Futurelawyer

Varjo - Mixed Virtual Immersive Augmented Reality

What if you could train a jet pilot with a realistic in cockpit reality that combines a true view with augmented training aids? What if surgeons could wear a headset that actually put them in the operating theater? While Varjo is already doing this, I imagine a world in which jurors and judges and lawyers could actually go to a scene and augmented reality could inform the actual environment. What if you could train law students in a real courtroom, with augmented players in the other roles? Augmented reality is the future, and it is here now. Fast forward through the first 5 minutes of this video, which is just a musical intro. 

Future Lawyers Will Train Like Astronauts.

Susskind predicts that lawyers will train like Astronauts with VR. Legal futurist Richard Susskind shares my view that VR glasses are suitable for much more than spatial visual training for members of the military and astronauts. While these professionals navigate real space and time, and operate complex machinery such as jet aircraft and space vehicles, lawyers navigate courtrooms, and interact with other lawyers, judges, juries and clients. Some of my most beneficial law school training didn't come from long nights reading case law out of a book. We had trial practice training also, and pretended to try cases in real courtrooms. But, that kind of training is expensive and requires a large group of people focused on one matter during a semester of training. VR has the promise of creating such environments inside a headset, and the power of AI can bring a realistic edge to practical training. When dial up access to the Internet and computer video cameras became available in the last century, I saw the promise of a future in which I could be a lawyer in the cloud, conducting hearings and consultations while sitting at my desk looking at a computer screen. I saw the benefits of not having to hop in a car, drive to a courthouse, park the car, walk to a courtroom, sit waiting on a hearing, and then going back to the office. Look at us now.

Make Your Law Firm Pandemic Proof - Set Up Systems Now.

How to Choose Legal Software that will ensure firm continuity. If the Pandemic taught us anything, it is that the ability to run a law firm remotely can be a lifesaver. The law firms that had systems setup in the cloud, and employees trained to work from remote locations clearly had an advantage this past year. Many firms rushed to set up makeshift systems; but, as the Pandemic subsides, there is a natural inclination to slide back into the old ways. Don't. This piece by Nikki Black is a great primer on what you need to do before a problem arises, in order to ensure that your firm will survive the next problem.

EFiling - Be A Lawyer Without Ever Leaving The Office.

EFiling Resources For Florida Lawyers. One of the best things to happen to Florida lawyers in recent years has been the ability to file documents and pleadings electronically in any County in the State. Additionally, one of the unintended consequences of the Pandemic has been the increased use of videoconferencing for court hearings, trial, and other previously in person events. Combined, the Internet has made a remote, virtual law practice possible. Check out this LegalFuel page for checklists and information about EFiling in Florida.

Robotic Tech Can Change Museums And Other Tourism.

Meet Patrice, The Robot Introducing A New World To Homebound Kids. Robots that can be controlled remotely, and which have cameras and microphones, are enabling home bound children to visit museums. One of my favorite museums is the Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. I love the gadgets, and the history, and the opportunity to meet some of the people who have played a role in our history. Once, I spent an hour talking to Sandy Grimes, the author of "Circle of Treason", about the capturing of Aldrich Ames, the most notorious spy in U.S. history. While some in person contact has been prohibited for the past year, using robots to move around freely has increased in classrooms and museums and other places that are removed from access for some people, either through disability, or distance. Think of the possibilities for their use in litigation, as proxies for site visits to dangerous or inaccessible places. Think about lawyers using robots, rather than robotic lawyers. Think about augmenting human abilities by giving legs and mobility to the immobile. So, rather than welcoming a race of robotic future lords, let's use robotic tech for good.

The Future Of Seminars Is Here - 2021 Attorney's Title Fund Assembly

For the last few days, I have been attending the Attorneys Fund Assembly online. In pre-pandemic days, I would travel to Orlando, stay in an expensive hotel (even with member discounts), sleep in an unfamiliar bed, sit in a big auditorium with several thousand of my closest friends, and try to keep the office going back home. While remote computing helped, and smartphones, texting and email helped, it was common to see lawyers in the lobby trying to put out fires. Yes, seeing old friends and getting face to face with vendors was nice; but, this week, as this photo shows, I was taking notes on my Remarkable 2, following the written materials on my Samsung tablet, and running two browsers, one with the video online presentations, and the other with the standard tabs that I use every day. I may never travel to a Convention or Seminar again. 

Ms. Lawyer - Your Law Office Documents Are Ready.

Legal Fuel Document Library The excellent Legal Fuel website of the Florida Bar is a great resource. The document library is a great place to find just about any document required to run a law firm, and Florida lawyers should consult it. In fact, many of the forms are just as applicable to lawyers in any State. Starting a law firm? Don't reinvent the wheel. Look at the library of documents available for free on the website.

Who Will Care For Your Parrots When You Die?

Parrot owners, and pet owners generally, are always aware that their pets may outlive them. In fact, with parrots with life spans measured in decades, it is likely. So, know that, in Florida and many other states, you can give a sum of money to another person, in trust, and require the money be used for the care of the parrot or parrots or other pet. Of course, if you reside in Florida, the FutureLawyer would be happy to assist you in planning for your parrots or pets. Here is the statute, which isn't complicated:

The 2020 Florida Statutes

Title XLII ESTATES AND TRUSTS Chapter 736 FLORIDA TRUST CODE View Entire Chapter 736.0408 Trust for care of an animal.— (1) A trust may be created to provide for the care of an animal alive during the settlor’s lifetime. The trust terminates on the death of the animal or, if the trust was created to provide for the care of more than one animal alive during the settlor’s lifetime, on the death of the last surviving animal. (2) A trust authorized by this section may be enforced by a person appointed in the terms of the trust or, if no person is appointed, by a person appointed by the court. A person having an interest in the welfare of the animal may request the court to appoint a person to enforce the trust or to remove a person appointed. (3) Property of a trust authorized by this section may be applied only to the intended use of the property, except to the extent the court determines that the value of the trust property exceeds the amount required for the intended use. Except as otherwise provided in the terms of the trust, property not required for the intended use must be distributed to the settlor, if then living, otherwise as part of the settlor’s estate. History.—s. 4, ch. 2006-217.

Who Will Care For Your Parrots When You Die?

Parrot owners, and pet owners generally, are always aware that their pets may outlive them. In fact, with parrots with life spans measured in decades, it is likely. So, know that, in Florida and many other states, you can give a sum of money to another person, in trust, and require the money be used for the care of the parrot or parrots or other pet. Of course, if you reside in Florida, the FutureLawyer would be happy to assist you in planning for your parrots or pets. Here is the statute, which isn't complicated:

The 2020 Florida Statutes

Title XLII ESTATES AND TRUSTS Chapter 736 FLORIDA TRUST CODE View Entire Chapter 736.0408 Trust for care of an animal.— (1) A trust may be created to provide for the care of an animal alive during the settlor’s lifetime. The trust terminates on the death of the animal or, if the trust was created to provide for the care of more than one animal alive during the settlor’s lifetime, on the death of the last surviving animal. (2) A trust authorized by this section may be enforced by a person appointed in the terms of the trust or, if no person is appointed, by a person appointed by the court. A person having an interest in the welfare of the animal may request the court to appoint a person to enforce the trust or to remove a person appointed. (3) Property of a trust authorized by this section may be applied only to the intended use of the property, except to the extent the court determines that the value of the trust property exceeds the amount required for the intended use. Except as otherwise provided in the terms of the trust, property not required for the intended use must be distributed to the settlor, if then living, otherwise as part of the settlor’s estate. History.—s. 4, ch. 2006-217.

Solo Lawyers Find Power In The Internet.

Make Money Monday With Our Free Clause Of The Day. Carolyn Elefant, who publishes MyShingle.com, is publishing a new guide for solos, that incorporates sample legal clauses for lawyers, such as clauses for the initial employment agreement. Solos have a limitless resource in the Internent, and Carolyn has led the way. The Internet levels the playing field for solos, and it has made everything available to all. Thanks, Carolyn.