Monday Morning Humor: Airplane Mode!

Please don’t call me Shirley

How to Wednesday: A Lawyer's Guide to Keeping Tech Screens Clean: Preserving Clarity and Professionalism.

In the legal profession, where every detail matters and first impressions are crucial, maintaining clean and clear technology screens is more than just a matter of hygiene; it's a reflection of our professionalism. As lawyers, we often overlook this simple yet significant aspect of our daily tech use. Here are practical tips on how to keep your screens spotless, ensuring that your technology mirrors the clarity and precision you bring to your work.

Understanding the Importance

Your appearance is more than just wearing a good suit. The way your tech is maintained can be a reflection on you and your professionalism.

First, let's understand why clean screens are essential for lawyers. A smudge-free screen improves visibility and reduces eye strain, especially during those long hours of document review or virtual meetings. Moreover, a clean screen in your office or during a client meeting subtly conveys a message of meticulousness and orderliness.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Materials

The key to effective screen cleaning lies in using the right materials. Avoid using paper towels, rough cloths, or any material that can scratch the screen. Instead, opt for microfiber cloths, which are soft and designed to trap dust and oils without leaving streaks or lint. I am very happy buying these microfiber cloths on Amazon. They are soft and fluffy and do a really good job at a very reasonable price.

For cleaning solutions, it's crucial to avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners, which can damage screen coatings. A safe bet is a solution specifically designed for electronics.  

The Cleaning Process

I love these cloths - I find them to be a good deal, effective, and fluffy!

• Power Down: Always turn off and unplug your device before cleaning. This not only prevents damage but also makes it easier to see dirt and fingerprints.

• Dust First: Gently wipe the screen with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust. Avoid pressing too hard, as screens are sensitive.

• Apply Cleaner Sparingly: Never spray cleaner directly onto the screen. Instead, lightly dampen your microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution.

• Gentle Wipes: Use gentle, circular motions to wipe the screen. Start from the center and move outwards. Avoid excessive pressure.

• Dry and Buff: After cleaning, use a dry part of the cloth to remove any remaining streaks, giving your screen a polished look.

Daily care will help you keep your tech in good physical shape!

Frequency and Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key. For lawyers whose screens are in constant use, a daily wipe-down with a microfiber cloth is advisable. A more thorough cleaning with a solution can be done weekly or as needed.

Additional Tips

• Keep a microfiber cloth and a small spray bottle of your cleaning solution at your desk for convenience - make sure the bottle meets TSA Guidelines for carry-on luggage (3.4 ounces or less per container) so you can take it with you when you fly.

• If you're using a laptop or a mobile device in court or meetings, ensure it's clean beforehand to maintain professionalism.

• Be mindful of the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning your specific device.

TSA only allows you to carry a 3.4 ounce liquid container when you fly!

Remember, being "tech-savvy" is more than just knowing how to use your tech! Keeping your tech screens clean is a small but significant practice that enhances your professional image as a lawyer. It not only ensures the longevity of your devices but also reflects your attention to detail and respect for your work environment. By incorporating these simple steps into your routine, you can maintain screens that are as clear and sharp as your legal arguments.

Monday Morning Humor: Start Off the Year Knowing Your Laptop is Lighter Than Before!

I’m sure we don’t miss these days! 🤪

My Two Cents: Happy New Year! AI Is Going To Be The Biggest Game Changer For Lawyers In 2024!

Lawyers celebrating 2024 with AI - at least according to DALL*E!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making significant strides in various industries, and the legal profession is no exception. As technology continues to evolve, I believe that AI will become the biggest game changer for lawyers in 2024. Law practice management platforms are already integrating AI into their software, allowing attorneys to streamline their workflows and enhance their overall efficiency. While some concerns have been raised regarding AI's potential to replace attorneys entirely, Chief John Roberts, in his 2023 report, believes that AI will not replace lawyers (or at least judges). 🤗 However, legal professionals must remain cautious of the limitations of AI technology, as highlighted by former Trump attorney fixer Michael Cohen.

AI has the potential to automate repetitive tasks and streamline complex legal processes, allowing attorneys to focus more on strategic and high-value work. Law practice management platforms are incorporating AI-powered features that assist with various aspects of legal practice, from research document analysis to contract review and client communication.

Traditionally, lawyers spend countless hours sifting through vast amounts of information to find relevant cases, statutes, and regulations. However, with AI-powered research tools integrated into law practice management and legal research platforms, attorneys can now conduct comprehensive searches in a fraction of the time. These tools utilize machine learning algorithms that continuously learn from past searches and user interactions to deliver highly accurate results tailored to specific legal queries.

CJ Roberts has an opinion about AI’s Place in the practice of law.

In addition to research assistance, AI is also transforming how lawyers manage documents. Document analysis tasks that were once tedious and time-consuming can now be automated using advanced natural language processing techniques. Law practice management platforms equipped with AI capabilities can quickly analyze contracts, identify key provisions or clauses, and generate summaries or comparisons. This not only saves valuable time but also reduces the risk of human error inherent in manual document review processes.

Client communication is another crucial aspect of legal practice that benefits from AI integration. Law firms often handle large volumes of client inquiries via emails or phone calls. By utilizing AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants embedded within law practice management software, attorneys can provide prompt responses while managing multiple client interactions simultaneously. These intelligent assistants can understand natural language queries, offer basic legal advice based on predefined parameters set by attorneys themselves, or redirect clients to appropriate resources within the platform.

AI is not going to be replacing lawyers but lawyers who do not use AI will be replaced.

But will AI replace lawyers?  A recent federal case in a U.S. District Court in Illinois dismissed a case against the "robot lawyer" DoNotPay, Inc.  The defendant "...offers an online, subscription-based service that it claims will help consumers “[f]ight corporations, beat bureaucracy and sue anyone at the press of a button.” It offers services related to marriage annulment, speeding ticket appeals, timeshare cancellation, breach of contract, defamation, copyright, child support, restraining order"  This non-lawyer is currently free to operate.  But since it was dismissed on standing issues, I won't be surprised if this case (and others similar to it) won't find its way to the courthouse.

Despite this news, Chief John Roberts asserts that AI will not replace attorneys entirely.  He argues that while AI can assist lawyers by handling repetitive tasks or providing legal insights, the human element of legal practice, such as critical thinking and empathy, remains irreplaceable. AI's limitations in understanding nuance and complex emotions make it unlikely to replace the nuanced advice and strategic thinking that lawyers provide their clients.

But caution must still be exercised when relying on AI technology. Michael Cohen, former Trump attorney fixer, serves as a reminder that AI is not infallible. Cohen's experience with using AI-powered software for document review revealed its limitations: He provided in a "sworn declaration in federal court in Manhattan that he did not realize the citations generated by Google Bard [that he provided his attorney] were fictitious.[1] (Why his attorney, i.e., the party who signed the legal pleading, did not check the citations before submitting the pleading to the court is something I have warned about in the past.) This emphasizes the importance of lawyers remaining vigilant and thoroughly reviewing AI-generated results to ensure their accuracy.

Lawyers should be celebrating 2024 with AI as it will likely be part of the practice of law!

I predict AI to be the biggest game changer for lawyers in 2024. As technology continues to advance rapidly, embracing AI as a valuable tool while acknowledging its limitations will be essential for legal professionals in navigating the ever-changing landscape of the legal profession.

MTC

Happy New Year and Happy Lawyering!

[1] https://www.reuters.com/legal/ex-trump-fixer-michael-cohen-says-ai-created-fake-cases-court-filing-2023-12-29/

Episode 79: Handling Medical Information on The Internet With Leah Bucholz

Our next guest is Leah Bucholz, the founder and leader of Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting. PVMC is a veteran-owned family company dedicated to serving those who have served. Specializing in Independent Medical Opinions, commonly known as "Nexus Letters," the firm delves into the intricacies of injuries and illnesses stemming from military service. Moreover, Leah is a U.S. Army veteran, medical expert, and former C & P examiner.

Join Leah and me as we discuss the significance of robust security measures and policy enforcement to ensure HIPAA compliance and protect patient privacy. She shares practical advice on maintaining documents electronically, managing passwords securely, and utilizing PDF readers for sensitive data handling. We also discuss legal tech tools for efficient document review and management. Overall, our discussion emphasizes the critical role of technology in safeguarding confidential information, complying with regulations, and enhancing productivity in professional settings.

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

1. What are the top three tips for maintaining HIPAA compliance of documents online electronically?

2. What are the top three tips for maintaining many documents online electronically?

3. What are the top three secret tips for using your favorite PDF reader?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:13] Building a Secure Remote Tech Ecosystem: Exploring Cloud-Based Tools, Compliance, and Backup Strategies

[12:48] Mastering HIPAA Compliance: Essential Tips for Maintaining Document Security Online

[26:17] Top Tips for Managing a Large Volume Online

[35:52] Unlocking PDF Reader Magic: Expert Tips for Efficiency and Effectiveness

[28:45] Connect with Leah

Resources:

Connect with Leah:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leahbucholz/

Website: prestigeveteranmctx.com/

YouTube: youtube.com/@prestigeveteranmedical

Email: mailto:leah@prestigeveteranmctx.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Internet connection provided by AT&T: att.com/internet/fiber/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Backupify: backupify.com/

JotForm: jotform.com/

Spanning: spanning.com/

Speedtest.net: speedtest.net/

Zapier: zapier.com/

Zoho Vault: zoho.com/vault/

Zoho: zoho.com/

There is an App for That! From Home or Office to Gate to Destination and Back, there is an App to make your airline travel is Holiday easier!

In today's fast-paced post-COVID world, air travel has increasingly become an integral part of our lives. Whether for business or pleasure, we all rely on technology to enhance our travel experiences. From booking flights and travel accommodations to navigating new destinations, travel tech has revolutionized how we explore the world. One of the most significant advancements in travel tech is mobile applications (apps). These apps have streamlined every aspect of traveling, making it easier than ever before. As we approach the holiday travel season, let's look at some handy mobile apps before you jet off! ✈️

Car apps can make it easier to get to the airport or get around at your destination.
tip - don’t sit in the car like the young lady on right!

Car Travel 🚗 to and from the Airport:  You may want to take a taxi to and from your home or office. But taking a taxi can seem so last millennium. 🙄 Uber and Lyft are ridesharing services that have apps to allow you to plan ahead and schedule your car pickup or request a pickup when you are ready (depending on availability). They can be cheaper and more convenient than a traditional taxi service. You can pay through your app (with a credit card), easily split the cost with other riders, and monitor your ride's progress. But before you leave for your trip, check and make sure your flight is still on time, and when you call for a ride from the airport that you have your luggage, know your airport's ride-sharing pickup spots! 🚔

Airline mobile appls can offer powerful travel information in real time to its customers!
Copyright © 2024 United Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

You should be using Airline Mobile Apps before, during, and after your flight:  The airline you are traveling on should have its own mobile app. American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines, to name a few. Those that have mobile applications not only allow you to book your flight, pick your seat, check-in online 24 hours in advance, buy your luggage tickets, track your luggage, and provide you with a mobile passenger ticket but also allow you to check the status of your flight and receive alerts if there are going to be delays – some airlines have smartwatch apps that sync with your phone. These smartwatch apps allow you to pull up some of your air travel itineraries and even check in at the gate! Upon landing, you can check your app for the gate of your connecting flight, or, if you've reached the end of your air travels, find what carousel your luggage is located. The airline apps may also have maps of the airports you're traveling through!

DOwnload MYTSA App to help you move through airports with ease!

Government Applications:  Most airports should also have mobile apps where you can find airport maps and lists of services at the airport (pre- or post- Transportation Security Administration check-in). The MYTSA App provides helpful information, including standard wait times for security checkpoints and identifying which lanes are open. For those traveling in the United States, check the Federal Aviation Administration website to check for airport status and delays and see what is happening in the region and across the country.

My wife and I were flying back from a vacation in Canada when we were on the plane at the gate for what I thought was a little too long. I looked at my FAA app and discovered that the region we were flying through had been closed due to fog. I knew before the airline "made the announcement" that we were going nowhere. Once I knew for sure our situation, I used a hotel app (below) to book a hotel room and a car-service app (as discussed above) to get us to our hotel and settle us in for a couple of days– we ended up having a fun mini-vacation in Toronto! 🍁

Hotel and Car Rental Apps. Most major hotels, regardless of pricing and size, have mobile apps that allow you to reserve your room, check-in, and even serve as your room key through wireless access. Likewise, most major car rental services have apps that allow you to book, check in, and update car reservations – suddenly stuck at your departing or transfer airport, arriving late, or even if your flight is canceled, you can instantly update your hotel and car rental reservations.

Tripit’s free version offers powerful tools to aggregate your various trip criteria like car rental, air line and train tickets, and hotel reservations

Travel Itinerary Apps. Switching from one app to another to keep track of your trip itinerary can be confusing. This is where a travel aggregator mobile app comes in handy. I use the free version of TripIt. TripIt's free version has both a mobile and desktop app. I can send travel receipts to it, and the app will automatically organize everything into the different trip itineraries I set up. I can send my travel itinerary to let others know my travel details. And I can review all the necessary travel information in one handy spot! There is a TripIt Pro version if you want a little more from the app -- I've been quite happy with the free version over the years. 🤗

Embracing these mobile applications can save you time, money, and stress during your holiday travels.

Happy Lawyering!!!

 🛫 🛬 Happy Travels! 🛫 🛬 • 🕎 🎅🏻 Happy Holidays! 🎄☃️ • Happy Lawyering! 👩‍⚖️👨‍⚖️ •

 🛫 🛬 Happy Travels! 🛫 🛬 • 🕎 🎅🏻 Happy Holidays! 🎄☃️ • Happy Lawyering! 👩‍⚖️👨‍⚖️ •

Monday Morning Humor: The End of the Year 🥳 Brings of Memories of Y2k! 🤪

Remember when everyone freaked out almost 24 years ago over Y2K?! 🤯

As we prepare to bid adieu to this year and gear up for the next, let's take a whimsical stroll down memory lane to the infamous Y2K bug - a digital doomsday that was more fizzle than sizzle.

First, let's set the scene. It's the late 1990s. Everyone's wearing baggy jeans, the internet is still a squeaky dial-up symphony, and somewhere, a panicked IT professional is screaming, "We've only used two digits for the year!" Ah, the sweet sound of impending doom.

The Y2K bug was like the tech world's version of Cinderella's midnight crisis, except instead of a pumpkin carriage, we had computers potentially turning into useless metal boxes at the stroke of midnight, January 1, 2000. Why? In a cost-saving move, programmers used two digits to represent the year in dates. '98, '99, and then... uh-oh, '00. Was that 1900 or 2000? Computers were about to have a major identity crisis.

As the millennium approached, predictions ranged from "slightly inconvenient" to "apocalyptic techno-chaos." Planes falling from the sky, nuclear missiles launching by mistake, toasters rebelling against their human overlords – you name it, someone somewhere probably feared it.

Remember the impending panic of y2k? 😬
Image created with DALL*E

Companies spent billions upgrading systems, while others hoarded canned food and built bunkers, preparing for a computer glitch to catapult us back into the Stone Age. Remember, when in doubt, always prepare for a time travel adventure.

Then, the big moment arrived. The world held its breath as clocks ticked toward midnight. And then… well, not much happened. The most dramatic event in my neighborhood was … well … nothing. The computers, having been updated or just being naturally underwhelmed by the date change, ticked over to the year 2000 without a hiccup.

In retrospect, Y2K was a bit like throwing a surprise party where the guest of honor doesn't show up. There we were, ready with our bug fixes and emergency protocols, and the Y2K bug decided to ghost humanity.

But let's give credit where it's due. The non-event of Y2K was largely thanks to the tireless efforts of IT professionals worldwide who worked to avert potential issues. They're the unsung heroes who saved us from, at the very least, a massive collective computer headache.

ring in a happy new year as y2k goes further into our past!

In the end, Y2K taught us some valuable lessons. For starters, always plan for the future - especially if you're a programmer. It also showed us the power of collective action in the face of a global challenge. And most importantly, it reminded us that sometimes, the biggest scares can turn into the best stories for future generations.

So, as we approach the end of another year, let's raise our glasses (or our ergonomic keyboard rests) to Y2K – the apocalypse that wasn't. Here's to more anticlimactic millennium bugs in the future. May they all be as uneventful as Y2K, leaving us with nothing more than amusing anecdotes and a renewed appreciation for the heroes behind the screens.

Happy New Year and Happy Lawyering!!!

Podcast Episode #78: Tech Innovations in Legal Practice: Interview with Karen McDonald from Wise Owls

Karen McDonald is a seasoned office automation expert, assisting busy law firms, attorneys, and lawyers in streamlining the administrative aspects of their business operations. With over a decade of experience, Karen has been dedicated to supporting attorneys in implementing efficient systems to automate their legal practices. She is the founder & creator of Owlwise Legal Practice Management Software, which is tailored for legal professionals to streamline essential tasks such as legal trust accounting, time tracking, billing, and centralized management of matters and contacts. Moreover, designed to meet the needs of today's lawyers, this versatile cloud-based solution ensures your law firm remains agile and prepared for the future across multiple platforms.

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

1. What are the top three tech tools that attorneys underutilize besides CRMs in their law practice?

2. What are the top three things attorneys should look for in an online CRM?

3. What are the top three tech shortcuts lawyers still need to know at any level of experience?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:32] Tech Talk: Karen's Current Tech Setup

[08:46] The Top Three Tech Tools Lawyers Should Utilize More

[17:16] Backup Strategies: Ensuring Data Security in Business

[22:40] Key Considerations for Choosing an Online CRM: Flexibility, Dependability, and Support

[30:05] Tech Shortcuts Every Lawyer Should Master

[39:13] Uncommon Keystroke Hacks in Microsoft Word

[40:37] Connect with Karen

Resources:

Connect with Karen:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wisekarenmcdonald/

Website: wiseowllegal.com.au/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

•  Bose Speakers: bose.com/c/speakers

•  Fitbit: fitbit.com

• Jabra Headset: jabra.com/

• Curved 27-inch ViewSonic Monitor: viewsonic.com/global/products/lcd/VX2718-PC-mhd

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Bitwarden: bitwarden.com/

• Wise Owl Legal: wiseowllegal.com

• Backblaze: backblaze.com

• WordPerfect: wordperfect.com

• TextExpander: textexpander.com

A Humorous BOLO: Windows update renames ALL printers "HP LaserJet"!

What a world we live in when our computers cannot recognize the printers they are connected to!

According to PCWorld, a recent Windows update has left users bewildered as every printer, regardless of brand, transformed into an "HP LaserJet M101-M106". Whether you have an old Canon or the latest Epson, they all proudly bare the HP LaserJet label. This quirky bug, while not causing major technical issues, certainly led to some head-scratching and chuckles. 🤪

It's a reminder that in the digital world, even printers can have an identity crisis!

My Two Cents: Lawyers! Watch Out For Scammers On Amazon/Online When Buying Electronics, As You May Get Something Else!!!

be careful - DIGITAL SCAMMERS WILL TRY TO RUIN YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

During the Holiday Season in today's digital age, online shopping for lawyers has become a convenient and popular way to purchase various products, including electronics. However, with the rise in popularity of online marketplaces like Amazon, scammers have also found new avenues to exploit unsuspecting buyers. As a result, it is crucial for lawyers to stay vigilant and protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes: it is essential to exercise caution and adopt certain preventive measures.

Scammers often employ deceptive tactics such as selling counterfeit or misrepresented electronic devices. They may advertise high-end gadgets at unbelievably low prices or use persuasive techniques to mislead customers into making hasty purchases. Once the purchase is made, customers receive a completely different or counterfeit product instead.

ALWAYS USE SECURE PAYMENT METHODS WHEN PURCHASING PRODUCTS ONLINE!

Another common scam involves sellers who disappear after receiving payment. These fraudsters often create fake profiles and offer attractive deals on high-demand electronics. Once payment is made, they vanish without delivering the purchased item or providing any means of contact.

Some scammers exploit unsuspecting buyers by selling stolen or refurbished goods as brand-new products. These items may come with hidden defects or missing accessories, which significantly diminish their value. Worse yet, you may hear from the authorities about stolen goods you unwittingly purchased. 

Always use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal.

😀 ☃️ 🚨

Always use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal. 😀 ☃️ 🚨

Always utilize secure payment methods such as credit cards or trusted third-party services like PayPal.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE DEALING WITH A REPUTABLE SELLER BEFORE MAKING ANY ONLINE PURCHASE!

It is always best to buy from reputable sellers or authorized dealers.  Do your due diligence and check the seller's reputation. If there are discrepancies between what is advertised and what is described in reviews or customer feedback, exercise caution before making a purchase. If any information appears vague or inconsistent, consider reaching out to the seller for clarification before making a purchase. Trust your instincts. If something feels off about a seller or listing, it's better to err on the side of caution and choose another reputable source for your electronic needs, even if you are paying more than the questionable “deal.”