A great tool to organize multi-step projects – MindManager

 

Almost every project you are going to work on involves multiple steps.  The better you can organize and manage these multi-step projects, the more efficient and effective you will be.  In this post, I want to share a very cool program I've been using for a number of years.

When I was practicing law, I used to work with a partner who organized all of his cases on one MS Word document.  Whether it was a client opinion letter or a huge litigation, each project had one document and he would go through and write all of the steps on a different line.  Once each step/task was completed, he would write a small "x" to the right of the task.

All of us who worked with this partner considered ourselves very fortunate to have the luxury of working with a partner who actually had a document that contained all of the steps.  Unlike working with other litigation partners--many who simply had the entire litigation process in their head and didn't feel the need to reduce it to paper--the benefit of having a map of the case on a single document was tremendously helpful.

This was in 2003, and technology has come a long way since.

Over the past few years, I have been relying heavily on a fantastic software program called MindManager (made by MindJet), which allows you to "map" (similar to the process of diagramming/branching) multi-step projects onto a very user-friendly software program.  (If you're interested in this type of thing, check out www.mindjet.com).

It allows you to modify and change these maps in so many ways that make it easy to "see" what most people try to store in their heads.  The process of mind mapping is becoming extremely popular because it engages both the analytical side and visual side of the brain.  It's hard to explain, but if you try it, you will quickly understand how it adds a completely new dimension to the way you view your projects.  I have tried many project management software programs, and MindJet is liberating in a way I have never experienced.  It

Had the partner I worked with a few years ago used something like this, our dinky case management documents would have been taken to a whole new level.  We would have been able to collaborate, highlight, add tasks, color code, delegate more easily, and have fun with a whole bunch of other features.

But it goes much beyond organizing multi-step projects.  You can also use it to brainstorm, give presentations, manage your to-do list in a visual manner, and simploy "dump" everything that is lingering in your head that you need to get down on paper.

Since I am no longer working in a law firm, I don't know if this type of software has yet caught on.  But it's only a matter of time before it does because it makes complex, multi-step projects much more manageable.  For lawyers that spend much of their days managing multi-step projects, this could truly be a lifesaver if you are the type of person who likes to see everything laid out in front of you.

I have only used MIndManager and recently learned that they have a number of other programs (such as online collaboration tools, which could be good for multi-office collaboration), which I hope to try soon.  But if this intrigues you, check it out - they have free trial downloads.

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

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In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.