My Two Cents: Lawyers considering the switch from Windows to Apple computers should take advantage of Apple's Holiday Season Return Policy!

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Apple v. Windows: Which one is best for you?

Although The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page covers both Windows and Apple hardware and software; there is no secret I am an unabashed Apple enthusiast! For those of you who are or have been considering the switch, now may be a great time to do it!  Apple has started its Holiday Season Return window!

The way the general return program has worked previously is if you bought an Apple product, you could return it within two weeks with no (reasonable) questions asked!  Now, with this🎄🍎 Holiday Program🎄🍎, any purchase "received between November 3, 2023 and December 25, 2023, may be returned through January 8, 2024". This should give you plenty of time to try an Apple computer, iPad, or iPhone.  But if you find your Apple purchase doesn't fulfill your needs, you can return your purchase hassle-free within the designated return period.

For those of you who wonder why you should consider switching to Apple, 🤔 here are some compelling reasons tailored specifically to lawyers like us:

🍎 Unparalleled Performance: Apple computers are known for their exceptional speed. The new silicon chips are running blazing fast and are putting Intel chips to the test!

“I’m a mac v. i’m a pc” commercials!

🍎 Reliability: Remember the old Apple versus Windows commercials?  They just work! Say goodbye to frustrating delays, and hello to a seamless workflow!

🍎 Durability: There are reports that although you may be paying more upfront, Apple products tend to have a long lifespan with little need for repair, i.e., lower total cost of ownership (TCO).  And now that you can get repair service for select products on an unlimited basis (monthly for the time you own your product), you start ownership worry-free of any potential repair issues. The resale value of a Mac usually outpaces that of a Windows’ machine.

🍎 Enhanced Security: As legal professionals, we handle sensitive client information, making security a top priority. Apple's robust security features and built-in encryption help protect your data from potential threats, providing you with peace of mind. Although Apple OS is not immune to viruses, Windows OS tend to be the bigger target of hackers and malware attackers.

🍎 Seamless Integration: If you are already an iPhone or iPad user, switching to Apple computers will create a seamless integration within your ecosystem. Access your files, messages, and important information across devices effortlessly.

🍎 User-Friendly Interface: Apple's intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate through applications and perform tasks efficiently, saving you valuable time that can be better spent on serving your clients. Granted, it may be different than Windows, but they both work on a similar graphical user interface of a mouse and pointer to navigate through the files, folders, and applications. Apple offers a variety of free get-to-know-your-Apple product sessions where you can learn some of these nuances.  Or you could always ask your friendly "Tech-Savvy Lawyer!"

Go to your nearby apple store or authorized retailer to see what could be your firm’s next tech investment!

To take advantage of Apple's holiday season return policy, simply visit your nearest Apple Store or their online store, make your purchase, and experience the incredible benefits of using Apple products for yourself. Remember to keep your receipt and adhere to their designated return period for a stress-free return, if needed.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to upgrade your legal practice and join the ever-growing community of satisfied Apple users like this Tech-Savvy Lawyer! 🙌💼

PS:  I was not paid by Apple or its affiliates for this post.

#AppleHolidaySeasonReturn #UpgradeYourLawFirm #SwitchToApple #thetechsavvylawyer

Monday Morning Humor: I wonder what the Data plan is with this phone service?

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Lieutenant Commander data from star trek the next generation using his own plan for his cell service!

Lieutenant Commander Data, the iconic character from Star Trek: The Next Generation, is a marvel of science fiction engineering. Who would have thought that Dr. Noonien Soong could have taken a Google Android phone so far? 🧐 I wonder what the iPhone developed into? 🧐 Hopefully not the Borg! 😱

Shout Out - Previous Podcast Guest Wendy Meadows for her appearance on The Law Entrepreneur Podcast!

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Wendy and I at her recent book launch!

Hey everyone, shout out to previous podcast guest Wendy Meadows! Wendy appeared on Neil Tyra’s show The Law Entrepreneur Podcast to talk her new book sparkle & GRIT: Live a Technicolor Life By Finally Finding Balance, Escaping Monotony, and Beating Burnout. Wendy shares with the audience about starting morning routines, being a working parent, and more!

Check out neil tyra’s podcst the law entrepreneur!

Note: I had been a guest on Neil’s podcast where we ended up talking a lot about my day job advocating for Veterans, Military Members and their Families. You can find a link here.

You may want to buy/download Wendy’s book for some reading this Veterans’ Day Weekend!

Enjoy!

My Two Cents: How President Biden’s Executive Order on AI Impacts the Practice of Law - it does and doesn't.

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President Biden's recent Executive Order (Order) on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence marks a significant milestone in the governance of AI technologies. This comprehensive directive aims to establish robust standards for AI safety and security. Its goals include protecting privacy and civil rights while promoting innovation and protecting intellectual property rights. For attorneys, this announcement is of paramount importance as it directly impacts the practice of law, introducing new dimensions to legal compliance, ethical considerations, and the overall legal landscape. Legal innovators and industrialists like Jack Newton, CEO of CLIO, see this Order as an important step taken by the government: I am hopeful that the newly introduced AI legislation will not only uphold the highest standards of security and privacy but also ensure equitable access and unbiased application within legal frameworks.

Here is a summary of the impact it will have on lawyers:

AI Safety and Security:

The Order mandates developers of powerful AI systems to share safety test results and critical information with the U.S. government. For attorneys, this introduces a new layer of compliance and due diligence. Legal professionals will need to guide their clients through these requirements, ensuring that AI systems adhere to the mandated safety and security standards. This is particularly crucial for companies dealing with AI technologies that pose serious risks to national security or public health. Likewise, lawyers representing parties who have been harmed by a company's use of AI will need to know the latest in AI technology in order to advocate the best strategy for their clients.

Privacy and Data Protection:

With AI’s capability to extract and exploit personal data, the Order calls for heightened privacy protections. The directive’s emphasis on privacy-preserving techniques and evaluation of data collection practices necessitates an attorney’s thorough understanding of AI technologies and their implications on privacy. Attorneys will play a crucial role in advising clients on data protection strategies, ensuring compliance with privacy laws, and navigating the legal complexities of AI-driven data processing. Attorneys must also ensure their use of AI in their practice protects their client’s Personal Identifiable Information (PII).

Equity and Civil Rights:

The Order addresses the potential of AI to perpetuate discrimination and bias, particularly in sectors like housing, healthcare, and criminal justice. Legal professionals will need to stay vigilant, ensuring that AI systems employed by their clients do not result in discriminatory outcomes or violate civil rights. Likewise, Attorneys who are prosecuting parties using AI to discriminate against members of the public will need to have a solid understanding of how AI works in these matters.

Consumer Protection:

the president’s order will likley set forth new regulations and policies that will affect most practicing lawyers.

AI technologies can potentially transform consumer experiences but also raise concerns about potential harms and deceptive practices. The Executive Order calls for standards and best practices to detect AI-generated content and authenticate official communications. Attorneys working in consumer protection will need to familiarize themselves with these standards, advising clients on compliance, advising clients who are victims, and addressing potential legal challenges arising from AI-driven consumer interactions.

Immigration Law

Although the Order is not directly focused on immigration law, it could indirectly affect the field. One specific aspect of the Order calls for using existing authorities to expand the ability of highly skilled immigrants and nonimmigrants with expertise in critical areas, including AI, to study, stay, and work in the United States. This could lead to changes in visa criteria and processes, potentially affecting how immigration attorneys advise clients in the tech sector. The emphasis on AI could lead to a higher demand for skilled workers in this field, possibly influencing the landscape of employment-based immigration. Immigration lawyers may need to stay updated on any new policies or procedural changes resulting from this Order to guide their clients through the visa application process.

Supporting Workers:

The impact of AI on the workforce is a critical aspect of the Order. Attorneys specializing in labor law will find this directive particularly pertinent, as it addresses issues related to job displacement, workplace equity, and labor standards. Legal professionals will play a vital role in navigating the legal complexities of AI in the workplace, ensuring that workers’ rights are protected, and advising employer-clients on best practices to mitigate potential harms.

Promoting Innovation and Competition and Protecting Intellectual Property:

The Order emphasizes the need to maintain America’s leadership in AI innovation and competition. For attorneys working in intellectual property, technology, and antitrust law, this directive underscores the importance of fostering a competitive AI ecosystem while protecting intellectual property rights. Legal professionals will need to stay abreast of developments in AI technologies, advising clients on innovation strategies, and ensuring compliance with copyright, intellectual property, and antitrust laws.

Attorneys Working for the Government:

The Order will affect government attorneys twofold -

First, government attorneys must be abreast of the same issues discussed in this post, like any private attorney. Government attorneys basically have the same legal and ethical duties as private attorneys. They, too, have the same security, bias, privacy, civil rights, and intellectual property concerns private practitioners have with this Order.

Second, government attorneys will be tasked with ensuring that government agencies comply with enhanced AI safety and security protocols, protect privacy, advance equity, defend civil rights, and promote innovation while protecting intellectual property rights. They will also play a critical role in developing and enforcing guidelines for the ethical use of AI within federal operations, potentially influencing procurement processes and the deployment of AI in public services. Moreover, as the government seeks to lead by example in the responsible use of AI, these attorneys will be instrumental in setting precedents that could shape future AI governance across all sectors.

Conclusion:

Lawyers already have an ethical duty to stay abreast of technology advancements including ai.

It is not surprising that as AI continues to evolve, legal professionals will play a crucial role in guiding their clients through this complex terrain. But, the Order does not bring anything new to an attorney’s quiver of responsibilities. With or without the Order, attorneys already have the Model Rules of Professional Conduct to guide them on their duties around technology (including AI). The Rules require us to stay current on AI, its constant changes, and how it may impact their clients—whether attorneys are using AI to assist their clients or if their clients or those whom attorneys are advocating against are using AI in their business.  Reference Model Rules 1.1, 1.1[8], 1.3, 1.4 & 1.6.  So, don't let the Order serve as a starting point.  Let it serve as a reminder that we must stay competent in our use and understanding of technology as it applies to our work in the legal arena.

#75: Benefits of Apple Products in Law Practice: Interview with Dave Hamilton

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In this podcast episode, renowned tech expert Dave Hamilton dives into the world of Mac-centric productivity, uncovering the unique advantages Macs offer over Windows machines. Dave is a seasoned podcaster, publisher, and self-professed nerd with a rich background in educating numerous computer users over thirty years. We cover the longevity, cost-effectiveness, and quality of life benefits of Macs, their top productivity features like seamless device integration, Dave's travel tech tips including a 4K OLED screen and charging essentials, Mac-specific productivity tools focusing on scripting and audio editing, and much more!

Join Dave and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

Join me with my guest mac geek gab podcast host dave hamilton as we discuss the benefits of using a mac at work!

  1. After over 900 episodes on MGG, what are the three most common questions about tech you still get today?

  2. Apple computers still have somewhat of an aura of being made for creative people and not professionals; what are your top three reasons any professionals, including us lawyers, would want to switch from PC to Mac?

  3. What are your top three favorite productivity functions you can do only on a Mac?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:15] Dave's Personal Tech Setup and Upgrade Considerations

[15:56] Navigating Mac Upgrades, Backup Strategies, and Choosing the Right Wi-Fi System

[38:59] PC to Mac Transition: Insights on Integration, Compatibility, and Battery Life for Professionals

[54:48] Investing in a Mac: Exploring Longevity, Total Cost of Ownership, and Support Benefits Over Windows

Mac Geek Gab: A friendly forum to learna bout all things apple!

[59:14] Mac Productivity Unleashed: Leveraging Automation, Scripting, and Audio Routing for Peak Performance

[01:21:58] Behind the Podcast Curtain: Tools and Tricks for Pro-Level Recording and Editing

Resources:

Connect with Dave:

Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/davehamilton.com

Facebook: facebook.com/hamilton.dave

Instagram: instagram.com/davehamilton/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davehamilton/

Mastodon: podcastindex.social/@DaveHamilton

Twitter:twitter.com/DaveHamilton

Website: macgeekgab.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

DALL*E depicting dave and i recording our podcast - it got my beard but would not make me bald?

Software, Apps & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Monday Morning Humor: From the back of your truck to the palm of our hands...

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technology has truly advance over the past eight decades!

From IBM’s 1956 fridge-sized, 5MB hard drive to today’s handheld 1TB microSD cards, data storage has undergone an amazing transformation. We’ve shrunk from needing a forklift for data transport to fitting vast digital universes in our pockets, proving technology’s journey is not just innovative, but also incredibly remarkable!

Happy Lawyering!!!

Word (or phrase) of the Week: What is "KPI" - Key Performance Indicator?

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For attorneys venturing into the realm of digital marketing, the term “KPI” is crucial. KPI, or Key Performance Indicator, is a measurable value that illustrates how effectively a company is achieving its business objectives. In the context of Google AdWords and SEO, KPIs are metrics that indicate the performance of your online campaigns.

What is “KPI” in the world of digital marketing?

For Google AdWords, attorneys might consider KPIs like Click-Through Rate (CTR), Cost Per Click (CPC), and Conversion Rate. These metrics can give insights into how your ads are resonating with users and at what cost.

In the world of SEO (“Search Engine Optimization” or organic searches, i.e., non-paid advertising), KPIs might include organic search traffic, keyword rankings, and bounce rate. Monitoring these metrics can shed light on how your content is ranking on search engines and how engaged your audience is.

Understanding KPIs is crucial to perfecting your law firm's digital advertising strategy.

In essence, KPIs provide attorneys with a roadmap to gauge the effectiveness of their online strategies and where improvements can be made. Remember, understanding your KPIs means understanding your ROI. Stay informed and adapt accordingly.

Happy Lawyering!

My Two Cents on Clio Cloud Conference 2023 – Clio sets the standard, ABA Techshow needs to catch up, and the other LPMs need to start…

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Recall I attended the Clio Cloud Conference 2023 (CLIO Con) recently. It was a very full event.  They had the standard announcements: I say “standard” because when you go to an electronics/technology conference, you expect to hear about the new products and features.  And as I had blogged recently, CLIO had plenty to share – new features to their Law Practice Management (LPM) platform now and next year!  But lawyers and legal professionals were not just going to a tech show to see the new shiny products; attendees wanted to learn more about their LPM of choice.  And CLIO Con wholistically met their needs!

My 2023 clio cloud conference press pass!

The conference was more than announcing new features like you might expect at an Apple or Samsung product event.  (The opening and closing sessions definitely had the polish of an Apple product announcement). You can see from their agenda, CLIO Con provided use-case sessions, presentations on the tech issues of today and tomorrow, and actual hands-on training and follow-along sessions through workshops and on their vendor floor.  CLIO Con had the right mix!

The ABA Techshow has had similar presentations and overview sessions.  But it needs more hands-on or follow-along training.  This has been a complaint of mine over the years – don’t show me what can be done, i.e., the final product, without showing me how to do it.  (The vendor sessions provided on the vendor floor are not enough to get a real feel of the various platforms - only a cursory overview to entice new customers for further investigation.)  After attending my first ABA LP Division meeting, it’s my understanding that the ABA is going to provide more detailed presentations at next year’s Techshow - so stay tuned to my 2024 ABA Techshow reports early next year.

CLIO’s competitors need to start their own conferences. The various CRMs/LPMs platforms have similar and different uses, functions, and third-party integrations. So, as potential clients need to screen their next attorney, attorneys need to vet their CRM/LPM platform.  It greatly helps lawyers to have it all pulled together and to be immersed with like-minded people at one event  - it gives the potential/new/current user a holistic sense of how a particular platform can serve their practice.  Quite frankly, if the other platforms are not going to do something similar, they are going to be left in the dust by CLIO.

Clio Con 2024 will be in Austin October 7 and 8!

The event had the enthusiasm of a Saturn Car dealership without the fanaticism (no offense to any current or previous Saturn car owners). It was a positive event. I am not a CLIO user, but I did learn some ideas on how I may want to improve my own CRM/LPM platform with third-party integration and use cases. I will consider CLIO a strong contender if I decide to change platforms.

For the record, I asked for and received a press pass for the event.  If other platforms start their own conferences, I will certainly do my best to attend and report on the similarities and differences between them and CLIO.  Until that happens, and quite frankly, even if other platforms start to do their own conferences, I'd encourage any attorney, CLIO user or not, to attend the next CLIO Con: It is a polished event where you can learn more about what LPMs can do for your firm, get ideas for what you want out of your platform, and maybe you'll find that CLIO does or does not meet your needs.

MTC.

Monday Morning Humor: Signs that make time stop! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

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When a lawyer's phone rings, it's like a courtroom drama in our mind. "Is it the judge? Or maybe that client who thinks midnight is a good time for legal advice?"

Every time we must weigh the evidence of the caller ID against our current coffee level, do we object or take the stand, I mean call…

Word of the Week: What is "SEO" aka "Search Engine Optimization"?

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What is “SEO” in the realm of Digital Marketing?

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, SEO is the art and science of enhancing your online presence.  This makes your law firm more visible on search engines like Google. When potential clients search for legal services, you want your firm to appear on the coveted first page. SEO involves optimizing your website's content, structure, and backlinks to achieve this. It's not just about keywords; it's about providing relevant, quality content and a seamless user experience. Think of SEO as the bridge connecting your law firm to those in need of your expertise. In the digital age, mastering SEO is non-negotiable.