Let’s face it: Sometimes, PJs are more appealing than the office. Thousands of attorneys across the country are able to successfully manage their firms working from home. If you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge and working a day or two from the comfort of your own couch, you should be advised that it’s not always a cakewalk.

Some attorneys have difficulty keeping focused when outside of the office. Before you begin working from home, you should follow some simple tips to keep yourself organized and efficient.

Tip #1: Set up a designated place to work away from the firm.

Odds are, if you grab your laptop and start preparing for upcoming hearings from the comfort of your own bed as soon as you wake up, you will most likely not be as productive as you would be in the office.

To keep yourself on track at home, you should set up a designated area to work from home. This could be a desk or even a specific chair in your dining room. It should not be a spot where you often relax, such as on your favorite recliner. If you review upcoming hearings or organize your cases in a spot where you usually lounge, you may be too temped to take frequent breaks instead of actually working.

Tip #2: Have a schedule.

If you set your alarm with a goal to work in mind, you will create a schedule and mindset of “it’s time to work.” Working here and there can be very challenging, especially if you’re working from home. Without set hours, you may be tempted to do the dishes, walk the dog, or other chores. Before you know it, an hour has gone by and you haven’t done anything!

Some ways to create a schedule are to work around times at which you know you have non-negotiable obligations, such as hearings. If you are representing a Social Security disability claimant at 1:00 PM, consider working for two hours before the trial, and two hours afterward.

Tip #3: Keep connected with the office.

You won’t be in the office, but you want your paralegals and intake staff to know that you’re available as a resource for advice on whether or not to take a client, which cases have priority over others, or other instruction.

There are many ways you can stay connected with your team. You can send frequent emails about case updates, you can schedule conference calls or Skype sessions, or you could send messages to your colleagues through client management software like eLuminate.

Tip #4: Take breaks!

Studies performed by the scientific journal Cognition show that taking even the briefest break throughout the day can keep you more focused overall. Be sure to pause to take a moment to stretch your legs and get away from your computer screen or case paperwork at least once an hour.

Tip #5: Disconnect from electronic distractions.

You don’t live on your phone while in court, do you? Not many attorneys’ desks also have DVRs with your favorite show recorded. Keep the same habits of staying away from distracting screens when you’re working from home. This will allow you to focus on your clients and cases, not the hottest gossip on Facebook.

Managing your cases from home is not for every attorney or advocate, but many find it a great way to focus, save time on commuting, and “hunkering down” to accomplish a lot of work and prepare for hearings. When you work from home with the right mindset, you can accomplish a lot! Even in your PJs.