Every great team walks onto the field with a gameplan, and that includes legal teams. For attorneys at modern law firms, that gameplan may look a little different than the traditional methods. Although legal knowledge is necessary to being a good attorney, success really comes from having a strategy, sticking to routines, and knowing when to call an audible.
If we take it one step further to the modern law firm model, the ability to be fully prepared while simultaneously knowing the unexpected could happen is essential in the playbook of an entrepreneurial attorney. These are the lawyers that embrace a business-like mindset when it comes to the evolution of their legal practice. That type of growth requires the need to design a workday that maximizes focus and productivity.
Here’s a gameday-inspired playbook to help you create a winning workday… and ways to adapt quickly.
1. Kickoff: Start Strong with a Morning Routine
Just like the opening whistle sets the tone for the game, your morning routine determines how you’ll perform throughout the day. Without the commute that once separated home from office, many attorneys find themselves jumping straight into emails or client calls before they’ve had a chance to reset.
Instead, treat that time gained from not commuting as your pregame warmup – do something that energizes you for the day ahead. That could mean a walk around the neighborhood, time with your kids before school, a quiet coffee ritual, or focusing on admin tasks before getting into the nitty gritty of it all. The goal is the same: to mentally step onto the field with energy and clarity.
For many of our attorneys, that kickoff doesn’t happen the same way every day, and that’s why a modern law firm model works for them:
“I am one of the least routine-oriented people you have ever met. The flexibility provided by working here is superb for people like me, but I don’t have a set “routine” in the way most people would use that word. Instead, I bookend my week with fewer critical meetings Mondays and Fridays and try to do all of my “administration” work before 10:00 a.m.-ish. Rather than a workday gameplan, I have a work week flow that allows me to maximize my efficiency and focus while leaving room for adaptability as legal matters arise.”
Andy’s approach reminds us that not every play has to follow a strict formation. Some attorneys thrive with a structured daily gameplan, while others prefer a more fluid strategy, adjusting to the week’s challenges like a quarterback reading the defense. What matters most is stepping onto the field ready to execute your version of the game, whether that’s a well-rehearsed play or an adaptable drive toward the goal line.
2. Halftime Strategy: Reassess Priorities
In football, no game ever goes exactly as planned. Adjustments are made at halftime — and your workday deserves the same flexibility.
Entrepreneurial attorneys thrive when they’re agile. Midday is the perfect time to pause, check the scoreboard, and realign priorities. Maybe a client matter needs urgent attention. Maybe a negotiation timeline shifted. By scheduling a few minutes to reassess, you’ll keep control of the game rather than letting it run you.
3. Set the Field: Optimize Your Workspace
Teams tend to perform better on home field. The same goes for your workspace. Attorneys in the modern law firm model have the freedom to choose where and how they work — but that freedom is most effective when paired with structure.
Give yourself the homefield advantage by asking:
- Does your setup help you focus?
- How can you minimize distractions?
- Where can you improve your setup to support your long-term health?
Small changes like better lighting, an ergonomic chair, or scheduled office-sharing days with colleagues can dramatically improve your performance. Think of it as setting the field so you can play at your best.
4. Power Moves: Build Movement into Your Day
Football is a game of constant motion; incorporating this concept into your workday gameplan can have tremendous benefits. Sitting for hours on end can drain your focus and productivity. Adding short movement breaks is like calling the right play at the right moment: it keeps your energy high and your mind sharp.
That doesn’t mean carving out a full hour for the gym every day. It might be a 20-minute walk, stretching between calls, or standing during a client meeting. These “power moves” help you reset, recharge, and approach complex legal challenges with fresh perspective.
For Practus partner, Andrea Shaw, that means time outdoors with her favorite equine companion:
“My power move is being able to see my horse during lunch break. When you live in Maine, it’s life changing to be able to get your horse time at noon in January while it’s sunny and the day is at its warmest rather than having to ride in the dark and cold at 7pm. Once I get my horse-fix, I’m ready for my west coast clients for the rest of the afternoon!”
That mid-day reset is a perfect example of calling the right play. In the modern law firm model, attorneys often work across time zones; designing a gameplan that splits the day into strategic quarters can help you stay energized. It’s the kind of balanced offense that keeps you moving the ball down the field toward a productive finish in the end zone.
5. Victory Lap: Unplug and Recharge
No matter how intense the game, every athlete needs recovery time. Attorneys do too.
Ending the day with a deliberate routine like cooking dinner, reading, or simply stepping away from screens helps you recharge and return stronger tomorrow. This isn’t wasted time; it’s essential to long-term performance.
The Final Score
A productive day doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of intentional actions, smart adjustments, and a clear playbook. For entrepreneurial attorneys, building a workday gameplan means creating a system that supports your career, your clients, and your life outside of law instead of just getting through a list of tasks.
So, the next time you step onto the field of your workday, remember: kickoff strong, adjust at halftime, set the field, make your power moves, and take your victory lap. That’s how entrepreneurial attorneys turn daily routines into long-term wins.
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