Wonderful wikis

I'm preparing to open my new firm in October, pending favorable bar results (I'm sure they'll be fine). One of the things I'm working on is arranging for website development, including hosting, design, and maintenance. There's a lot of the technology stuff about website design and hosting, that I already know. Although I'm not going to design the site myself, I plan to implement and maintain a variety of other elements.

One of the items I'm implementing is a firm Wiki. If you're not sure what this is, then check out Wikipedia. As the original purveyor of the Wiki system, Wikipedia has developed the largest online encyclopedia devoted to user generated/edited content (look here for a review).

The concept of the Wiki is that users create and modify content for a particular purpose. I've been implementing this concept into my firm's website to develop an online depository for firm policies, procedures, and other commonly done tasks. The idea is that when I hire on new associates or assistants, we can start off in a cohesive manner, and be able to understand each other and our expectations.

More importantly, I hope that a firm Wiki will enable everyone to develop a relationship of trust and enable our firm to excel at client service.

I remember clearly walking into my current firm as a 1st year law student, being assigned a task, and then having no clue of what to do, or what was expected of me. Within the Wiki, I'm developing a "How To" list of tasks I've done, and obviously directions on how to complete those things. There are simple items, like how to file a case at the courthouse, to more complex things like how to conduct a title search. The lists include particular documents, links, and other items that are important to accomplishing the task. My goal with this is that new members of the firm will not have the anxiety I did when asked to complete the job, and hopefully be more productive and effective.

Moreover, I hope my Wiki will enable me to grow and develop. I believe that the solo or small firm practitioner needs a variety of keys to help. This is especially important when you're completing a task that is highly unique or specialized, and may only occur once in the proverbial blue moon. A step-by-step guide will enable me to retain competence in a particular matter, while focusing on more lucrative or frequently occurring issues.

If you're a solo, and you'd like access to my Wiki, email me or post a comment. Remember, there are some Oklahoma-specific issues, but there are some general tasks too. If you have a "how to" list you'd like to share, let me know also.

Law technology

An article in today's ABA Journal talks about how slowly some attorneys are to adopt technology.

To those who change the world

An article appears discussing the efforts of Ms. Clara Luper. I can't y that I will ever be able to understand what these individuals, and today's African Americans ever face. I just hope that in somme way, I'm part of the solution.

You can find the article here.

The importance of backups

I came into the office this morning to discover that our main data server has a corrupt array. In layman's terms, this is VERY bad. This means that potentially, we've lost all our data. I was able to fix the problem (an issue with Windows Server 2k and the HDD), but this got me worried about the vulnerability of our data systems, and the effectiveness of our backups.

It is my standard practice to perform daily backups of the data onto an external, password encrypted drive, and a 2nd blank HDD. I also run periodic restores a 3rd HDD. However, I noticed today that although the restore file matches the material in the backup, the arrangement is different (additional folders/subfolders). This is an error caused when the backup was created, but would cause a stressful headache if we ever had to utilize this file system. This is an example of why continually checking your restore files is highly important.

Congratulations. You're a genius

There's a nifty little gizmo out in cyberspace that "scientifically" gives you the education level required for a website. If you're reading this, consider yourself lucky, you're a genius.





I will attempt to continue stimulating your intellect.

Highly (un)ethical

I'm not the ethics counsel of the Bar Association, but I'd have a difficult time justifying this mess. There's little wonder why lawyers are seen as deceptive.

Check out this article.

Bar Exam is finished

The Bar Exam is complete. I'll be posting more regularly now that I'm not forsaking everything else.

God speed & good luck

I'm an Eagle Scout, and even I wouldn't be prepared for the mass chaos in parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, and the midwest. I hope those of you affected will remain vigilant and protected.

For everyone else, PLEASE check the internet for 72 hour survival information. I'm trying to get my family's survival package together. If I can do it on my student/bar prep salary, you're certainly able to utilize yours.

You're encouraging my solo career

The ABA Journal has this story regarding concern male/father grads are facing.

I have two kids whom I believe (in the case of my oldest, know) worship the gound I walk on. In her sweet mind, there is nothing I could do that isn't cured with a "sorry."

The family aspects of solo practice sure make that family/work split an even more appealing lure.

http://www.abajournal.com/mobile/daddy_track_is_a_major_concern_for_male_law_grads_study_says/

Acceleration

I'm in the middle of bar exam preparation, and I've come to the sudden, and abrupt, realization that I haven't learned nearly enough in law school about "the law."

Sure, plenty of my classes taught the theories surrounding the law, but very few actually went into the practical applications of the law. What's more, fewer even discussed how to manage "the law" when the true realities confront you in the face.

It's important to take a minute and evaluate all the potential ramifications of the legal practice. In the swift 3 days between graduation and the grueling preparation known as bar review, I took an opportunity to read Carolyn Elefant's new book, Solo By Choice. This is the "What I'd Wished I'd Knew" handbook for all aspiring solos.

Solo By Choice does in about 200 pages what Jay Foonberg's comparable volume struggles to do in 600+. Do you want some hard-and-fast tips on becoming a better lawyer and managing/starting your practice? YOU MUST READ THIS!! Every solo should give Carolyn a standing ovation for this piece of literature with the potential to redefine the solo practice.