Would you like to save time while typing out routine emails? For phrases or sentences that are used frequently, use a shortcut:

1.  Open a new email.
2.  Go to Tools/AutoCorrect Options.
3.  Click on the AutoCorrect tab at the top.
4.  In the "Replace" box, type your shortcut name (example, "tyf").
5.  in the "With" box, type your phrase (example, "Thank you for allowing Legally Large to serve you!").
6.  Click OK.
7.  In the body of the email, type the shortcut name, then Enter (example, "tyf/enter").
8.  The phrase will appear!

This tip can also be used in Word and WordPerfect. This is ideal for short sentences; anything longer than that will need a macro. And I'll send out a tip on that next week!

End of Year Clean-Up
For Administrators...

For most of us, December is a slower time of the year (thank goodness, right?).  Take advantage of the extra time and clean up a few things. A few suggestions:

1.  Go through the attorney's CLE files and ensure that all classes were reported to the State Bar of Texas.

2.  Make files for 2007 (don't wait until you need them and then rush to do it).

3.  Clean out old administrative files and send to storage (2005 & previous billing/timekeeping, payables/receivables, etc.)

4.  Review the year's cases and close out any files you can. Catch up on all the filing, cull through the file and get rid of all those extra copies and unneeded drafts, ensure that all bills were paid and there are no outstanding expenses. Prepare the file for the attorney's review (and after review is complete), and archiving.

Resource for Texas Supreme Court Opinions
For Attorneys...

If you're looking for an excellent summarization of the latest Texas Supreme Court opinions, go to The Weber Report, a compilation written by Andrew Weber. He served as Clerk of the Supreme Court from 2002-06. I met him when he was presenting CLE based on his experience in his various capacities at the Court. Not only was he informative, but he was also entertaining.

In the following weeks (and with his permission), I'll share some of the tips he graciously gave to the group.