Frequently Asked Questions
Can participants get MCLE credit for attending your in-house seminars?
Most states with mandatory continuing legal education requirements do allow CLE credit for in-house programs on time management for lawyers; see the section on MCLE Information for more details.
Can participants get MCLE credit for attending your public seminars?
Information about MCLE credit for Spencer Consulting's public programs is available on the sponsors' websites; see the section on Upcoming Seminars for links.
Do you work with individuals to help them with their time management skills?
Yes. Usually these one-on-one consulting sessions take place in conjunction with a seminar sponsored by the individual's organization, but stand-alone consulting is also available.
How long are your programs?
Occasionally an in-house seminar will be only sixty minutes long, but most run for ninety minutes to two hours. Occasionally a program will run two-and-a-half or three hours in length. Two-hour programs usually run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., or take place at a luncheon program. Three-hour programs usually run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. and include two ten-minute breaks.
What topics are covered in your programs?
Whatever topics the customizing process reveals to be of greatest concern to the sponsoring organization and the participants.
Are your seminars interactive?
Whenever the sponsor desires and the length of the program permits, the seminar includes hands-on written exercises done by participants individually as well as discussions among participants regarding various topics. Participants are always encouraged to ask questions both at the seminar and afterwards via e-mail.
What is the optimal number of participants for a program?
In order to encourage active participation in the various discussions, the optimal number of participants is from twenty to twenty-five. If interactivity is not a priority for the sponsor, the only limitation on the number of participants is the size of the facility available for the seminar.
Is it better to have an in-house program for lawyers at the same experience level even if they specialize in different practice areas, or is it better to have a program for an entire practice group of lawyers at a variety of experience levels?
Neither is inherently better; there are benefits to both alternatives. A program for same-level attorneys can focus on techniques and concerns specific to that level, while a program for an entire practice group can help the participants address specific organizational and time management issues facing the practice group as a whole.
Is it better to have a time management program for new associates as part of their initial orientation so they can get started on the right foot, or is it better to wait a few months until they are more used to working in a law firm environment?
There's no clear right or wrong answer to this question. Some new associates will be able to put some techniques to work immediately to help them hit the ground running, while others will need to settle into their new work environment before they can see how various techniques fit in their daily routine. Some law firms deal with this issue by including a basic time management program as part of the initial orientation, then offering a more advanced program after two or three years.
Do you do programs specifically for paralegals, legal assistants, or non-lawyer staff members?
Yes, programs can be customized for any group of legal professionals.
Do you provide seminars for off-site firm retreats?
Yes, off-site retreats are an excellent opportunity for participants to focus on the program during the day, and then enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation after hours.
Do you have references?
Yes, I will be happy to provide a list of references (please note that these are in addition to the letters in the Testimonials section); please e-mail me at MegSpencerDixon@TimeManagementForLawyers.com.
What are your fees?
I will be happy to provide my fee schedule, as well as answer any other questions; please e-mail me at MegSpencerDixon@TimeManagementForLawyers.com.