I recently stumbled across this blog post about “white binders” – a binder of information that will guide your loved ones in the event that you die or are incapacitated. And it struck me that a law firm needs a white binder as well.
Think about it – if you die or are unable to work, would an outsider know where to find:
- usernames and passwords for programs and online resources?
- FTP information for your websites?
- Locations of client files?
- Banking information?
- Copies of your malpractice policy?
- Names and phone numbers of judges, court personnel and opposing counsel with whom you would need to communicate?
- Copies of keys to the office, file cabinets, etc.?
- Leasing agreements for copiers, phone systems, computers, and other hardware?
- Access codes for voicemail and other coded information?
Your malpractice policy may demand that you have this information in a centralized location, but people who may need to step into your shoes (or wind up your affairs) will need and appreciate it. Remember that people don’t think clearly in the wake of a tragedy or catastrophe – if you give them the information needed to move things forward, you will save them a lot of headache later on.
