Futurelawyer

I Hunt With A Camera.

I am not a hunter. I photograph wildlife, and marvel at their grace and beauty. However, if you absolutely, positively, have to go hunting, choose your game carefully. The world is full of obnoxious neighbors, who create annual nuisances in their yards. Be the solution, not the problem.

Ms. Diane Has Been Busy.

She is a decorating maven. I am awed by her abilities.

Why The Stoics Teach Us Not To Worry About External Events.

Since we have no control over events, whether happy or sad, it is foolish to worry about what will happen. The wise ass on the hill gets it. So, your spouse dies, you get sick, or something else horrible happens. Get on with your life, and seek joy and happiness. It is likely right around the corner. Why? Because, life happens, and the only thing we can control is how we deal with it. I choose to deal by seeking happiness and joy. Friends, lovers, acquaintances, sun, nature, poetry, hard work, and whatever floats your boat. Now, get out there and live.

FutureLawyer - Playing With Computers And Gadgets Since 1994.

Facebook reminded me of a nice post by the Florida Bar Solo and Small Firm Section seven years ago, prior to Tech Show. I have been using technology to make my law practice better for around 30 years, and, over time, hope that I have educated my fellow Florida Bar members and Judges about the benefits of technology. It wasn't always easy to convince colleagues to change their ways. Think of changing the practice of law like turning a battleship. Things happen in small increments. 

Can't We All Just Get Along?

The animals get it. Why don't we?

Because every heart can feel affection
pic.twitter.com/BUFWYHBZ0z

— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) December 7, 2023

Google's Bard Gets Gemini - Think ChatGPT On Steroids.

Google's Gemini ChatBot Model Gets Images. The battle of AI between Bard, ChatGPT and others got a new player today; but it is within Google's AI engine, Bard. Of course, Google has the best software engineers on the planet, so it is not surprising that it intends to be a major player in the AI space. Gemini, within Bard, now has been trained with text, images, and video, and just might be the most important algorithm in Google’s history after PageRank, which vaulted the search engine into the public psyche and created a corporate giant. It is fun for the rest of us to watch competition make great engines greater. I am still a fan of Chat GPT, and am getting better at learning how to ask for useful information in the legal realm. However, the addition of images and video creates all sorts of opportunities for deeper questions and answers.

Chicago Law School Graduation Class - 110th Anniversary.

This is a photo of the graduating class of Chicago Law School in 1913. My grandfather is seated in front in the middle, legs crossed, with the bow tie. A couple of years later, he was an Ordnance Officer in World War I. The cannons destroyed his hearing, and he never practiced law. He worked in Claims in the U.S. Post Office until retirement. We shared an affiliation with Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity as the first grandfather and grandson combination. Those of you familiar with the moving scene in Dead Poets Society will recall Robin Williams lecturing his students in front of old photos of long dead students. Someday we will all be photographs on a wall. 110 years ago today, it was my grandfather's class. Be ready for death. It comes for you.

Pepper Is A Happy Little Parrot.

Catch Me, If You Can.

He raced toward the end of his life,

as though his life depended on it.

He hurried towards his goal,

Blinders fixed,

Pupils dilated,

Huffing and puffing.

What did he seek?

Was he afraid of what lay behind?

Did he long for what lay ahead?

As he traveled the road,

He realized that he could not see

the roses or the other flowers

along the way.

Their blurred outlines

gave suggestions

of beauty,

But he had always

seen them

on the periphery

of his voyage.

Then,

unexpectedly,

she appeared before him.

No matter how he tried to escape,

she stayed with him,

Tugging,

Pulling,

Cautioning him

against his frenzied course.

Stop and see,

she said.

Wait for me,

she said.

I will be here

if you stay with me.

He had never felt such power

in one so gentle,

and he responded in kind.

His inclination

to speed ahead

was tempered by her gentle, loving voice.

He stopped to listen.

Just as suddenly,

the roses and the flowers

came into focus,

and the beauty of the world

became apparent.

His breathing slowed,

and,

as he turned,

She looked at him

and smiled.

He was blind.

Now, he could see.

#WhyIAmASolo - A Day In The Life Of The FutureLawyer.

Some things about law practice are the same, whether you practice as a solo or a cog in a BigLaw machine. Dispute resolution used to be how I spent the majority of my time. As a semi-retired solo, I don't have to do this much anymore. I have the freedom to choose. But, the best way to resolve controversy is to get everything out on the table.