As a litigation paralegal, the first thing I look for are Court ordered deadlines when I’m creating my customized task list. Almost everything that is filed with the Court or served in discovery has a deadline either ordered by the Court or set out in the Rules of Civil Procedure. I have each of these deadlines calendared on their due date, along with a reminder at least one week ahead of time. I focus on these deadlines at the onset of my day to make sure they are completed to the best of my ability by end of business that day.
#3 Address Internal Deadlines
Internal deadlines can look different to each person, but for me these would include deadlines my attorney has given me for completion of certain tasks. Most often these tasks include when my attorney wants to see a first draft of a document. It is important to make these internal deadlines as most often the attorney then sends a final draft to the next person (client or partner) for review and approval before being sent to opposing counsel or filing with the Court.
#4 Communicate with Attorney
It is very important when prioritizing tasks to communicate with the attorney directing you to do the task. We have all ran into a situation in which Attorney #1 and Attorney #2 both have assigned a task that takes priority over everything. Personally, I would resort to #2 and #3 above and determine what takes priority and then communicate the same to Attorney #1 and Attorney #2. If each attorney still says theirs takes priority, politely ask Attorneys #1 and #2 to discuss it amongst themselves and determine which task they would like you to complete first.
#5 Calculate Time
If you have a task that has neither a Court deadline nor an internal deadline, you only have 30 minutes left to your day, and the next task on your list will take an hour to complete, you are in a good position to move your tasks around (remember that customizable list that you can access from anywhere on any device that you made you made at #1 above?) to find one that will take you less time. Alternatively, if you have one large task, see if you can break it down into multiple, smaller tasks that will ultimately help you complete the large task.
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