The Agile Attorney Podcast

082. The Best Way to Word Your Checklists

Aug 12, 2025
Discover how to improve law practice efficiency by transforming traditional checklists into 'done lists' that clarify quality standards. Learn about essential frameworks like 'definition of done' and 'definition of ready' to ensure projects meet high standards. The power of phrasing tasks in past tense fosters accountability and a sense of accomplishment. Plus, get a sneak peek into an innovative tool, Greenline Legal, designed to enhance legal workflows and simplify project management.
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ADVICE

Phrase Checklists As Quality Standards

  • Write process standards as quality checks, not recipe steps.
  • Phrase checklist items in past tense so a checkmark means the work is truly complete.
INSIGHT

Define Done And Ready Explicitly

  • Use a definition of done to list all criteria required for completion.
  • Use a definition of ready to ensure work only starts when information and tools are available.
ADVICE

Avoid Starting Work Too Early

  • Prevent rework by delaying start until a task is ready with all inputs.
  • Treat the definition of ready as a stage gate to keep work flowing in one continuous pass.
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