First Day Thoughts at ABA Techshow 2020

I'm attending my second ABA Techshow this year!

Its great being around people interested in better-utilizing technology in their practice. On my first day, I attended several sessions on some core concepts using pdfs, automating workflows, and better marketing online. 

These sessions have been perfect for the new and moderate tech users. As a more advanced computer user, I would have appreciated a more granular (step-by-step) approach. But, I can confidently say that from each session, I have learned at least one new thing that will individually enhance my practice. I have a feeling that regardless of your technology skills are you can learn something - perhaps at ABA Techshow 2021!

FTC Refunds for Scam Tech Support

Some sites are not what they say they are - do a deeper dive!

Lawyers would like to think they are all savvy enough not to fall for a scam - the Nigerian lottery?  But, we know people who have fallen for it.  Some who have paid for the Click4Support scheme and other similar unnecessary and unofficial “tech support” may be able to get a (partial?) refund from the FTC!

Remember, thoroughly vet the source of any ad you click online.  Read the source URL carefully - misspellings in company names are a common trick scammers use.  If you or someone you know has fallen pray to such a thief, run your anti-virus, check your back ups and see if the FTC can help you!

Let’s be careful out there!

The only way to clean your mobile devices…

Don’t over think cleaning your cell phones and tablets!

Katie Corner, over at C-Net, wrote an article about how to clean the screens of your mobile devices. It pretty much comes down to the simple task of only using a micro-fiber cloth. “Maybe,” you might slightly dampen the fabric. But, you never use an industrial cleaner, e.g., Windex, as it may erode the “anti-fingerprint” coating or other special coatings that puts the extra shine on your smartphone or tablet.

Also, be wary of sticking things or even blowing air into the ports and openings (speakers & power ports) of your mobile device. You may end up pushing gunk into the devices instead of removing it.

There are devices out there that will irradiate germs on your devices. I have no opinion on these devices themselves. But, they don’t kill viruses.

I think, in the end, the best way to keep your devices clean to wash your hands regularly!

2020 - What was the Big Tech advancement that helped attorneys this past decade?

Happy New Year!

Lately, I have been reading many blogs and articles about what was the most significant technological advancement in the past decade. It got me thinking about what has been the best tech advancement for attorneys these past ten years? The advancement of technology has been a constant exponential boom since the transistor and Alan Turing's Machine and clearly has had an impact on the way we practice law.

These devices led us to home personal computers, then smartphones, and now we can have information everywhere, at any time, and on almost any electronic device. Computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones allow attorneys to be more flexible in how they work, when they work, and where they work. No longer do we have to carry massive files of documents to court, depositions, or even home (when we have to work from home - like that ever happens! 😉). This thinking brings me to what I believe to be the most essential technological advancement was for attorneys this past decade - cloud sync/storage.

The ability to work anywhere can only happen if we have our files with us. Regardless of the number of records we have, they are essential and likely necessary when we work on a client's case. Missing that one crucial document can defeat your plans to work - imagine what happens if you forget it for your client's trial, deposition, or meeting - Malpractice Alert!

Dropbox and Box are two leading cloud sync/storage popular with attorneys. Cloud sync/storage is something that has helped me, many of my friends and colleagues, and possibly you.

Need some tech help, shoot me an e-mail, I may be able to assist!

Podcast #1 (Part 3 of 3): Judge Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. (Ret.) - His observations from the Bench.

Judge Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. (Ret.) served two consecutive 15-year terms as a Judge for the Superior Court for the District of Columbia.  Judge Dixon is a columnist for The Judges’ Journal ABA magazine, chair of Superior Court’s Electronic Filing Pilot Project and a senior judicial adviser to the Center for Legal and Court Technology (formerly the Courtroom 21 Project), an initiative of the Marshall-Wythe Law School at the College of William & Mary and the National Center for State Courts.  Our discussion was so informative that I split the interview into three parts!  In Episode #1 (Part 3 of 3), Judge Dixon and I continue our discussion of what he believes are the potential technological pitfalls in the legal arena we may experience in the not so distant future!

The Honorable Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. (Ret.)

Judge Dixon’s Twitter handle is @Jhbdixon

My discussion of ABA Rules regarding a lawyers need for competence when dealing with technology.

Judge Dixon’s ABA Article “Deepfakes: More Frightening Than Photoshop on Steroids” in “The Judge’s Journal’”

ABA Annual "Tech Show" scheduled for February 26 - 29, 2020, in Chicago, IL.

ABA The Judges’ Journal magazine.