Futurelawyer

Before We Have Robot Lawyers, We Will Have Robot Gymnasts

Atlas the humanoid robot shows off a new and improved gymnastics routine | TechCrunch. I wonder if a robot running back might be indicated for the NFL? Or Quarterbacks, or any other position. How about an all robot NFL? No more human injuries, concussions, or other serious problems. It is about time that science nerds had the opportunity to get million dollar contracts. I hereby volunteer as a robot agent. 

It's A Jungle Out There...Is Your Law Practice Ready?

Practice Management Basics | LegalFuel. The Florida Bar has put a lot of time and effort into the Legal Fuel website to help its members with technology and law practice management. It's a great resource for all Florida lawyers. 
Every time someone complains to me about the difficulty of mastering technology in managing a law practice, I try to explain that it isn't hard. It just takes time and effort to learn. Most of us want instant solutions to our problems; and, I'm not just talking about our clients. If you want to better manage your law practice, start at this page, which has links to practice management software, tips and forms for day to day law practice stuff, software to control and manage documents, from pleadings to correspondence, links to free and paid legal research sites, and tips about creating a paperless office. Long gone are the days when a law office required a lot of physical space for books and files. You really can practice on a computer. So, spend some time. Visit the sites. Learn the software. It's not hard. Even a lawyer can do it.

Mindfulness - It's Not For Everyone

We are inundated with advice these days about practicing mindfulness. In the Sixties and Seventies, the buzz word was meditation, sometimes aided by strange substances. In recent years, I have seen more official programs in law related education that highlight mindfulness as a way to combat the stress of law practice. Some of us, however, aren't suited to following Stoic principles of self awareness. Only you can decide whether internal reflection is good for you. Choose carefully.

Client Data Security - Lock That Sucker

How to Quickly Lock Your Computer %u2013 The Florida Bar. As a solo, I am not at as great a risk for data security breaches since there aren't dozens of people with access to my computer roaming the halls. However, I still lock my computer when I step away from the desk to keep out prying eyes. It is a lawyer's duty to keep client data private, and locking the computer screen is really basic common sense, as well as an ethical requirement. I have a timed screen lock set, at 30 seconds, which can sometimes be a pain; but, which lowers the risk of someone getting into my computer if I forget to lock it. The easiest way is to press the Windows logo key and L, for lock, when you get up. Make it a habit. Be careful out there.

#JunkFoodVegan - Subway Goes Meatless

Subway partners with Beyond Meat to test the meatless Beyond Meatball Marinara sub - The Verge. You don't have to be a sandal wearing fanatic to want to help the environment, avoid killing animals, and eating plant based foods. Now that I have Burger King, Red Robin,  and the Impossible Burger within blocks of my house, I will soon have Beyond Meat meatball subs 3 blocks from the office at Subway. Oh happy day. There are going to be some happy animals out there. And, health food fanatics, save me the lectures on how fast food isn't healthy. Fast food is America. And, America is turning away from animals for food. Get over it.

This Is Your Desk On The Internet

I love this image. Everything, and I mean everything, on this desk can now be found on a smartphone. You still need a printer; but, the image can be sent from the smartphone to the printer wirelessly. Some of the items, like scissors and tape, are obsolete, unless you have some last century fixation on paper. As more and more gadgets and functions transition to the Internet, this animation does a good job of explaining how Google has coopted things like address books, paper calendars, phone books, cameras, bulletin boards, and other things that used to clutter our work areas. Get over it. Join the revolution.

Mental Activity And Dementia

Mental Activity and Alzheimer's. When asked his greatest fear, Bill Gates said that he feared his mind not working. Lack of cognitive ability is my greatest fear as well. I can deal with physical maladies that strike with age, and have. But, if I couldn't read, reason, and write, I would be lost. So, it isn't surprising to me that mental activity can stave off Alzheimer's and other dementia. Just another reason not to retire; or, if you do, keep that mind working. And, I don't mean sitting in front of a TV all day. Oh, and by the way, fellow couch potatoes, exercise has NOT been proven to have an effect on preventing dementia.  

It's Monday Morning - Wake Up!

Tampa Bay And Orlando Are The Best Retirement Cities In The U.S. - Come Anyway

The best and worst U.S. cities to retire. I am always saying I don't want to retire. It is a given that when you retire you are going to die younger if you don't find a way to remain active. And I don't just mean physically active. You need to find a way to keep your mind AND body engaged and alive. For me, work and its ups and downs and stresses and problems are the way. Only you can figure out what is right for you. That said, I live in the Tampa Bay area in Florida, and regularly travel to Orlando. It is no coincidence that Orlando and Tampa are at the top of this retirement cities list. So, come to Florida. Especially, if you are an NFL kicker with a 90% accuracy rating. Just don't retire here. We have enough of you already.

#ParrotSunday - Marriage - Maybe I Should Rethink This