Why You Need to Know Tech

The Law Librarian Blog links to a new study performed by the New York Law Journal, which ranks legal tech companies. I don't know about the applicability of most systems, as none of the systems I used even received a ranking.

However, I do know that technology in law firms is getting more important. For law students, knowledge about, and hands-on experience with a variety of systems is key.

I hire law students to come help me in my office. I think it's beneficial for them, and me. Their experience with technology was somewhat similar to mine during law school - absolute zero (check out this rant post about technology). Sadly, law schools don't prepare you for the harsh reality that you're going to have to work with technology in order to succeed.

Here are some questions to accurately gauge your law-tech knowledge:

1. What is practice management/case management software? Do you know and understand what this term means, and how law firms use the various programs? 
2. Can you name some practice management/case management systems? 
3. What is the difference between using practice management/case management systems and Windows/Mac folders?
4. Do you know what a server is, and how it functions in a workplace environment?
5. Do you know what a network is?
6. Do you know how to save files to a server versus your system's hard-drive?
7. What is the required method for submitting documents to (most) federal court?
8. Do you know how to remove metadata from a document in Microsoft Word? I don't use WordPerfect, but I understand that program automatically (or nearly) eliminates the metadata.
9. Do you know how to use styles, tables, and other formatting techniques to process your documents?
10. Do you know how to use your word processor's comment/change tracking features to collaborate?
11. Do you know how to remove metadata from an Adobe PDF?
12. Er...Do you know how to create a PDF document?
13. Do you know how to create a PDF "package" of documents to send to other people?
14. Can you use Acrobat's redact features to remove information from a document?
15. Do you know how to send a fax? Do you know that you still need to dial long distance (i.e. add country code plus area code) when sending a long-distance fax?
16. Do you know how to send an email?
17. Do you know how to attach a file to the document?
18. Do you know how to burn a CD?
19. Do you know how to use social media?
20. What are some of the popular note-taking programs?
21. Do you know how to research case law without LexisNexis or Westlaw passwords?
22. Do you know if your state publishes cases and court dockets on a centralized system? FYI, Oklahoma has OSCN that offers Oklahoma cases and court dockets.
23. Do you know how to use your state's online case systems?
24. Do you know how to backup your system?
25. Do you know how to use the internet for more than checking Facebook and playing games?

As you can see, the number of possible, and simple, tech questions could continue. The fact though, is that law students need to start preparing themselves to deal with these types of programs.

One of the easiest ways is to actually purchase the program, and use it. Many companies offer discounts for students. These prices are for full versions of the program. Note, there are some restrictions on using the program, so check the licensing agreement. Some schools freely distribute the programs to their students under their educational licensing agreements with the manufacturers. This could save you hundreds of dollars.

My hope is that you'll take your educational experience to the next level. Law school gives you the academic information you'll need, but you're going to need to rely on yourself for the techno-know-how.

Smartphones: iPod Touch v. Droid

First, let me say that I'm not an expert by any means on technology. I'll defer to Dennis Kennedy, Jim Calloway, or the iPhone JD, Jeff Richardson, for that expertise. That said, I am a bit of a technophile, and enjoy new gadgets and gizmos as much as any 30-something with an identity complex.

I just recently switched from using an iPod Touch in my practice, to the Motorola Droid. My main reason for switching wasn't because of the Droid's superior capabilities or technological advantages, it was a simple act of spite with AT&T. No, I wanted to purchase/upgrade my current phone to an iPhone, but the customer service representative wouldn't allow me to, without a lot of other conditions.

So, as any arrogant individual does, I huffed off, canceled my AT&T plan, purchased a Verizon Droid, I've lived in bliss ever since.

iPhone-philes may mock me because I dropped a "superior" phone to go to the clunkier, bulkier, and less aesthetic, Droid. However, here are some of the things I love about the Droid that my iPod Touch didn't do:

1. Make phone calls using Google Voice. Droid runs on Google, therefore GV is an integrated feature that works fantastic on the Droid. The interface for GV is clean and crisp, and give me access to the messages and ability to call my contacts using my cell phone number, or my Google Voice number. Since my GV number is my law firm's contact number, this is great because I can perform work away from the office, and still appear at the office.
2. 5 MP camera. The Touch lacked a camera (I hear rumors about one in the next model), but the iPhone has a 2 MP camera, without the ability to shoot video (I know, 3GS does). I've already (I bought the phone March 14, 2010) used the camera and video several times for personal and client-related purposes. I have an 8 MP Nikon I used to carry, but now I'll be taking this.
3. Turn-by-turn navigation. My next purchase was going to be a TomTom GPS for my car. I'm often driving into the nether parts of the city or country meeting clients, or some other business. My iPod Touch didn't cut it when I got lost, and the Google Map's turn by turn directions could get confusing, and dangerous to try an follow. The free turn-by-turn voice navigation is something that iPod or iPhone couldn't match.
4. Slide-out keyboard. Although I didn't mind the touch-type keyboard on the iPod Touch, it's nice to have a slide-out keyboard to type, especially when I have "carnie hands.

Now, while I'm quite satisfied with my Droid (you may want to check out this post and others, by Rick Georges, the Futurelawyer. It's rather sickening how much he loves the Droid (wink, wink)), there are some things I'm not particular fond of at this moment (there's probably an "app" or tweak, somewhere).

1. Audiobooks & music. I don't like how Droid's native player handles audiobooks. I was quite fond of being able to make my own books, have them separated on my iPod, and listen to them. I have two books on my Droid now, but they're lumped with my other music (my "old" method).
2. Apps. The Android Market doesn't have as many apps as Apple, but, I'm told there are ways to get apps outside of the Market.
3. Plug location. I really loved where my iPod's charging cable goes. Droid has an awkwardly positioned plug hole that gets in the way if I'm trying to use the keyboard and charge at the same time.
4. In-call phone/music. I haven't figured out how to control the music when a phone call comes in. I really like iPhone's pause feature to handle incoming phone calls. I'm sure it's possible, and supposed to happen, but I haven't figured it out yet.

Overall, I'm quite impressed with the Motorola Droid. I love the features, and being a Google "homer," I love the integration.

Domain Name No Brainer

I like The Blog of Author Tim Ferris. If you're not familiar with Tim, you should read his book, The Four-hour Work Week. I wrote a short piece about the practicalities of Tim's methods in the legal practice awhile ago.

Well, in this post, Tim introduces us to James Siminoff, a professional domain name buyer. James gives some excellent advice regarding purchasing domain names on the cheap.

This is a great post because it gives newbies and idea of what to do and how to do it. Susan Cartier-Liebel encourages new solos to buy their domains early to prevent domain squatters. James' advice finally gives you some understanding on how to effectively negotiate the purchase.

If you'd like a "small law firm" to handle your negotiations, let me know and we'll work out an arrangement.

Get up and running quickly

How long does it take to get yourself an online presence? 1 week. I know, because I did it.
How much did it cost me? About $250. How, you ask? Because I found innovative ways to manipulate the system, while saving some costs. Here's the secrets:

1. Find a cheap hosting service, and pay for the long-haul. I recommend this site for "heavy hitters," and those people seeking full-service web hosting. DISCLAIMER: I'll get a "kick-back" from them, if you tell the site you're referred by me (jbtokc). I'd still recommend their services if you decide not to line my pockets. I also recommend this site for the "faint of heart." Either site does the trick, and provides a method for developing your own content/style sheets. Note: I reviewed MS Office Live here.
   
2. Minimize your initial web-design costs by using web templates, or pre-fab sites. You can use sites like this one to get an idea or design. Note: you will probably need to know some HTML coding (I do) to make these work for you. However, you can still make it work by taking the site to your designer and asking him/her to make your changes. Save even more by writing your website copy, and sending it to your designer to cut-and-paste. Part of the cost of web-design is having to develop the code, and write the content. You've done both, and saved the developer some time. If you need a developer, I'll recommend a guy if you'll email.
   

You're done. I added some features, like SSL encryption, that will serve some of my specific purposes.

Now, there will be naysayers who will critique my method, especially using templates. I can see the headline/post now, "I would not recommend using someone else's content. Find your own style and spend the money to develop it." Well, sometimes you're stuck with what you've got. I have a web/design budget of $350. When that's gone, it's gone. If I'm seeking the services of someone else, it's going to cost me at least $2000. Budget BLOWN!

With my work-around, I'm within budget (I spent $400 with the SSL upgrade), and I have a web-presence I can be proud of. What's more, I'm online in 1 week, as compared to a colleague who has been paying for his site designing for 3 months, and still isn't online. I'd hate to pay his design bill.

Finally, my method allows for expansion. I can save money now for a future rebuild, or I can pay my web-guy to design a site on my monthly budget, and have the rebuild ready in a year or so.

Side notes:
I agree with Susan Cartier-Liebel in her constant (see here and here) admonition to buy your domain names. It's important for your firm and practice, if you're going to develop the right brand. Remember, despite your aversion to the process, you're just like every two-bit car salesman, auto repair shop, and pizza joint. You need people to remember you, and want to use your services. Build your brand now, and use it effectively in the future. You're small, but you've got the tools to be big.

Second, do not spend time learning HTML in order to "save money" in your web-design. Also, never learn to use advanced coding programs like Dreamweaver or Adobe GoLive. TOO LATE. If you wanted to be a web-designer you should have changed career paths long ago. Cut your losses, and pay someone. Just increase your design budget and move on. These programs have enormous learning curves, and often their "easy" method isn't so easy. I spent 3 hours on one page, fixing code because the drag-and-drop feature didn't place it right.

An opportunity for solos

The ABA Journal is one of the publications produced by the ABA that I religiously read. For the most part, I believe there are very few things that are "pro-solo" produced or sponsored by the American Bar Association, but the ABA Journal is one of them.

In practically every issue, you'll glean some relevant and useful information about technology, big firm ethics/management, or legal practice. This article is one of those gems.

You'll notice that 100% of large firms have websites. Well duh, these 100 lawyer-plus firms can afford website design. What I think will be an extensive and innovative opportunity is to make sure that your solo/small firm (only about 52% of you) offers unique website features. I'm looking to revamp/rework my website, and therefore, I'm checking out my competition for examples of what not to do (i.e. a pompous list of my affiliations and "reported cases").

I'm also talking to my friends and family, getting suggestions on what they'd like to see on their attorney's website. One great suggestion I received is to provide access to client files via SSL and password protection. I'm searching the ethical/fiduciary responsibilities of this suggestion, and talking to my web designer about implementation. This special feature provides the solo/small firm with a unique advantage over the larger firms, in addition to some specialized client attention.