Time management for attorneys is one of the most valuable, and limited, resources for lawyers. Between client meetings, urgent cases, endless emails, and constant interruptions, it often feels impossible to carve out time for all your work, let alone strategic growth or personal life. Without control over your schedule, your law practice can quickly become overwhelming and unsustainable.
But here’s the truth: effective time management isn’t about squeezing more into your day—it’s about working smarter, setting boundaries, and focusing on what truly matters.
The Hidden Costs of Poor Time Management
Many attorneys operate in a reactive mode, constantly responding to urgent demands instead of proactively structuring their time. The consequences?
- Lost Revenue: Procrastination, inefficient processes, and distractions can cost thousands in lost billable hours.
- Burnout & Stress: An unmanaged schedule leads to exhaustion, making it harder to serve clients effectively.
- Stalled Growth: Without time for strategy, delegation, and professional development, law firm growth plateaus.
How One Attorney Took Back His Time—Without Sacrificing Profitability
For years, family law attorney Ed Kainen put in long hours, believing that working harder was the only path to success. But as his practice grew, so did the demands on his time—until he realized his work was controlling him.
The turning point? He took control of his schedule, empowered his team, and optimized his firm’s efficiency. The result? He now takes take 175 days off per year—all while maintaining a thriving, profitable practice.
Kainen’s story proves that with the right time management strategies, attorneys can build a successful practice without burning out.
Proven Time Management Strategies for Attorneys
Whether you’re a solo practitioner or leading a law firm, here are some proven strategies to take back control of your schedule:
- Protect Your Time Blocks – Set non-negotiable periods for deep work, client matters, and personal time. If you don’t guard your time, someone else will claim it.
- Eliminate Meeting Overload – Structure strategic meeting cadences to avoid wasted hours in unnecessary discussions.
- Master Delegation – Identify tasks that others can handle so you can focus on high-value work.
- Overcome Procrastination – Legal procrastination isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a revenue killer. Understanding its triggers and implementing accountability structures is key.
- Differentiate Between Time & Focus Management – Time management helps you be efficient, but focus management ensures you’re working on what generates real value.
Take Control of Your Time — Download Our Free Time Management Webinar
If you’re ready to regain control of your time and build a more productive, balanced practice, download our: “Protecting Your Time in a Demanding Law Practice.”
In this session, we covered:
- How to structure your schedule for maximum efficiency
- Tools to guard your time against constant interruptions
- The best way to handle pushback from clients and colleagues
- Strategies to reduce burnout while growing your practice
Your time is too valuable to waste. Don’t let your schedule control you—take charge today.
