Futurelawyer

#WFH - Working From Home - Get Over It

Working From Home. Ernie Svenson linked to this SmartBlogger article this morning, and it is a great resource for those who are just getting acclimated to the WFH new normal. Many of us have been doing this for a long time, at least part of the time, and there is some great advice out there for workers who never had to do it before. So, read the article and make your own choices. I agree with some of the advice, and disagree with other parts. Each of us must make our own choices. I think that wired Internet is a requirement, since it is always going to be faster and more stable than WiFi, no matter how strong the connection. I also believe that the home setup should be as close to the office setup as possible; including the use of the same brand and model printer, scanner and other peripherals as you are used to using at the office. That won't happen right away, of course, but should be the ultimate goal. Having a dedicated room with a door is also on my top ten list. You won't get much done at home if someone is always making noise or interrupting. If you live alone, this won't be a problem, unless you have pets. For instance, I have always had problems at work when the parrots start squawking in the afternoon. They can be heard several rooms away, and I have, more than once, had a phone call or video call interrupted by them. Of course, such interruptions can lend a speck of humanity to difficult interactions, so it isn't all bad. Even those of us who have had home working setups for a while need to change some things. I have always relied on my notebook cameras; but, now that it will become a larger part of my practice, I am investing in higher end videoconferencing equipment. Another thing I don't like is bulky headphones. If you have a silent room with a door, high end videoconferencing equipment means you can avoid a headset. I also have found that my bluetooth Bose Smartglasses work fine for teleconferencing, and nobody knows what sound I am listening to. I also part company with SmartBlogger when it comes to standing desks. If you are an over 70 lawyer, sitting down is more than desirable. It is a requirement. I could go on; but, I leave you to read the article yourself. Make your own choices. But, do something.

#TBT - Computer Security While Working At Home

Security Tips For Working From Home. I have been working part of the time from home ever since I discovered computers. From my first Atari game machine in the Eighties, which I connected to a dot matrix printer, and a 300 baud telephone modem, I wanted to find ways to generate law firm correspondence and documents at home and at the office. Flash forward, and many attorneys and others are finding ways to work in the home environment. Long ago, I turned the garage into an office/TV room, where I have an identical computer setup as I have at the office. Big screen monitor, scanner, printer, keyboard, mouse and various other peripherals at both locations. The only moving part is the notebook computer, which plugs in with one cable at both locations. Being solo helps, as I control the setup at both locations. But, you can do it too, even in these times. If you have a notebook computer, with Internet access, all you need is a scanner and printer and keyboard and mouse and you are ready to go. Most law firms, even small ones, have robust security at the office. But, what about your home? Are you using a VPN on top of your Internet access? Have you installed Malwarebytes, or comparable software, on your notebook computer? Are you using cloud data services for your client matters and data? This article from Malwarebytes gives some important tips that will help. Be careful out there.

Take Up The Slack - Tighten Your Lawyer To Lawyer And Lawyer To Client Communications

Slack Law Firm Communications. Suddenly, secure online communications is all the rage. In a time of pandemic, law firms are scrambling to create methods of communicating securely with other lawyers, lawyers in their own firms, and clients. The first question about Slack, other than is it easy to use, is whether it is secure. Lawyers have a duty to guard the confidentiality of client information, so it is important at the outset. I am happy to report that it is as secure, or more secure, than traditional methods of communication. It calls to mind the early Nineties questions I got about email. Is it secure? You are sending data to remote servers. I used to answer that email is a lot more secure than sending confidential data on a piece of paper in a flimsy envelope through the mail. The test is "reasonable" security. Slack meets that test, and more. In fact, when two factor authentication is set up on a Slack account, it is pretty impregnable, at least as secure as you can get on the Internet. It is easy to set up private groups, and I am enjoying the Law Firm AutoPilot group hosted by my friend, Ernie Svenson, in New Orleans. Combined with video conferencing by Zoom, we are entering a new age of human interaction that doesn't rely on face to face human contact. It would be nice if we lived in a world where human to human contact was safe. But, at least for now, it isn't, and Slack and Zoom are my methods of choice. So, fellow lawyers, get with the program. If you need help, contact me or Ernie Svenson, and we will be happy to assist.

#WhyIAmASolo - The New Normal Is My Old Normal

New Normal? This article about the changing relationship most people have with the Internet talks about a new normal, in which social contacts, work, and most human interaction is being accomplished on the Internet, using social media, video teleconferencing, email, texts, and other tools to engage with family, friends, colleagues, clients and others. Some of us, however, have been doing this for years, and, as I have aged, I have learned how to stay involved by using all of the tech tools that are now essential to coping with a world in which human contact has become dangerous. I have used tech because I enjoyed learning about it, and have loved gadgets since my first Atari game system in the Eighties. I learned to use it because I wanted the freedom to practice law wherever I happened to be.  However, the big deal for me was the increased productivity I gained using tech tools and the Internet. When the blogging phenomenon began, I saw it as a way to get my ideas and views out to a larger audience. Then, social media allowed me to connect with family and friends and new friends in a way that old tech didn't allow. So, don't be afraid of this technology. Jump in, the water's fine.

Dragon AnyWhere Is More Than A Text Entry App

This demo shows that Dragon Anywhere isn't just another dictation system. Using templates and text blocks, like signature and form boxes, the user can import templates, and insert information with her voice. I confess that I haven't taken the time to learn and use the more complex features of the software; but, will be using my added time during the stay at home periods to learn how to speed up my production of templates and often used documents in my law practice. How are you creating the documents you need?

#WhyIAmASolo - I Can Get Things Done Without Typing

I have written before about the benefits of using Dragon Anywhere, a $15 a month app for my Android phones and tablets, that allows me to create typewritten text with my voice. I can create documents, pleadings, texts, emails and other stuff merely by speaking to my phone or tablet. The app is a great add on to Dragon, which operates while using my computer. I like to type, however, when I am at my desk at home or the office, having learned during a baseball less summer in high school. My mom made me do it, and it turns out to be one of the best summers of my life. Even though I was a "nerd", I was the only boy in typing class. But, I digress. Check out this video showing Dragon in use. About half way through the video, the actor uses her tablet in the car to dictate notes of a meeting she just had. No transcriptionist back at the office necessary. And, no per minute charges from some cloud service to type up notes. In these uncertain times, when we are all working pretty much alone, Dragon Anywhere is a must have for anyone who needs to get their thoughts down on paper. 

The Tide Was High, But It's Going Out

Adapting To Change In A Pandemic. The practice of law has been changing for some years due to technological advances, and this great post by Ernie Svenson highlights some of the people who have dealt with the issue. My favorite is the Warren Buffet quote about the tide going out, and seeing who is naked. Well, the tide has been high for some time; but this CoronaVirus is pushing it out to sea, and lawyers who aren't leveraging tech in their practices are going to be very exposed. It's not too late to adopt the tools. Create documents and share them with clients and others over the Internet. Have meetings and conferences and hearings using tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other online collaboration tools. Access legal research and court systems at your desk on the Internet. File pleadings and record documents online, in States that have been forward thinking enough to set up systems. The rest of the States, get with the program. And now, for something completely different:

 

How To Practice Law During A Global Pandemic - Pick Up The Slack

It goes without saying that computers and the Internet are essential to the creation of the documents necessary to conduct a law practice during a time when we are all locked down, or required to stay in one place most of the time. I still see clients on a one to one basis at the office; but, groups of 10 or more are not a good idea. My ability to practice law from any location using technology and the Internet makes me very capable of serving my clients; but, as this video from Ernie Svenson for Small Firm Boot Camp shows, having the tools available to practice law over the Internet at home or at the solo office isn't a guarantee that you will get anything done. Distractions, screaming children, obnoxious pets, ringing doorbells, lack of focus, a big screen TV in the room, and many other things can short circuit the best laid plans. Focus on gathering the data you need right now. Focus on one job at a time. Create systems in your practice. You can do this.

 

Take A Moment... Turn Your Phone Into A DSLR

Moment Lenses And Cases. Okay, maybe adding a Moment case and lens to your Smartphone won't magically turn it into a functioning DSLR. But, that Smartphone in your pocket can, with a couple of mobile additions, turn that phone into a really good camera. The best camera for any photographer is the one she has with her when out and about. When I am doing a serious day of photography, while sightseeing or going to the Zoo or theme park, I usually carry a Canon T6 with a 18-400 zoom lens, which is the most versatile setup for real DSLR photography out there for the serious amateur. Professionals opt for much more expensive setups, and expensive lenses; but, the best photos are in the mind of the photographer, and the equipment is not the most important thing, as long as it is up for the task. But, all of the clip on lenses for Smartphones to date have been tough to use, and not of the highest quality. Enter Moment, and cases customized for most Smartphones, with a little lip over the lenses on the back that accepts really fine lenses that twist on, and are stable. The result, when added to a phone grip like the Pictar, which I have posted about before, and you have a hand carried camera that really shines. Thanks, Moment, for making many more of my moments special.

PDFFiller - Create, Fill And Sign Any PDF File Online

PdfFiller. For less than Ten Dollars a month, anyone can create fillable PDF files that can be distributed for use and signature online. For a few dollars more, lawyers and others can gain access to many online legal forms for use anytime, anywhere. Many governmental entities are publishing fillable pdf forms online, and the days of obtaining paper forms and putting them into a copier, printer, scanner or typewriter are long gone. In these days, in which Internet and remote lawyering are becoming a practical necessity, as well as an innovative way of practicing law, these apps are a godsend. Check out PdfFiller. I use it all the time.