Futurelawyer

What If Continuing Legal Education Credits Were Free?

Free CLE | LegalFuel. Lawyers are required to attend a minimum number of hours a year of CLE. In the past, this required taking a full day out of the practice several times a year, and sitting in a room with a bunch of other lawyers. Thankfully, those days are gone forever. CLE is now provided online, and in video presentations that any lawyer can view. But, the first place lawyers should go is to the Bar's own LegalFuel.com site, where there are many hours of CLE that is free. Even if you don't need the CLE credit hours, you own it to yourself and your practice to check out what is available. The more you know, the better lawyer you will be.

The Paperless Law Office Is A Pipe Dream

The Paperless Law Office Checklist (Infographic). I know what you are thinking. If I do everything that this Infographic tells me to, I will have a paperless law office. Sorry, buster. But, the only way to have a paperless law office is is every other lawyer in America has one. Now, you can reduce the paper output and input in your office by using the Internet, scanners, shredders, and a good cloud based practice management system; but, always remember, the paperless office is aspirational. It is a bridge too far. Capiche?

Not All Scams Are Written In An Email

Be aware of phone and email scams that appear to be from the courts. | LegalFuel. Not all scams are written, like email or mail fraud. There has been a rise in telephone call solicitations that phish for private information by creating a false crisis, or threatening problem like IRS or debt collector threats. Never respond to an unsolicited phone call from an alleged court or alleged official threatening further action. Be safe out there.

#WhyIAmASolo - The Internet Has Free, Unlimited Education Available

LegalFuel Speaker Series: Making the Jump: A Step-By-Step Guide On How to Launch Your Law Firm | LegalFuel. The Florida Bar's legalfuel website has hundreds of great resources for lawyers who want to start a solo practice. I get it. BigLaw isn't for everybody. But, the Internet is the great equalizer, and there is so much information out there that is available to you to start your own practice. When I did it, in 1985, I had already been in a small, 3 person firm for 12 years. Back then, computers were in their infancy, and I saw the potential that my partners didn't. I also had a working wife, and no kids, so I get that some of you are nervous. But, these days, if you have some experience, you can do it too. Here is a great little free seminar to get you started.

E-Filing- Practice Law In Every County In Florida

E-Filing Resources for Florida Lawyers | LegalFuel. If I had to choose one new technology that has most changed the way that I practice law, it would be the fact that most pleadings and documents now must be efiled in every County in Florida. This enables lawyers to practice in every County without traveling to them; unless the matter requires a personal appearance. Gone are the days when documents had to be printed on paper and hand delivered to the Court Clerk, or sent in the mail. However, use of this new technology requires competence in several areas; including, but not limited to, the creation of PDF/A documents for efiling, and use of and access to, the Court Efiling Portal. Do you know how to Efile, or do you rely on office employees to do it? As always, the Florida Bar's excellent website, LegalFuel.com, has the details. Read and learn.

Artificial intelligence Won't Create Robot Lawyers - It Will Enhance Human Lawyers

Artificial intelligence isn't a magical unicorn: It's a powerful tool lawyers are already wielding. Everyone who thinks we are destined for a future in which robots wearing suits are going to be trying cases and acting as judges needs to rethink. The SciFi movies you have watched in which robots that are computers dispense with justice unhampered by human sensibilities are fake. Not real. In fact, AI is being used by every human lawyer today. Right now. When you access Ed Walter's FastCase to do legal research, you are using an AI engine that uses huge datasets to find, and deliver the cases on point. When you use an eDiscovery app to sift through thousands of documents, and bring you those that are relevant to your case, you are getting the benefit of an AI engine. When we can't see a process, we tend, as humans, to call the result magic. But, magic is just another way of describing the enhancements to human knowledge that are possible with advanced science. AI is your friend. You will be using it, fellow lawyers, whether you like it or not. If you don't, you will be consigned to the dustbin of history. Get over it.

Email Traps And How To Avoid Them

Email Oops, and How to Avoid Them | LegalFuel. The Florida Bar's LegalFuel website contains hundreds of great resources and tips for lawyers; and, much of the content is valuable to lawyers everywhere. Check it out. Today's tip concerns all the ways the use of Email can get a lawyer in trouble, and how to avoid it. Read. Apply. Repeat.

Execupundit Gets It Right

Execupundit.com: Questionable Career Advice. Beware anyone offering you career advice. I accepted the line that, if I wanted to become a lawyer, I should major in English Literature. What a crock. Some say major in this or that, or spout questionable generalities in trying to prove they know more. Bah, humbug. I don't regret my choice of English Lit. It introduced me to the great writers, and most of my fellow classmates were girls. Hoorah. But, prepare me for law school? Not so much. So, don't let anyone else tell you how to follow your chosen path. Just do it.

Nicole Black And The Future Of Legal Technology

Good friend, Nicole Black, is in the news again, with a 30 minute podcast about what we can expect to see in legal tech in the near future. Short answer, AI advances will power data analytics and contract review, as well as new strides in legal research. Thanks, Nicole, for your insights.How Lawyers Can Use Technology to Improve their Practices

Pandora Music - Now Gets Podcasts

Pandora Music - Apps on Google Play. I use Pandora every day. It is on at the office all day in the waiting room; and, I listen to my tunes on my phone and in the car via Bluetooth. Now, in an update, Pandora has added podcast support, which means that I can listen to them anywhere I happen to be. There are plenty of legal specific podcasts, as well as everything else under the sun. I never seem to find the time to listen to them during the day; but, having them available when I am driving is very nice. What is your favorite Music app?