Preparing my Briefcase

I inevitably get to court or a meeting missing something out of my briefcase. Usually it's something minor, like I forgot to pack business cards. Today I spent a few minutes pre-packing my briefcase and making a list of what needs to be in there.

Always keep in my briefcase:

• Yellow note pad
  
• Pens & pencils
  
• Paper clips
  
• Binder clips labeled "urgent" "to-do" and "file"
  
• Business cards
  
• This list
  
• Post-it notes
  

Add to my briefcase

• Calendar
  
• Blackberry
  
• Wallet (unless I am taking my purse separately)
  
• Lipstick
  
• Client files or documents I will need that day
  

And when I get home:

• Empty my briefcase, re-fill the "always keep", and put it away.
  
• Enter new business cards into address book
  
• Look @ my calendar, update case management software, and put calendar away
  
• Follow-up with new client information and to-dos