The Digital Edge Podcast - Legal Talk Network

‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2023

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:00:02 +0000

We know you’ve been anxiously awaiting this episode, and it’s Sharon and Jim’s favorite podcast of the year — Tech Toys for the Holidays! Tune in for their specially crafted wishlist for all the technology enthusiasts in your life.

This edition of The Digital Edge will be Sharon and Jim’s final podcast. We are so thankful for their many years of camaraderie, great conversations, and help in keeping us up with the latest in legal tech. Goodbye and happy trails to our dear friends. We wish you the best in years to come!

2023 Tech Toys:

ABA TECHSHOW 2024 – A Preview from the Co-Chairs

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:00:03 +0000

TECHSHOW will be here before we know it, and there’s no time like the present to get your tickets! To get an idea of what attendees can expect, Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson talk with co-chairs Cynthia Thomas and Sofia Lingos about the 2024 conference theme and special events. TECHSHOW is for anyone and everyone in the world of legal—lawyers, students, judges, paralegals, tech innovators, and more! To learn more and reserve your spot, go to: https://www.techshow.com.

Cynthia Thomas is the proprietor of PLMC & Associates, a consultancy firm specializing in law firm management.

Sofia Lingos is the founding and managing attorney of Trident Legal, a Boston based law firm that provides innovative transactional legal services

What Generative AI Means for the Law Firm Business Model

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 11:00:04 +0000

Is AI finally going to be the undeniable and absolute conqueror of the billable hour? Though many have called for its demise for years, the billable hour still has a substantial foothold in much of the industry, but AI might just change all that. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Jordan Furlong about how AI promises to change not just billing, but law firm business practices across the board. Jordan explains AI’s potential to spur a variety of new innovations in legal practice and what lawyers should do to stay abreast of new developments.

Jordan Furlong is an internationally renowned legal sector analyst, author, speaker, and consultant deeply invested in a better future for the legal profession and the society it serves.

Sharing Files With Clients: Security and File Management

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:00:44 +0000

Lawyers are often confused about the best and safest ways to share files with clients. Are standalone file sharing tools best? Should every lawyer have a client portal? Is email okay? Sharon Nelson and John Simek have an in-depth conversation with Roberta Tepper about everything you need to know about ethical, secure file sharing solutions.

Roberta Tepper is the Chief Member Services Officer at the State Bar of Arizona.

Microsoft’s Copilot: New AI Tools for Microsoft 365!

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:00:11 +0000

Copilot is your upcoming digital assistant in pretty much all the Microsoft applications you use day-to-day. So, what do you need to know about utilizing this technology in your legal practice? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Ben Schorr to discuss the many lawyer-specific Copilot possibilities, from meeting notes, to case summaries, email drafts, and more. They also discuss its current reliability, a privacy overview, and Ben’s top tips for getting the most out of Copilot in your Microsoft apps.

Ben M. Schorr is a senior content designer at Microsoft.

Generative AI and Copyright: Collision is Inevitable

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:00:01 +0000

Copyright law is buzzing with the rising possibilities of AI-related legal matters. Is this a major concern in our current era of blossoming AI technologies? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Vedia Jones-Richardson to get her expert opinion on a variety of legal questions arising from the “creative expressions” of generative AI. They review the current landscape of AI’s copyright connections, get explanations on what is and isn’t protected, and discuss notable cases that have explored the infringement and copyright implications of AI-created materials.

Vedia Jones-Richardson is a Principal with Olive and Olive, PA, where she leads the trademark and copyright practice group.

Lawyers Are Hopping Aboard the AI Train – and It’s Gathering Speed

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 25 May 2023 11:00:29 +0000

Lately, AI developments have been top of mind for just about everybody—lawyers included. And with AI’s potential to solve all kinds of workflow problems and majorly improve access to justice, the excitement around it does have real merit. However, concerns about accuracy, security, and the current lack of regulation are just as pressing as the excitement surrounding the AI bandwagon. To address all these issues and more, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome John Simek to unpack the latest AI trends and their implications for lawyers.

John W. Simek is vice president of the digital forensics, managed information technology and cybersecurity firm Sensei Enterprises.

The AI Revolution in Law Practice: A Conversation with Attorney Greg Siskind

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:00:10 +0000

Pain points in your legal practice might just be easily solved with a little automation. Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson chat with Greg Siskind about his firm’s leading-edge relationship with AI and automation technologies. Greg’s simple, straightforward insights help listeners understand the ethics of AI use in law and how to leverage it to improve your firm’s workflows and client experiences.

Greg Siskind is a founder of Siskind Susser, a national immigration firm based in Memphis, Tennessee.

Legal Service Productization for Lawyers

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 11:00:32 +0000

Turning a legal service into a product has already been proven to be both profitable for lawyers and a huge help in increasing access to justice. So, how do you join this new wave and productize your services? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Dorna Moini about strategies for creating a legal product for your target market, pricing recommendations for today’s clients, and future outlooks as legal products change the way we deliver services in the profession.

Dorna Moini is the CEO and founder of Gavel, a no-code platform for building document automation and client-facing legal products.

An Interview with ChatGPT on the Future of Law Practice

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:00:47 +0000

Is ChatGPT ready to pass the bar? Maybe not quite, but it’s learning rapidly and might just become a tool lawyers use on a daily basis in the future. Sharon and Jim are joined by Julie Bays to find out ChatGPT’s current capabilities in answering questions about legal practice and the law. Listen in to find out what ChatGPT has to say about access to justice, legal ethics, growing your law firm, and more.

Julie A. Bays is the practice management advisor of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

The Ten Most Popular Office 365 Tips For Lawyers

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 12:00:09 +0000

Office 365 is so very helpful in so many ways, but most of us are really underutilizing its capabilities. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway chat with Danielle DavisRoe about ten simple tips for getting more out of your Office 365 experience. Check out Danielle’s LinkedIn post, The Ten Most Popular Office 365 Tips For Lawyers, for insights that will save you time and boost your productivity.

Danielle DavisRoe is a senior consultant at Affinity Consulting Group.

ABA TECHSHOW 2023: An Interview with Co-Chairs Jeannine Lambert and Gyi Tsakalakis

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:00:42 +0000

TECHSHOW 2023 is right around the corner! Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway chat with co-chairs Jeannine Lambert and Gyi Tsakalakis about the offerings at the upcoming conference. This year, the conference will be an entirely in-person event, so don’t miss the return of Taste of TECHSHOW, crowd favorite Start-Up Alley, the new Visionaries of Legal Tech panel discussion, and much more. Find out more and register (and snag the early bird discount before January 18th!) at: techshow.com.

Jeannine Lambert is the executive director of Centers & Programming at Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law.

Gyi Tsakalakis is a former lawyer and the founder of AttorneySync, an online legal marketing agency, to help lawyers be where their clients are looking.

‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2022

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 12:00:06 +0000

Your favorite nerdy-lawyer wishlist is back yet again! Tune in for Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson’s top picks for the gift-giving season. Happy Holidays!

Tech Toys 2022:

Disaster Planning: It’s Not Just for Hurricanes

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 11:01:44 +0000

Shawn Holahan knows how disasters can affect your practice first hand. Experiencing the effects of Hurricane Katrina, she learned that when a disaster happens, confusion reigns, but having a disaster plan in place can help your law firm survive. Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson get Shawn Holahan’s top tips for disaster planning in legal practice. Shawn emphasizes the importance of keeping your plan simple and explains “No Tech” Binders and the pre-disaster steps all lawyers should take.

Law Firms Stunned by Cyber Insurance Premiums, Security Requirements, and Exclusions

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:01:05 +0000

In August, Lloyds of London announced that beginning in 2023 all of its insurer groups will exclude “catastrophic” state-backed attacks from their cyber insurance policies. And, unfortunately, this is just one of many on a growing list of potential exclusions for insurers worldwide, even though premium prices have continued to climb. So, is cybersecurity still worth it? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with John Simek about the elements driving these shifts and what you need to know to make the best choices for your law firm.

John W. Simek is vice president of the digital forensics, managed information technology and cybersecurity firm Sensei Enterprises.

Your Law Firm Cookbook: How and Why

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 10:59:13 +0000

Why does your law firm need documented standard operating procedures? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway find out with guest Catherine Sanders Reach. Catherine outlines the common problems that arise when operating procedures are lacking and explains how to create a ‘law firm cookbook’—plus, which tools will help—to cultivate dynamic efficiency in your firm.

Learn more from Catherine’s recommended articles:

Your Firm Cookbook: Why and How – North Carolina Bar Association (ncbar.org)

Unseen Risks And The Great Reshuffling – North Carolina Bar Association (ncbar.org)

What You Need to Know About Project Management – North Carolina Bar Association (ncbar.org)

Catherine Sanders Reach is director at the Center for Practice Management at the North Carolina Bar Association, providing practice technology and management assistance to lawyers and legal professionals.

What’s New in Law Practice Management Software?

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 10:59:18 +0000

Many law practice management software vendors have been working to provide one-stop shop platforms that meet all the basic needs of a law firm, thereby streamlining processes formerly served by multiple vendors. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway discuss all the latest trends and happenings (including the Affinipay’s MyCase acquisition) with industry expert Niki Black. She talks through processes for choosing software for your law firm and explains how to find the functionality that will best meet your needs.

Niki Black is an attorney and the Legal Technology Evangelist at MyCase.

Professor Kenton Brice on Training the Next Generation of Lawyers and the Future of Legal Tech

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 10:59:44 +0000

Today’s law students grew up side by side with technology and typically view it as an integral part of their lives and futures as lawyers. As such, today’s law schools are working to support students through more robust legal technology training and development. Digital Edge hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Kenton Brice about his involvement with the Digital Initiative at the University of Oklahoma College of Law to get a sense of how technology is being leveraged in a tech-forward school. They also discuss how the Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) and legal ops are using technology to increase access to justice, and Kenton shares his thoughts on what tech trends point to new possibilities for the future of law.

Kenton Brice is the director of technology innovation at the University of Oklahoma College of Law and directs the OU Law Center for Technology & Innovation in Practice and the College’s Digital Initiative.

Cyber Insurance for Law Firms: Skyrocketing Prices and Less Coverage

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 26 May 2022 10:59:34 +0000

If you’ve struggled to afford cyber insurance, you’re not alone. In the past year, prices rose by 30 to 40 percent, and some law firms, especially solos and smalls, were forced to cancel or downgrade coverage in the wake of sudden price hikes. Additionally, inadequate cybersecurity in a firm may lead to a denial of coverage altogether. So, what’s going on? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Judy Selby to get a handle on the rapid changes in the cyber insurance industry and what firms should do to maintain coverage in this difficult market.

Judy Selby is a partner at Kennedys and a member of their global cyber team. She primarily serves as cyber coverage and monitoring counsel to insurers.

How to Build a Successful Solo Law Practice

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 10:59:04 +0000

When starting your own law firm, you don’t know what you don’t know! Thankfully, those who have gone before have plenty of tips for avoiding common mistakes. One such lawyer, Mark Bassingthwaighte, joins Sharon and Jim to share insights from The ALPS Guide to Getting Started Solo. Drawing from his own experience, Mark lays out the key steps new solos should follow to establish a successful practice.

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Esq. has been a Risk Manager with ALPS, the nation’s largest direct writer of lawyers’ malpractice insurance, since 1998.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

What Do Women Lawyers Really Want from Their Law Firms?

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 12:00:46 +0000

Is there potential for a mass exodus of women from the legal profession? Multiple studies have shown that the pandemic was harder on women, with increased home responsibilities falling disproportionately upon them and often leading to a continued need to work remotely, even after their law firms reopened. These shifts have had major impacts on gender parity in workplaces. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Roberta Tepper to discuss these issues of inequality and what law firms should do to support women in the profession.

Roberta Tepper is the Chief Member Services Officer at the State Bar of Arizona.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

ABA TECHSHOW 2022: An Interview with Co-Chairs Brooke Moore and Ivan Hemmans

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 13:00:32 +0000

TECHSHOW is coming up March 2-5 in Chicago! Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome this year’s co-chairs Brooke Moore and Ivan Hemmans to learn more about the in-person and virtual offerings for conference-goers. Visit techshow.com to register!

Brooke Moore is the legal editor for Legal Templates LLC and founding attorney of MyVirtual.Lawyer, an online, limited scope representation law firm model.

Ivan Hemmans is a senior manager of technical development at O’Melveny & Myers LLP and has extensive experience with information technology.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

Remote Litigation Tips: A View From the Bench with Judge John Tran

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 13:00:36 +0000

The pandemic forced the use of virtual technology into the courts, but there is still plenty of room for growth. Though there has certainly been some struggle throughout the transition, the profession as a whole is already seeing many benefits from new remote-based procedures. Judge John Tran joins Jim and Sharon to talk about the advancement of courtroom tech and his top tips for lawyers involved in virtual proceedings.

Judge John Tran is a circuit court judge in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

The Future of Digital Court Reporting

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 15:00:49 +0000

Digital court reporting has been invaluable throughout the pandemic, and new tech in this area continues to help court proceedings run more smoothly. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway chat with Tony Sirna about how AI can work hand-in-hand with digital reporters, how these tech and human elements aid in both in-person and virtual proceedings, and what has changed as a result of pandemic-era changes in the courts.

Tony Sirna is the legal strategist and customer success manager at Verbit.ai.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2021

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 15:00:07 +0000

Tech Toys are back! Jim and Sharon ring in the holidays with an abundance of gift recommendations for the tech-lovers in your life. Tune in for their curated list of practical and not-so-practical wishlist picks. Happy Holidays!

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

A Conversation with LawPay’s CEO – and Introducing ClientCredit

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 15:00:07 +0000

Payment platforms can be a lifesaver for law firms big and small. Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson get to know Dru Armstrong, recently appointed CEO of LawPay, and talk with her about how payment platforms help lawyers get paid faster, improve client relationships, manage trusts, and much more. They also discuss LawPay’s upcoming offering, ClientCredit, and how it will allow attorneys the opportunity to provide more payment options for their clients.

Dru Armstrong is the CEO of LawPay.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

New Horizons for the ABA Journal

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 15:00:55 +0000

Judge Herbert Dixon, newly elected chair of the ABA Journal Board of Editors, joins Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway to discuss the publication’s plans for the future. They take a look at the longstanding importance of the ABA Journal and its efforts to reach the profession as a whole, and Judge Dixon gives a few sneak peeks at what may be coming during his time as chair.

Judge Herbert B. Dixon, Jr., is a senior judge with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

The Rise of Re-Regulation in the Legal Industry

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 15:00:20 +0000

New developments surrounding re-regulation in the legal industry have left some lawyers uncertain about what these changes mean for the future of the profession. Digital Edge hosts Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson bring on legal analyst Jordan Furlong to hash out trends in legal re-regulation, dispel myths, and explain the underlying intent behind it all. They discuss the re-regulation’s goals of protecting public interest and providing meaningful, affordable access to justice and offer wisdom for lawyers on how to best navigate future changes in legal regulatory structures.

For more of Jordan Furlong’s thoughts on this subject, see his post The legal regulation revolution and other content on his Law21 blog at https://www.law21.ca/blog/.

Jordan Furlong is principal at Law21 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is an internationally renowned legal sector analyst, author, speaker, and consultant deeply invested in a better future for the legal profession and the society it serves.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

Overcoming Trust Account Management Challenges

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:00:22 +0000

Managing IOLTA accounts is challenging for both new and established law firms, so what can they do to make sure all their ducks are in a row? Sharon and Jim welcome Paul Garibian of Nota to talk through common mistakes lawyers make, the serious consequences of mismanaging these accounts, and the best practices lawyers need to know.

Paul Garibian is a fintech expert, entrepreneur, and current CEO of Nota.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

The Southern Poverty Law Center: A View From the Inside

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:28:23 +0000

Known nationwide for her technology and legal management expertise, Natalie Kelly has recently brought her skills to the Southern Poverty Law Center to help them modernize their legal department operations. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Natalie about her new role and the work done by the center to advance civil rights and racial justice. Natalie discusses the technology used to help the center refresh its operations, highlights her focus on promoting collaboration, and gives an overview of how the center’s practice areas work to advance human rights.

Natalie Kelly is the director of legal management for the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

10 Features of Microsoft 365 That Lawyers Love

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 27 May 2021 15:00:26 +0000

Microsoft 365 is heavily relied upon by many legal professionals, and with its numerous and frequently updated tools, it’s always good to re-up your knowledge of its capabilities! Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Ben Schorr to discuss 10 features lawyers especially enjoy about Microsoft 365. Ben discusses some of his favorite hidden gems in the software, and shares lawyer-specific insights on its licensing structure, security, mobile access, email encryption, and more.

Ben M. Schorr is a senior content designer at Microsoft.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

Managing Your Law Firm Through Change

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 15:00:48 +0000

Leading a law firm throughout the pandemic has been no easy task, but the lessons learned have helped many attorneys position their firms for a more tech-focused, efficient approach to business. Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson talk with Mary Vandenack about how she has managed her law firm through the many changes wrought by the pandemic. She describes their transition to remote work, ways to support team communication and tech needs, and her firm’s focus on redesigning legal services to increase automation and accessibility.

Mary E. Vandenack is the founding and managing member of Vandenack Weaver LLC in Omaha, Nebraska.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

Clio’s 2021 Legal Trends for Solo Law Firms

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:00:52 +0000

For the first time ever, Clio has released a special trends report focused specifically on solo law firms! To talk about how this report came about and the helpful data it has to offer solo attorneys, Sharon Nelson and guest host John Simek welcome Clio’s CEO Jack Newton. Jack shares some of the most surprising insights gleaned from their solo survey, discusses pandemic-era changes in the behaviors of solos and their clients, and gives his take on what solo firms might do to become more agile and improve their revenue.

Jack Newton is CEO and co-founder of Clio.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

How to Win Clients Online for Free!

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 15:00:36 +0000

Making smart choices online can help lawyers gain exposure and relationships that connect them with new clients. How? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome legal marketer Gyi Tsakalakis to discuss his top tips for effective, no-cost online client development. While money certainly can (and sometimes should!) be spent on marketing, Gyi stresses that some of the best ways to gain clients won’t cost you anything but time.

Gyi Tsakalakis is a former lawyer and the founder of AttorneySync, an online legal marketing agency that helps lawyers be where their clients are looking.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

ABA TECHSHOW 2021 Goes Virtual!

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 18:48:14 +0000

What will an online ABA TECHSHOW look like for attendees? Jim and Sharon welcome this year’s co-chairs, Allan Mackenzie and Roberta Tepper, to hear all about the reinvention of TECHSHOW 2021 in the virtual realm. With a 5-day schedule this year (March 8-12), attendees can look forward to having access to all sessions, a larger speaking faculty than ever before, and a variety of social and networking opportunities. Register now at: https://www.techshow.com/pricing/.

Allan Mackenzie is a veteran of the legal technology world and co-chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2021.

Roberta Tepper is the lawyer assistance programs director at the State Bar of Arizona and co-chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2021.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.

What’s on the Horizon for Law Firms in 2021?

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 15:00:17 +0000

It might be a risky time to predict the future, but Jim and Sharon have decided to give it a whirl! Based on shifts they’ve seen throughout the legal community during 2020, they offer their thoughts on what lawyers should keep in mind as the new year begins. With topics ranging from the movement away from physical office space to cloud-based lawyering to the rise of ransomware, and more, Jim and Sharon talk about which changes they think will stick and what impacts we may see throughout the profession.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.

‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2020

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:00:45 +0000

It’s time for Jim and Sharon’s favorite podcast of the year – Tech Toys for the Holidays! In keeping with tradition, The Digital Edge hosts offer up their favorite practical and not-so practical tech toys, this year with plenty of remote work and COVID-related gift ideas in the mix. Pick up some wishlist inspiration for yourself and your favorite lawyer-nerds – a handy UVC sterilizer, the latest LegalBoard Wireless, ideas for your home workspace, a portable bug zapper (wait, what?), and so much more! Happy Holidays!

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.

Arizona First State to Approve Non-Lawyer Ownership of Law Firms

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:52:02 +0000

In hopes of encouraging growth in their legal community in a variety of ways, Arizona has removed barriers preventing lawyers and non-lawyers from sharing fees. To learn more about what this change could mean for the profession as a whole, hosts Sharon and Jim talk with Arizona Vice Chief Justice Ann Timmer about the positive impacts they hope this new reform will bring. Along with hopes of helping law firms improve entrepreneurial success, the main driver behind this reform was to increase access to justice by encouraging creativity and innovation in legal service delivery.

Vice Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer has served on the Arizona Supreme Court since her appointment in 2012.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.

Supreme Court of Virginia’s Lawyers’ Wellness Initiative: A Rousing Success!

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:00:32 +0000

The Virginia Lawyers’ Wellness Initiative is bringing even more resources and educational opportunities to help attorneys prioritize wellbeing. Digital Edge hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome wellness coordinator Margaret Ogden to discuss the history and development of this new initiative and how attorneys can seek assistance, take advantage of CLE opportunities, find resources, and more.

Margaret Ogden is the wellness coordinator at the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.

COVID-19 is Brutal to Young Lawyers

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 15:00:39 +0000

Young lawyers have been experiencing more professional hardship than senior lawyers during the pandemic. With a hard-hit economy, a halt on many networking opportunities, and fewer new jobs available, the outlook is uncertain for recent graduates attempting to get their careers off the ground. Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson discuss these issues and more with young lawyer Graham Bryant. Graham outlines the unique stressors faced by young lawyers, shares coping strategies and resources, and offers his thoughts on what the profession will look like post-COVID.

Graham K. Bryant is a frequent writer and presenter on the technological, legal, and social trends affecting the legal profession in the twenty-first century.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.

Best Practices for Audio and Video Evidence: Avoid Mistakes in Court!

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 16:33:07 +0000

Attorneys have to be thorough in their preparations for court, but in David Notowitz’s experience, audio and video evidence is often inadequately presented. Digital Edge hosts Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson talk with David about common mistakes lawyers make and his recommendations for effective, polished audio/visual presentations.

David Notowitz is the founder and lead forensic expert at the National Center for Audio and Video Forensics.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.

A Legal Podcast About Legal Podcasting

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 14:00:21 +0000

Sharon and Jim have reached a major milestone—the 150th edition of the Digital Edge! For this special episode, they welcome fellow veteran podcasters Bob Ambrogi, Joe Patrice, and Tom Mighell to talk shop about the world of legal podcasting. They share favorite memories and horror stories and offer invaluable insights for aspiring podcasters.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.

Professor Richard Susskind Discusses Online Courts

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 18 May 2020 18:44:49 +0000

Until now, the legal profession has largely viewed technology as a thing that should be grafted onto the very traditional practice of law, but the onset of the pandemic has forced this opinion to change rapidly. Lawyers and judges who once eschewed the idea of online legal practice–and particularly online courts–are now working to find ways to innovate legal and court services to continue providing access to justice. In this edition of the Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Professor Richard Susskind to survey the new landscape of online courts and discuss changing views toward technology across the profession.

Professor Richard Susskind OBE is an author, speaker, and independent adviser to major professional firms and to national governments.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and Blackletter Podcast.

Risky Business: How Lawyers are Navigating Through COVID-19 and the Rocky Economy

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 16:36:34 +0000

The pandemic has caused rapid changes in the legal profession, and many lawyers are struggling to weather the storm. What can you do to bring your firm through this crisis? In this Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway survey the new landscape of legal and discuss what you can do to keep up with important transitions in the practice of law. They share tips for cybersecurity, video conferencing, obtaining financial assistance, and future pandemic planning.

Also, for more info, check out these additional recommended resources from Jim:

Brett Burney’s video on working remotely with kids at home.
“Zooming in on Zoom” with Catherine Sanders Reach and Jim Calloway https://www.okbar.org/lpt_articles/zooming-in-on-zoom/
Jordan Furlong’s series on the changes the pandemic is bringing to the legal profession https://www.law21.ca/2020/04/pandemic-viii-law-firm-transitions/

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and Blackletter Podcast.

Tech Toolbox: What’s Right for Your Practice?

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 19:43:29 +0000

Is your current technology setup really working for your law firm? And with new challenges to the practice of law during the coronavirus crisis, are you able to do remote work effectively? Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson talk with Richard Ferguson about the types of tools all lawyers should have at the ready in their tech tool boxes. They tap into Richard’s wealth of knowledge on practical tech solutions for law firms of all sizes.

Richard Ferguson practices law in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with the business law firm Lynass, Ferguson & Shoctor and is a current member of the ABA Techshow 2021 Planning Board.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and Blackletter Podcast.

The Best Lawyer You Can Be: A Guide to Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Wellness

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 15:00:30 +0000

Higher instances of depression, stress, substance abuse, and even divorce amongst legal professionals continues to call attention to the need for an increased focus on lawyer well-being. Digital Edge hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Stewart Levine about how his ABA-published book, “The Best Lawyer You Can Be: A Guide to Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Wellness,” helps lawyers engage with their own well-being in healthier ways.

Stewart Levine is the founder of ResolutionWorks, a consulting and training organization dedicated to providing skills and ways of thinking needed to build strong organizational cultures.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and ServeNow.

Law in the Age of the Consumer: It’s the Model That Matters

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 17:34:42 +0000

Today’s consumers want services faster than ever, and the traditional legal service delivery model is no longer appealing to many in need of legal help. Erin Levine saw the need for her family law clients to have access to a simple, DIY approach to divorce that would save time and money and thus her successful platform, Hello Divorce, was born. The Digital Edge hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Erin about how lawyers can develop their own sustainable approaches to online legal services that meet the demands of the changing legal market. Erin shares insights on establishing a brand, staying relevant to today’s legal consumers, and avoiding burnout.

Erin Levine is the founder and CEO of Hello Divorce.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and ServeNow.

A Preview of ABA TECHSHOW 2020

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 18:04:49 +0000

ABA TECHSHOW 2020 is right around the corner! Digital Edge hosts Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson talk with the conference’s co-chairs, Heidi Alexander and Catherine Sanders Reach, about what attendees have to look forward to at the upcoming TECHSHOW. They delve into the variety of topics the conference will focus on: new takes on well-being, practice management, academia-focused content, and more! They also share info on the special events at this year’s conference and highlight their exciting keynote speaker, Mary O’Carroll of Google.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and ServeNow.

‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2019

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 00:25:59 +0000

It’s that time of year again! Get ready to make some quirky additions to your wishlist. Digital Edge hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway bring you their much-anticipated annual episode – Tech Toys for the Holidays! This year’s list includes another healthy variety of practical and not-so practical gift ideas, ranging from Rocketbooks to flash drives to your very own Death Star fire pit–just what you didn’t know you needed! Tune in for ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and ServeNow.

What Lawyers Need to Know to Succeed in the Marketplace

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 18:05:28 +0000

Success isn’t just about numbers! If you are operating under continuous stress with little meaningful connection to the work you do, it might be time to rethink your approach. In this edition of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway are joined by Katy Goshtasbi to explore some of the more intrinsic challenges lawyers face in the process of business development. Katy explains the importance of reducing stress and defining your values in order to create business goals that serve both your personal and professional needs.

Katy Goshtasbi is a change and branding expert and founder of Puris Consulting.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and ServeNow.

Cybersecurity Basics for the Solo and Small Firm Lawyer

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 18:53:44 +0000

In the cybersecurity world, ransomware and business email compromise are the two most commonly seen issues. Is your law firm safe from these attacks? If you’re not sure, tune in to learn cybersecurity basics from John Simek, vice president of Sensei Enterprises. Digital Edge hosts Jim and Sharon talk to John about the ways cyber attacks happen and the essential security practices needed to protect your law firm.

Check out That One Privacy Site, John’s recommended resource for unbiased VPN comparisons.

John Simek is vice president of Sensei Enterprises, Inc., an information technology, digital forensics and information security firm located in Fairfax, VA.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and ServeNow.

The ”Big Ideas” of Law Practice – and Emerging Practice Areas

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 19:23:12 +0000

Are you up on the latest from the ABA’s Law Practice magazine? In this edition of the Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway are joined by contributing features editor Lance Johnson to talk through recent articles in the magazine’s Big Ideas Issue. Lance shares the process the magazine goes through when choosing these “big ideas,” and gives an overview of its current focus on automation, AI, and emerging practice areas. They also discuss developing trends in the delivery of online legal services, current issues in the cannabis industry, and the quickly growing practice areas of privacy and data breach-related law.

Lance Johnson is an IP attorney and the principal of Johnson Legal PLLC in Fairfax, VA. He is also the contributing features editor of the ABA’s Law Practice magazine.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Nexa, Answer1, and Clio.

Building a Cutting Edge Virtual Law Firm

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 20:36:20 +0000

What does it look like to operate an entirely web-based law firm? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Brooke Moore about her expertise as a virtual practitioner. She explains the advantages of moving to this highly tech-driven method of practicing law, including greater efficiency, flexibility, and convenience in interactions with clients. Brooke also gives listeners a rundown of how her firm operates and addresses common concerns lawyers may have about starting their own virtual law firms.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Nexa, Answer1, and Clio.

Digital Detoxing for Lawyers

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 20:43:30 +0000

One estimate claims the number of lawyers with digital addiction could be as high as 40%, and lawyers’ need to constantly engage with technology makes it difficult to set boundaries. What can they do to unplug? In this edition of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Roberta Tepper about digital addiction in the legal profession and her tips for spending less time on mobile devices. Together, they discuss the signs and symptoms of addiction, caution against “text neck”, and talk about ways lawyers can mindfully put their phones down and reduce dependence, step-by-step.

Roberta Tepper has been the lawyer assistance programs director at the State Bar of Arizona since 2013.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

How Can Chatbots Help Your Law Firm?

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 29 May 2019 22:52:44 +0000

Many lawyers are curious about chatbots but have little knowledge of how they can be applied in their legal practice. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Tom Martin about how chatbots are being put to work in the legal industry. Tom talks about his background as a lawyer and shares what spurred his interest in developing chatbots. They discuss how this technology frees up lawyers’ time and helps them connect with more clients. Tom also offers his advice for lawyers interested in getting into the legal tech space.

Tom Martin is CEO and founder of LawDroid Ltd.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Highlights of the Wolters Kluwer 2019 Future Ready Lawyer Survey

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 23:53:26 +0000

The legal industry is transforming—what does this mean for lawyers in the future? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Stacey Caywood and Dean Sonderegger to discuss the Wolters Kluwer 2019 Future Ready Lawyer Survey. They discuss the trends and findings of the survey, highlighting the things leading organizations were doing that boosted their future-readiness. The survey found that law firms that lead in leveraging technology outperformed others across all categories and were also more profitable. They talk about how trailing organizations in the survey can catch up, offering strategies and encouraging them to invest in technology to better prepare their firms for the future.

Stacey Caywood is the CEO of Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory, a leading provider of information, software and integrated workflow solutions for legal and business compliance professionals worldwide.

Dean Sonderegger is the VP and General Manager of Legal Markets and Innovation at Wolters Kluwer’s Legal & Regulatory U.S.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Successful Digital Marketing Tips for the Solo and Small Firm Lawyer

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 19:34:14 +0000

If your law firm’s digital marketing plan isn’t working for you, consider changing your tactics! In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Gyi Tsakalakis about how to be successful in digital marketing for small and solo firms. They also advise lawyers to have ownership for all of their online content, caution against being overly self-promotional, and encourage lawyers to track and measure their marketing efforts to effectively evaluate success.

Gyi Tsakalakis is a former lawyer and the founder of AttorneySync, an online legal marketing agency, to help lawyers be where their clients are looking.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

ABA 2018 Legal Technology Survey: Takeaways for Lawyers

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 21:53:09 +0000

How are lawyers budgeting for technology in their firms and where do they need to catch up on legal tech? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Sofia Lingos about the ABA 2018 Legal Technology Survey. The survey and its subsequent report gives lawyers current statistics on the state of technology implementation in law firms. They discuss how lawyers can use this information for ideas on what their firms need to do to stay level with emerging technology.

Sofia Lingos, Esq. is the founding and managing attorney of Trident Legal, a Boston based law firm that provides innovative transactional legal services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and start-ups in diverse industries throughout all stages of growth.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Using Gamification of Access to Justice to Train Artificial Intelligence

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 17:59:01 +0000

How can access to justice technologies be developed through a game? In this episode of Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to David Colarusso about the Learned Hands project. Learned Hands is a game in which lawyers spot possible legal issues in real people’s stories about their problems. This machine learning game identifies text classifiers for developing a new taxonomy that can be used to connect people with public legal help resources.

David Colarusso is the Director of Suffolk University Law School’s Legal Innovation and Technology Lab.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

A Preview of ABA TECHSHOW 2019

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 21:11:50 +0000

ABA TECHSHOW is right around the corner! In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway give a preview of ABA TECHSHOW 2019 with guests Lincoln Mead and John Simek, co-chairs of the conference board. They share how the conference stays current on tech for lawyers and give tips on how to best prepare for attending the show. There will be some new elements for attendees this year, including a new app for the conference, greater cooperation with educators for the academic track, and more focus on involving young lawyers and law students.

Lincoln Mead is the project manager for Canon Discovery Services and co-chair of the 2019 ABA TECHSHOW board.

John Simek is the Vice President of Sensei Enterprises and co-chair of the 2019 ABA TECHSHOW board.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2018

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 21:12:33 +0000

Get ready to geek out over this wishlist of tech toys for the holidays! In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway share their complete list of picks for the best new technology — some serious and some just plain fun. From a PhoneSoap sanitizer to a Marvel Thor’s Hammer tool set, there’s something for everyone on your list!

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

The Insurance Industry Studies the Future of Law Practice

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 23:09:03 +0000

In regards to the future of law practice, the role of malpractice carriers is a unique one. On this edition of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway join Chris Newbold, the executive vice president of ALPS Malpractice Insurance, to discuss the role of malpractice carriers and how the risk assessment process can be an interesting way to look at the changes in law practice and the future of the profession.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

The Wizardry of Law Librarians

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 17:37:40 +0000

The job of a librarian involves a lot more than books. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Marlene Gebauer and Greg Lambert about the skills of law librarians and the roles they play in different areas of the law. They discuss the different facets of being a law librarian and how they can help with analytics, risk management, and streamlining processes.

Marlene Gebauer is the director of knowledge solutions at Greenberg Traurig.

Greg Lambert is the chief knowledge services officer at Jackson Walker and is the president of American Association of Law Libraries.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

The Cloudy Ethics of Cloud Computing

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 21:33:26 +0000

No lawyer should assume their firm’s technology is secure. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Lucian Pera about the ethics of lawyers using the cloud and how they can use it with confidence. They break down the different cloud providers, the dangers that can potentially crop up when using the cloud, and the importance of having a technology mentor that lawyers can turn to with questions whenever they need it.

Lucian T. Pera joined Adams and Reese in 2006 and focuses his practice on commercial litigation, media law, and legal ethics work.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Addressing Lawyer Mental Wellness at the Virginia Bar

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 22:07:13 +0000

Is practicing law bad for your mental health? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Len Heath about lawyer mental wellness and why it’s an issue worthy of attention in today’s legal industry. They discuss what both the ABA and Virginia Bar Association are doing to address lawyer wellness and, as the president of the Virginia Bar, what wellness goals Len hopes to achieve while in office.

Len Heath is a partner in the firm of Heath, Overbey, Verser & Old and currently serves as the president of the Virginia State Bar.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

The Data-Driven Ethics Initiative

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 23:54:22 +0000

The Data-Driven Ethics Initiative is a research project that aims to use legal services data to modernize legal rules for professional conduct. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Erin Gerstenzang about the initiative and the current landscape of ethics reform including lawyer regulations. Additionally, Erin delves into the challenges of ethics reform and how design-thinking can help.

Erin Gerstenzang is a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. She primarily handles DUI and other drug and alcohol related offenses.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

The Case for Collaboration

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 29 May 2018 18:17:11 +0000

Collaboration is becoming increasingly important within the legal field especially with emerging technology that makes it easier than ever. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell, authors of The Lawyer’s Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies: Smart Ways to Work Together, about collaboration, why it’s necessary for lawyers, and the tools attorneys need to make their teamwork efficient. They also discuss what has been driving lawyers more and more towards collaboration techniques and how collaboration can assist with case management.

Tom Mighell is a published author, noted legal technologist, and runs his own blog, Inter Alia. He is currently senior consultant for Contoural, Inc.

Dennis Kennedy is an award-winning leader in applying the internet and technology to law practice.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

The Lean Law Firm

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 21:54:46 +0000

Lean is a business methodology that’s used by Nike, Toyota, and even John Deere, but what does being a lean organization look like for law firms? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Larry Port and Dave Maxfield, authors of The Lean Law Firm, about what running a lean law firm looks like and the first steps to adopting lean techniques. They also address common misperceptions about the methodology and share some key takeaways of the book, such as seeing your law firm as a system and having the bravery to experiment.

Larry Port, CEO of Rocket Matter, is also a speaker and award winning writer at the crossroads of the legal profession and cutting edge technology.

For over 20 years, Dave Maxfield has represented individual consumers in cases against banks, credit reporting agencies, debt collectors, and insurance companies.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

The ABA Journal: Legal Journalism in the Digital Age

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 22:05:42 +0000

Print may seem like it’s going out of style but the ABA Journal is still going strong. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Molly McDonough about news stories lawyers want to read and how the ABA Journal has adapted to changes in media consumption. They also discuss the ABA Journal’s role as the primary source of legal technology information for attorneys.

Molly McDonough, joined the ABA Journal staff in 2001 and has been editor and publisher since Feb. 3, 2017.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Expanding Access to Justice through Online Dispute Resolution

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:09:39 +0000

Not all legal disputes require the input of a lawyer. Some don’t even need the input of a human. Online dispute resolution (ODR), or the use of technology to solve basic disputes, is considered by some to be an access to justice solution. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Colin Rule about how ODR works and its potential to fill access to justice needs. They also discuss where ODR originally came from, the difference between between ODR and alternative dispute resolution, and how mobile access will expand the use of this technology.

Colin Rule is vice president for online dispute resolution at Tyler Technologies. Tyler acquired Modria.com, an ODR provider Colin co-founded, in 2017.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Preview of ABA TECHSHOW 2018

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 17:41:07 +0000

ABA TECHSHOW 2018 is just around the corner and, for those of you who can barely contain your excitement, here’s a sneak preview of what this year’s conference will look like. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to ABA TECHSHOW 2018 co-chairs Debbie Foster and Tom Mighell about this year’s conference. They discuss what’s new at TECHSHOW, advice for new attendees, and some of the most beloved extracurricular activities, like Taste of TECHSHOW and morning yoga sessions.

Tom Mighell has been at the front lines of technology development since joining Cowles & Thompson, P.C. in 1990. He is also the co-chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2018.

Debbie Foster is the managing partner of Affinity Consulting Group’s Tampa Bay office. She is also the co-chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2018.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

When the Bell Tolls for Thee: Disaster Planning and Recovery for Law Firms

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 17:37:07 +0000

While months have passed, the impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria can still be felt by the businesses affected. For law firms, these intense storms have brought to the forefront thoughts about preparedness and how to react in situations like this. In this episode of The Digital Edge, host Jim Calloway talks to Tom Bolt, whose firm was hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria, about how lawyers can prepare for natural disasters. Their discussion includes what technology he used and needed, the importance of having a disaster recovery and business continuity policy in place, and what types of problems his firm has dealt with in the aftermath.

BoltNagi Firm founder and managing attorney, Tom Bolt, focuses his practice in government relations, banking, real estate, real estate finance, and estate planning.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2017

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 16:58:35 +0000

If you’re looking for the latest and greatest technology to spoil your most beloved tech-nerds this holiday season, look no further than the annual tech toys edition of The Digital Edge. This year, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk about a wide range of products, from doorbells to submarines, to help you brainstorm gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Product Mentioned:

Bluesmart laptop bag: the world’s first smart bag

BioLite SolarPanel 5+: portable solar charger

Legalboard: A keyboard designed for lawyers

Joby GripTight One GorillaPod Stand: flexible tripod and phone holder

Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket with Jacquard by Google: smart jacket

Gatekeeper 2.5 Wireless Bluetooth PC Lock: computer key

LG Gram Laptops: a series of lightweight laptops

Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II: noise canceling headphones

Microsoft Surface Book 2: a laptop/tablet

SketchPro 3D Pen: 3D drawing pen

Samsung 34” CF791 Curved Widescreen Monitor: HD monitor

Ring Video Doorbell: security system

Nexx Garage: door opener

Echo Connect: Amazon Echo phone accessory

Kuri: home robot

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard: travel keyboard

Kohler Numi Toilet: smart toilet

Apple Watch Series 3: smart watch

Carved Satellite Series: carved wooden phone cases

Aston Martin Limited Edition Submarine

The Apple Product Cheat Sheet for Lawyers

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 18:16:20 +0000

68-73% of lawyers use iPhones and those aren’t the only Apple products pervading the legal industry. The use of iPads for law has also become more and more common. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Brett Burney about the latest Apple products and how they can serve lawyers. From face ID to the benefits of iOS 11, they share which Apple tools will save lawyers time and effort in their business. They also discuss the top apps that attorneys who use Apple products should download. Check out links to those apps below.

Brett Burney is Principal of Burney Consultants LLC and is active in the Mac-using lawyer community, working with lawyers who want to integrate Macs, iPhones, and iPads into their practice.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

How Augmented Intelligence and Cognitive Computing Serves the Legal Profession

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 21:11:22 +0000

Because they are unfamiliar with the technology, many lawyers are nervous about the growing popularity of artificial and augmented intelligence. However, others are welcoming the changes this technology will bring to the practice of law. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Brian Kuhn, global co-leader for the IBM Watson legal practice, about why lawyers should be interested in cognitive computing (or augmented intelligence) and how legal professionals are currently using IBM Watson and other AI technologies. They also discuss blockchain and how it works together with AI.

Brian Kuhn serves as the global co-leader for the IBM Watson legal practice driving global strategy and execution across clients, legal markets, and internal groups.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Teaching the Technology of Law Practice to Law Students

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:57:33 +0000

Introducing technology to legal education could be the key to inspiring innovation in the legal industry. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Darin Fox about how he sees technology functioning in legal education. They discuss the program Darin oversees at the University of Oklahoma, how the recession affected the use of legal technology, and potential future uses of courtroom technology.

Darin Fox is an associate dean at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He oversees the law library, information technology, and the school’s law practice technology training program, called the Digital Initiative Project.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Evernote for Lawyers: Manage Your Research, Marketing, and Process

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 16:14:32 +0000

As a lawyer, managing research, marketing, and even organizing your thoughts can potentially result in chaos. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Heidi Alexander about Evernote and how it can help lawyers stay organized. They discuss what Evernote is, what sets it apart from other note-taking programs, and examples of how lawyers are currently using it in their own practices.

Heidi Alexander, is the director of the Massachusetts Law Office Management Assistance Program (MassLOMAP).

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Low Bono Legal Services: Working to Provide Access to Justice

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 20:39:02 +0000

It’s no secret that access to justice is a significant issue within the legal industry, but when did lawyers first recognize the problem and how are they working to solve it? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway discuss low bono legal services with Shantelle Argyle, executive director of Open Legal Services. Their discussion includes the unintended consequences of the access to justice movement, the biggest barriers to innovation in legal services, and the role of Open Legal Services as a legal aid organization. They also discuss what’s different about today’s legal services consumers and how they affect access to justice.

Shantelle Argyle is co-founder and executive director of Open Legal Services, a sliding scale legal aid organization.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Is Law Really A Buyer’s Market? And If So, Now What?

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 08 May 2017 19:29:58 +0000

The legal industry has operated as a seller’s market for so long that some lawyers don’t know how to handle the recent trend towards accommodating clients. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Jordan Furlong about what has driven the shift to a consumer-focused market, the new players that are breaking onto the scene as a result, and how law firms, both big and small, should react to the changes. Their conversation also includes three ways to respond to these market forces as well as how client services, competition, and culture should affect potential business strategies.

Jordan Furlong is a speaker, author, and legal market analyst who forecasts the impact of changing market conditions on lawyers and law firms. He is also author of Law is a Buyer’s Market: Building a Client-First Law Firm.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Defining Artificial Intelligence as a Legal Tool

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 17:50:39 +0000

A number of lawyers are nervous about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing their jobs in the near future, but most don’t understand AI. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Mark Tamminga who defines artificial intelligence and what its growing popularity means for lawyers. Their discussion includes the big players in the AI industry, the future of technology, and what Mark would say to lawyers concerned that robots will take their jobs. They also talk about the College of Law Practice Management’s Futures Conference 2017, for which Mark and Sharon are co-chairs. This year’s focus will be artificial intelligence and its role in the legal industry.

Mark Tamminga is a senior partner at Gowling WLG, a platform from which to nudge his firm in the direction of rethinking how legal services and products are delivered.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

Running with the Machines: Artificial Intelligence in the Practice of Law

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 23:00:07 +0000

You don’t actually need to worry about a robot taking your job. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson talk to Andrew Arruda, CEO of ROSS Intelligence, about how artificial intelligence assists lawyers, not replaces them. Their conversation includes what ROSS is, the biggest misconceptions surrounding AI, and the biggest challenges facing legal technology adoption in larger firms.

Andrew Arruda is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the artificial intelligence company ROSS Intelligence, a leader in the legal technology industry.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.

The Importance of Legal Writing

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 22:03:50 +0000

Does quality writing really make you a better lawyer? On this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway discuss legal writing with Gary Kinder, founder of the editing program WordRake. Together, they explore lawyers’ biggest writing errors, why this is important in the courtroom, and how writing well can help build a positive reputation for a firm. In their conclusion of the episode, they shift the focus to WordRake itself, expanding on what it is, the cost, and why it’s effective. They even include a treat especially for Digital Edge listeners.

Gary Kinder founded the software company WordRake in 2012. The company’s eponymous software is an automated editing program that suggests changes to improve brevity and clarity.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, and Answer1.

Will Alternative Business Structures in U.K. Law Firms Cross the Pond?

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 21:39:35 +0000

While 600 alternative business structure (ABS) licenses have been granted in the U.K., American law firms hesitate to pick up the strategy. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to David Beech, CEO of Knights, a professional services firm with a successful ABS. In his discussion he expands on common fears associated with ABS, how community makes ABS thrive, and why ignoring ABS is a mistake. He finishes the interview by touching on his own business, which started out as a law firm, and what makes it a successful ABS.

David Beech is the CEO of the professional services firm Knights in the U.K. David has led the business, originally a law firm, since 2011. His vision for Knights is to become the leading regional professional services business in the U.K.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, and Answer1.

‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2016

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 18:00:47 +0000

Struggling to find the perfect gadget for that tech savvy attorney in your life? Perhaps you’re trying to figure out exactly what to get a very special lawyer who seemingly has everything? In this edition of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway share all of their top tech toys and gifting goodies to help you spice up the law firm this holiday season.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, Scorpion, and Answer1.

Products Mentioned:

Family Hub Refrigerator: A smart refrigerator

IBM Model M Keyboard: Mechanical Keyboard

Thermo Thermometer: Smart thermometer

NES Classic Edition: Nintendo’s mini iconic console.

Self-Installing Car Seat: A car seat that installs itself

Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Powerful multi-purpose tablet

Nanoleaf Aurora: A modular LED panel lighting system

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge: Smart phone

Petcube Play and Petcube Camera: Pet monitor and pet selfie device

Prepara iPrep Foldable/Adjutsable E-reader: E-reader and adjustable stand

Amazon Echo Dot: Voice-controlled; cloud based Alexa Voice speaker

Sensorwake: Olfactory alarm clock

Hudway Glass: Heads up display for any car

Wilson X Football and Basketball: Smart football and basketball device

Urbanears: Washable headphones

Anki’s Cozmo Robot: Robot

Smart Remote: Smart remote that instantly connects to house appliances

CHiP: Robotic dog pet

Trust Accounting for Lawyers

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 18:36:01 +0000

Starting, or running, a law firm requires legal know how and business acumen. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Oregon State Bar Professional Liability Fund Practice Management Advisor Sheila Blackford about her advice for attorneys seeking to better manage their client trust accounts.

Sheila Blackford is an attorney and practice management advisor for the Oregon State Bar Professional Liability Fund. She helps lawyers learn to set up and manage their client trust accounts and authored “Trust Accounting for Lawyers in One Hour.”

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.

Analysis of the ABA Report on the Future of Legal Services

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 21:11:46 +0000

Many lawyers are familiar with the varied services and resources that the American Bar Association provides to their members around the country. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Vandenack Williams LLC. founder Mary Vandenack about the American Bar Association Future of Legal Services commission, the data found in that study, and how those findings can help lawyers improve and prepare for the future of law.

Mary Vandenack served on the American Bar Association Commission on the Future of Legal Services and currently serves as co-chair on the Futures Taskforce and c0-chair of the Economics and Technology Committee of the ABA Section of Real Property, Trust, & Estate Law.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.

Attaining Law Firm Diversity

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:00:27 +0000

As the demographics that make up our society continue to shift, the question of diversity in the legal profession continues to grow in prominence. How would an increase in diversity benefit law firms and what can attorneys do to promote that change within the profession? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with KM Advisors, LLC Managing Director John Mitchell about the difference between diversity and inclusion, diversity fatigue, and factors within the industry that might hinder the advancement of diverse lawyers.

John “The Purple Coach” Mitchell is managing director of KM Advisors, LLC in Chicago. He spends his days supporting and advising leaders of law firms and legal departments as they navigate a constantly changing marketplace.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.

Metadata Management and Daily Best Practices

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 14:00:20 +0000

In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with PayneGroup CEO Donna Payne about ways attorneys can better handle their metadata. Donna reminisces about starting her company in 1998, the client experience that inspired the creation of her Metadata Assistant software, and The Wall Street Journal’s front page article mention that resulted in 150,000 downloads. She analyzes how metadata has changed since she started and provides a list of things, such as track changes and hidden text, that lawyers should be on the lookout for. She states that one of the best things you can do if you can’t afford a third party assistant program is to know what is in the document and use any free options available in your preferred office software suite. Donna closes the interview with an explanation of what exchangeable image file format data is, her checklist of the most common metadata mistakes that lawyers make, and some daily best practices that lawyers can implement to help protect their data.

Donna Payne is the founder and serves as chief executive officer of PayneGroup, Inc. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the Project Management Institute. In addition Donna is an original member of the Microsoft Legal Advisory Council. She is a frequent speaker at legal and technical conferences worldwide and has spoken to Congressional committees, the Senate, and at international judicial conferences on the subject of metadata and preventing accidental disclosure.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.

Tips for Managing Technology from a Chief Information Officer

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 15:00:42 +0000

In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway speak with Legal Technology Consultant Andrew Adkins about his time as chief information officer for the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. Andy reflects on his 23 years as a technology consultant and gives a brief breakdown of the variables that led to his move to West Virginia and employment with Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. The firm was large and successful when he arrived but, as he recalls, the information technology infrastructure was understaffed and mostly focused on day-to-day problem solving. This lack of needed staff was one of his biggest challenges as he began to expand the law firm’s IT capabilities and integrate new software to help the attorneys improve the services they provided. Andy talks about the process of building relationships among his teammates, learning their strengths and weaknesses, and the challenges he had convincing management of the necessity of continued employee training. He warns other CIOs of potential “upgrade fatigue” within their IT departments and shares how traveling to introduce himself to each branch of the company and incorporating a monthly newsletter to inform staff of upcoming tech changes helped to prepare staff for company-wide tech improvements. Andy closes the interview with an analysis of how he addressed the law firm’s cyber security needs and his list of his best and worst professional moments during his four year employment there.

Andy Adkins has been assisting law firms to improve their services to clients since the late 1980s. His career/journey has continuously led him down various paths, including a four year gig as the Chief Information Officer at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, a large law firm based in Bridgeport, West Virginia.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.

The Benefits and Challenges of Implementing a Firm-Wide Strategic Plan

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 17:18:41 +0000

As the legal marketplace becomes more globalized, many lawyers are venturing out and starting their own law firms. However, many attorneys also establish law firms without creating a company-wide strategic business plan to help guide future growth and company development. How do attorneys create a strategic business plan for their firm and what are the best ways to implement that plan?

In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with The Remsen Group President John Remsen, Jr. about the benefits of creating a firm-wide business plan. John expresses how important it is for law firm leadership to recognize that they are running a business and states that it is difficult to run a successful business without a plan of where you are going. He shares that his research results show that only 40% of midsize firms report that they have a written strategic plan and less than 5% give themselves a high score on implementing that plan well. Remsen also reveals that 90% of firms with a plan will attribute improved performance in areas like increased cohesiveness, profitability, long term sustainability, and growth to the planning exercise. He then analyzes the top five concerns of midsize firms, like associate development and firm governance, and provides ways that firms can address these concerns. He closes the interview with reasons that older lawyers resist these types of improvements and tips to help law firms start the strategic planning process.

John Remsen, Jr. is a frequent speaker and author on law firm leadership and marketing topics. He has spoken at national and regional conferences of the Legal Marketing Association, the Association of Legal Administrators, American Bar Association and numerous state and local bar associations. After serving as in-house marketing director at two major law firms, John formed The Remsen Group, a consulting firm that works exclusively with law firms to help them develop and implement long-term strategic objectives to improve cohesiveness, performance and profitability.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.

What Lawyers Should Know About Cloud Computing Security Standards

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 20 May 2016 17:57:09 +0000

The large volume of data that many law firms handle makes utilizing cloud computing services a very enticing prospect. What ethical standards should lawyers expect these companies to abide by? What should lawyers look for in a cloud computing provider?

In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway speak with Clio founder and CEO Jack Newton and Rocket Matter founder and CEO Larry Port about cloud computing and the new cloud security standards for legal professionals released by the Legal Cloud Computing Association. Larry explains what the LCCA is and how it formed out of a need to educate lawyers about what is happening in the cloud. Jack provides some insight into the creation of the security standards, such as terms of service privacy policies and encryption, and states that with these standards as a baseline lawyers will be able to more easily assess if a cloud computing provider is adhering to certain ethical standards. Larry also lists a few factors lawyers should consider, like where the SaaS data center is located, and the four things (vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and aesthetic code and dynamic code reviews) that the standards require in security testing. They both end the interview with an analysis of in-transit and at rest encryption and the benefits and drawbacks of zero knowledge level security.

Jack Newton is the founder and CEO of Clio and recently joined the board of the International Legal Technology Standards Organization (ILTSO). He also co-founded and is acting president of the Legal Cloud Computing Association (LCCA). Jack received his master of science in computing science from the University of Alberta.

Larry Port is the founder and CEO of Rocket Matter and is a speaker and award winning writer at the crossroads of the legal profession, cutting edge technology, and law firm marketing. He was named to the 2012 Fastcase 50 and received his master of computer science with an emphasis in distributed systems from New York University.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.

How Technology Has, and Will, Impact the Practice of Law

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 04 May 2016 22:55:38 +0000

Over the past 100 years technology has made enormous leaps toward improving the ease of everyday living for the average citizen. This progress has also been reflected in the legal profession as tech becomes more integrated into the working lives of lawyers. However, in what ways has technology improved the profession and how can technological advancements aid us in the future?

In this special centennial episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway sit down with ABA President-Elect Linda Klein to reflect on how technology has improved the practice of law throughout their careers. The hosts open by taking some time to reflect on the last 100 episodes of the podcast and Linda shares her memory of having the Digital Edge be the very first podcast she ever listened to. She then muses over being introduced to technology early in her career and how tech started to influence and improve the way she practiced law. Within these reflections, Linda provides some insight into why she thinks it is important for lawyers to give back to their communities and tips on how tech can help fit everything into one’s busy life. The group then focuses on ABA initiatives centered around positively influencing the rapid change happening in the legal profession spurred by globalization and technology. Linda then looks toward the future and discusses goals that she has for her presidency relating specifically to technology and the practice of law.

Linda A. Klein is president-elect of the American Bar Association. She is also a senior managing shareholder at Baker Donelson, recently completing a 6 year term on the Firm’s Board of Directors. Her practice includes most types of business dispute resolution, including contract law, employment law and professional liability.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.

The Law is Not Copyrightable: Fastcase Sues Casemaker

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 17:28:53 +0000

Recently, the legal publishing company Fastcase received a takedown notice from the parent company of another publishing company, Casemaker, claiming they had exclusive rights to distribute, for commercial use, the Georgia Administrative Rules and Regulations. Fastcase CEO Ed Walters was surprised by this demand, because public law is not copyrightable. As a response, Ed decided to initiate litigation with Casemaker for the rights to the regulations and also to set a countrywide precedent. But why did Casemaker think they had exclusive rights to these Georgia laws in the first place?

In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Ed Walters about the case, why he thinks keeping public law in the public domain is so important, and the history of law citations, annotations, and publication.

Topics include:

The verbiage in Casemaker’s takedown notice to Fastcase
Contracts with the Secretary of State of Georgia and other states
The importance of having a federal court declare that private publishers can’t own the law
The history of laws published with citations, annotations, or editorial enhancements
How the digitalization of laws has changed the publishing landscape
What happens when a state designates a version of the code as official (even if it was published by a private company like LexisNexis)
What will happen next with the Casemaker/Fastcase lawsuit

Ed Walters is the CEO and co-founder of Fastcase, a legal publishing company based in Washington D.C. Before working at Fastcase, he was a lawyer at Covington & Burling in Washington D.C. and Brussels. Ed also teaches The Law of Robots at Georgetown University Law Center.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.

The Lawyer’s Duty of Technology Competence

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 17:51:11 +0000

In 2009, the American Bar Association created the Commission on Ethics 20/20 to examine in depth how changes in technology affect the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. The commission made many recommendations and, most notably, the ABA modified Rule 1.1 regarding lawyer competence. In the new version, Rule 1.1 Comment 8 reads “To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology…” But what does it really mean to be competent in technology as a lawyer?

In this episode of The Digital Edge, Jim Calloway interviews lawyer and legal technology blogger/podcaster Bob Ambrogi about the lawyer’s duty of technology competence, how it applies to discovery and confidentiality, and how technology can really benefit lawyers too.

Topics include:

Tech duty: regulatory burden versus the reality of practicing law today
State bars that have adopted the ABA rule change
Implications of the California eDiscovery Ethics Opinion
Relevant technology and knowing what you don’t know
Getting up to speed on encryption
eDiscovery and knowing how to collect, preserve, and search data properly
How to effectively contract out competence
The duty to supervise
Benefits of technology in practice management

Bob Ambrogi is a legal technology writer, blogger, and podcaster. He writes two nationally-recognized blogs, “LawSites,” covering new networking sites and technology for the legal profession, and “MediaLaw,” on freedom of the press. Ambrogi is a Massachusetts attorney representing clients at the intersection of law, media, and technology for his firm, The Law Office of Robert J. Ambrogi.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.

ABA TECHSHOW 2016: An Interview with Chair Steve Best

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 17:20:58 +0000

30 years ago, the legal community began to see the value in the intersection between technology and the law. Lawyers are now using new software and tech devices more than ever in their practices and the courtroom, making the ABA TECHSHOW’s 30th anniversary valuable to anyone working in the legal field. So what’s going on this year?

In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Steve Best, chair of ABA TECHSHOW’s Planning Board, about the popular technology topics that will be covered at the conference in March, why lawyers and other law firm staff should care about tech trends, and how Steve personally became so intricately involved.

Topics include:

Steve’s career transition from a practicing lawyer to a legal technology consultant
Why lawyers should care about security, mobility, and the cloud
Regulation violations and security breaches
Learning helpful info from the exhibit hall
The planning board: IT professionals, in-house attorneys, lawyers, and consultants
Two special plenary sessions
Getting the most out of the technology you already have
The 30th anniversary party at the Chicago Hilton hotel

Steve Best is an attorney and the founding partner at Affinity Consulting Group, a well-known and well-respected law office management and technology company. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Georgia Bar and is also a certified consultant and trainer, maintaining certifications in many law office software products including time billing and accounting, practice management, document management, PDF production, document assembly, and paperless office packages.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow and CloudMask.

The Future of the Professions: An Interview with Richard and Daniel Susskind

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 18:40:31 +0000

“The question is not can a machine exhibit empathy or judgement but instead for what problems are empathy, judgement, or creativity the solution?” -Richard Susskind

After years of writing and thinking about the future of the legal profession, Richard Susskind began to run into legal professionals whose careers are being affected by technology. In addition to lawyers, those in the medical, architecture, financial, and other fields have begun to notice a shift in the provision of professional services. Richard got together with his son, Daniel Susskind, at the time working in justice policy, education policy, and health policy for the British Prime Minister, to examine how technology is increasingly playing a fundamental role in how all service-based professions work. They recently published a book on the subject called “The Future of the Professions.”

In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Richard and Daniel Susskind about their new book and key topics within that might interest lawyers who wish to prepare for the future. They discuss a “grand bargain” concept of exclusivity, the capability of machines to replace cognitive, physical/manual, and emotional skills currently provided by human professionals, and the right questions to ask about the future of legal services. Are there any tasks that computers won’t be able to do?

Topics include:

Society’s expectation for affordable, accessible, and reliable professional services
Computers and artificial intelligence as a threat to the legal profession
Professionals to be redeployed into new roles
Embedded knowledge
Free sharing of information through online avenues
Incremental changes versus complete changes
Commercial and social circumstances of the current systems

Professor Richard Susskind is an author, speaker, and independent advisor to international professional firms and national governments. He is president for the Society for Computers and Law, IT advisor to the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, and chair of the Oxford Internet Institute Advisory Board. His books include the best sellers, “The End of Lawyers?” and “Tomorrow’s Lawyers.”

Daniel Susskind is a lecturer in economics at Balliol College, University of Oxford, where he researches and teaches, and from where he has two degrees in economics. He was also a Kennedy Scholar at Harvard University. Previously, he worked for the British government as a policy adviser in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit and as a senior policy adviser at the Cabinet Office.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow and CloudMask.

What’s Hot in Cybersecurity for Law Firms

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 19:46:56 +0000

With the data breaches and ransomware that has plagued law firms (and other companies) of all sizes recently, clients and firm managers alike are seeking more advanced data security. Certifications like the ISO 27001 provide guidelines and standards for how to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information your firm holds. But what does implementing the high level of cybersecurity mean practically, how much will it cost, and what if a solo or small law firm can’t afford it?

In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview John Simek about the International Standards Organization (ISO) 27001 certification, The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) small business standards, and other news concerning law firm cybersecurity.

Topics include:

Updates, guidelines, and costs of getting the ISO 27001 certification
NISTIR 7621 Revision 1: absolutely necessary, highly recommended, and advanced cybersecurity actions
Helpful resources for small firms
Client wishes and data breaches in 2015
How to implement an incident response plan (IRP)
Email encryption and Opinion 648 of the Texas Center for Legal Ethics
Protection from ransomware
Passwords, multi-factor authentication, and biometrics
Changing defaults and patching applications

John Simek is the vice president of Sensei Enterprises, Inc. in Fairfax, Virginia, which offers IT, information security, and digital forensics services for law firms and other businesses. John is a co-author of the book “Encryption Made Simple for Lawyers,” published by the American Bar Association in 2015 and a co-author of the second edition of “Locked Down: Practical Information Security for Lawyers” which will be published in March of 2016. John is one of the country’s leading cybersecurity experts for law firms.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow and CloudMask.

The Internet’s Role in Client Development

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 20:39:04 +0000

How do people find lawyers these days? Although many attorneys believe they are discovered through a Google or Bing search, legal service consumers are actually still taking recommendations from people they know and trust. But technology has added a multitude of new ways that people perform research and journey to find lawyers. Potential clients will likely search for the lawyer or law firm’s website, Yelp or Avvo reviews, social media, and blogs before picking up the phone. So what should we, as lawyers, do to improve our online presence for more effective client development?

In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Gyi Tsakalakis, founder of the online legal marketing agency Attorney Sync, about the internet’s role in client development, the mistakes most lawyers make, and the “magic” of online legal marketing strategies.

Topics include:

The role of Google, Facebook, and Avvo in vetting legal service providers.
Providing valuable content versus blatant advertising
Understanding your audience and catering your marketing
Being authentic, direct, and transparent
Learning to use the technology properly
What to look for in a marketing agency
Properly defining your advertising goals for success
Utilizing current and past charity events participation.

Gyi Tsakalakis helps lawyers earn meaningful attention online. As a recovering attorney, he’s aware of the unique considerations related to ethically and effectively marketing a law practice. He founded Attorney Sync, an online legal marketing agency, to help lawyers develop web presences that attract clients. He also currently serves as vice-chair on the ABA Law Practice Division: Social Media, Legal Blogs, and Website Committee and regularly speaks about online marketing, most recently at the Clio Cloud Conference.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow and CloudMask.

‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2015

Legal Talk Network — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 18:21:59 +0000

And we’re back with another year of gift ideas for the tech savvy lawyer. Whether you are looking for a Star Wars drone for… ahem… your children, a computer or printer that you can fit in your pocket, or a whiskey glass to bring to Mars, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway have the inside tip. Tune in to this episode of The Digital Edge for another year of tech toys for your friends, your family, or yourself.

Special thanks to our sponsor, ServeNow.

Products Mentioned:

The New Apple TV: More memory, new interface, search with Siri, and since our fingers are tired of clicking, now with swipe!

The Surface Pro 4: Lighter than ever (1.69lbs) and 9 hours of battery

Intel Compute Stick: A fully functioning computer in a small stick

Microsoft Surface Book: High performance laptop

Polaroid Zip Mobile Printer: Instant photo printer that fits in your pocket

.law: A domain only available to qualified lawyers

FurniQi Wireless Charging Bamboo Side Table: Bamboo side table with two charging pucks in the bottom

Amazon Echo: Alexa is always listening and can play music, answer questions, and control smart devices. Next stop, smart houses?

Swarovski USB Stainless Steel Bracelet: For the lady lawyer in your life (depending on which lady lawyer is in your life)

Roku 4K Video Streamer: 2500+ channels on demand and, more importantly, a lost remote finder

Ring Zero: The world’s smallest input device

Bosch eBike: Electronic motor assisted biking

Panono: 360 degree panoramic photography ball (camera)

Mycestro wearable mouse: Ergonomic and controlled with natural gestures

AKGQ701 Headphones: “The Holy Grail of Headphones”

Zero Gravity Whiskey Glass: To avoid spilling your whiskey once space travel becomes a thing

Steakchamp Thermometer: Cook your steak the way you like it every time

Star Wars Speros BB8: The Star Wars drone with an adaptive personality

Pet Cube: Play with your pets at home while you are at work

Darth Vader and R2D2 Handheld Showerhead

Bonus: Which of these products isn’t available to the public yet?

Windows 10: What Lawyers Need to Know

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 20:36:24 +0000

After the disaster that was Windows 8, many lawyers are hesitant to upgrade to Windows 10. But for those of you with Microsoft operating systems, the change is likely inevitable. Furthermore, Windows 10 has a free upgrade for a year! So what do lawyers need to know about the new OS? Are rumors of high bandwidth use and computer sharing true?

In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview technologist and Microsoft expert Ben Schorr about the price, benefits, and downfalls of Windows 10 and what lawyers specifically need to know.

Topics Include:

What happened to Windows 9
The start menu and live tiles on desktops without touch screens
Microsoft Edge versus Internet Explorer
The quality of Cortana
Rumors of peer-to-peer networks and bandwidth use
New and existing hardware and software compatibility
Whether lawyers should download the operating system and when
How much Windows 10 costs

Ben Schorr is a technologist and chief executive officer for Roland Schorr & Tower, a professional consulting firm headquartered in Flagstaff, Arizona. He is also the author of several books and articles on technology including “The Lawyer’s Guide to Microsoft Outlook”, “The Lawyer’s Guide to Microsoft Word” and “OneNote in One Hour”. Ben has been a Microsoft MVP for more than 18 years and involved with management and technology for more than 25.

Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow and CloudMask.