Is this what finally ends the billable hour?

Plus: Courthouse dogs | Insert holiday greeting here

As we sprint toward the year's end, this issue brings you a mix of the practical, the insightful and the delightfully absurd.

We’ve got your firm’s essential end-of-year tax checklist (because nothing says “holiday cheer” like reconciling your IOLTA account), a new survey revealing what the next generation of leaders actually wants from AI, a podcast where a fake judge adjudicates petty grievances with far more enthusiasm than most real courts and some smart marketing advice to help your firm avoid making another generic “Happy Holidays” post.

But first, the Wall Street Journal thinks AI will be what finally kills the billable hour.

Woof!
Does your courthouse have an official dog? Over 300 do. (Above, photo courtesy Courthouse Dogs)

Is this why divorce rates are dropping?
“Quiet-quitting” was just a work trend. Now people are doing it at home.

Behind-the-scenes at SCOTUS.
Bloomberg’s new documentary, Supreme Advocacy: What It Takes to Argue at the Supreme Court, is a fascinating look behind the curtain.

Celebrities, they're just like us.
Country singer Kellie Pickler has been fighting her deceased husband’s parents in probate court for over a year.

“You serious, Clark?”
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a holiday classic, but according to Attorney Devin Stone, aka LegalEagle, the Griswalds are nothing more than a bunch of criminals. He breaks down all the crimes committed in the movie on YouTube.

Closing the books on 2025

This article is a timely reminder that there are a few key things law firm owners should do before December 31 in order to minimize taxes, avoid missed deductions and attempt to avoid the attention of auditors.

Because it was written specifically for law firm owners, it covers things like reconciling IOLTA accounts and the benefits of pre-paying bar dues.

Why this matters: Just because you are good at practicing law does not mean you are good at running a practice. This end-of-the-year tax cheat-sheet can help ensure you are ready for April. Or give you some ideas for systems to set up in the new year so you aren’t scrambling next December. (Prestige Accounting & Consulting)

Generic AI? Hard pass.

Google Workplace just released its latest “Young Leaders” survey (done by The Harris Poll, which collected answers from 1,000 U.S.-based knowledge workers ages 22 to 39 years old who currently have, or aspire to hold, a leadership position at work) and the results reveal a strong preference for more personalized AI.

“The research revealed that 92% of young leaders want AI with personalization. This means that any output generated by AI is tailored to user preferences, such as an individual's writing style or an organization's brand guidelines, as well as contextually relevant information, like content from email correspondence, planning documents, meeting notes, and more.”

The survey found that 85% of respondents are confident in their ability to personalize their AI systems and 77% already describe themselves as ‘active designers’ of their AI workflows.

More statistics include 72% have used AI to answer a question they were hesitant to ask a colleague or manager and 71% have received advice for important professional conversations.

Why this matters: Incorporating these insights into your firm can help you better manage the next generation and figure out which tech products to invest in. Going forward, you may want to ask your employees some of the same questions asked in this survey. (Inc.)

He’s not a judge, but he plays one on a podcast

Judge John Hodgman, Certified Judge, isn’t a “real” judge, but he does a good job impersonating one on his popular podcast. The premise of the show is simple: listeners submit their minor, petty disputes for consideration and the judge resolves them. The humor and beauty in it is the way Hodgman pulls information out of people and gets them to look at the bigger picture.

Why this matters: This is a fun listen, but it’s also a learning opportunity. Hodgman is good at getting people to share their stories and accept his “verdicts.” These are skills that all of us can take into client meetings or bring to the negotiating table. (The Judge John Hodgman podcast)

[Insert generic holiday greeting here]

Your firm’s reputation is built on trust, professionalism and a general sense that you have your clients' back. It’s important that any holiday marketing you do reinforces that message. A bland greeting that you could paste any firm logo on is a missed opportunity.

Lauren Forbes from Legal Internet Solutions Incorporated suggests the best way to do this is to craft a message that humanizes your firm by sharing a story about your firm’s milestones, client successes (where permitted), community involvement/volunteer work or holiday traditions. The article includes some examples and prompts to help you brainstorm post ideas.

Why this matters: Spending time and resources on content that adds no real value is far too common. Holiday messages should be part of a strategic marketing plan rather than just a “box-checking” exercise. (Legal Internet Solutions Inc.)

You're all caught up!

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Raise the Bar is written and curated by Emily Kelchen and edited by Bianca Prieto.