SHOUT OUT! Discover The Future Of Lawyering: Join The Tech Savvy Lawyer At The 2024 ABA Techshow In Chicago

Come out to the ABA Techshow 2024  in Chicago, IL from February 14-19.  Here, you'll learn new technology being utilized in the practice of law.  As the legal profession has witnessed a remarkable evolution for the marriage of law and technology, lawyers need to keep up to date on these rapid advancements in technology. The ABA TECHSHOW 2024 offers a comprehensive schedule that spans several days, focusing on the intersection of technology and the legal profession both from a functional and ethical perspective.

Please say hello if you see me at the conference!

From the "Start-Up Pitch Competition" of 15 startups who " ... will face off in a pitch competition – judged by TECHSHOW attendees – to pick the most innovative startup for the year," to previous podcast guests talking about subjects near and dear to them including - Brett Burney (Winning Trial with TrialPad), Daniel Siegle (Using PDFs and Adobe Acrobat in Your Law Office), Judge (retired) Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. (Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered Large Language Model (LLM) technology - Disruption of the Legal Profession Has Just Begun), Nicole Black (Small Firms, Big Impact: Tech-Inspired Marketing Strategies for Modern Law Practices), Tom Martin (.AI, Legal Tech Investment and Regulation) and more, there will be much to learn!  There will be plenty of discussions on the on the ethical application of AI in legal practices. Additionally, the vendor floor will be bustling with numerous legal-tech companies, eager to engage in conversations and showcase their latest innovations.

I hope to see you at the TECHSHOW!

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Be sure to say "Hi"!

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I hope to see you at the TECHSHOW! 😀 Be sure to say "Hi"! 😀

Monday Morning Humor: Does Anyone Remember What a Landline Is? 🤨

Do they even exist anymore? 🤪

My Two Cents: The Future Of Lawyering: Exploring The Impact Of Apple's Vision Pro On Legal Professionals!

Has Apple's new Vision Pro created a breakthrough in augmented reality for the legal profession in the business world?

As legal professionals strive to enhance efficiency, improve client service, and streamline workflows, we increasingly turn to innovative technological solutions. One such solution that has generated significant interest within the legal community is Apple's Vision Pro.

Apple's Vision Pro is an augmented reality (AR) device developed by the tech giant, specifically focusing on aiding professionals in various fields. This cutting-edge device combines advanced optics, powerful processing capabilities, and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem to deliver an immersive AR experience. While initially targeted at creative industries such as design and architecture, legal professionals are now exploring its potential applications within their own domain.

Apple’s new vision Pro
© Apple

I can see how this kind of technology holds the potential to revolutionize courtroom presentations, transitioning from static displays to engaging, interactive 3D visualizations. Attorneys could employ this AR prowess to project dynamic reconstructions of crime scenes or accidents, offering juries and judges an unparalleled perspective into complex evidence. Beyond the courtroom, the Vision Pro can help and possibly improve the day-to-day work (especially for people with certain health conditions or impairments[1]). 

For example, Vision Pro's potential to redefine legal research and document review is significant. It should enable attorneys to overlay case law, statutes, or annotations onto physical documents, thereby integrating digital information into the tangible world and expediting the research process. Augmented related can help improve collaboration amongst staff or when conducting depositions – giving parties the “feeling” they are all in the same room despite being miles away from each other. 

Will apple’s vision pro take lawyers in a new direction for their trial work?

Apple’s Vision Pro should provide lawyers with file management similar to any other technological device.  It should give an attorney the ability to access ?all? of the web-based tools they need – research, law practice management platform, file storage, etc. (I put the "all" in question marks as we will have to see if the devices OS has any compatibility issues.) Apple’s Vision Pro OS provides similar security as it does for its other products.  So, maintaining privilege and confidentiality should not be an issue for lawyers. Does that mean you should run out to buy one? 🧐

The Vision Pro starts at $3,499.  And it only provides 256 GB hard drive.  The battery lasts two hours.  And it is brand new.  While Apple is known for making great products, sometimes it’s not always best to be first in line to buy a new Apple product -- just like Apple is known for not being the first to create a new type of product -- just a good product after it has had some time to review the competition.

I remember how excited I was to get my first ipad - but it was no laptop killer!🙄

I remember when the iPad came first out.  It was nice, but at the time, I could not afford one.  At the time, my mother was astonished I did not have one (as I explained, I had to prioritize my spending) and was gifted one soon after (thanks, Grandma Harriet!).  Are you ready to go out and buy more than a baker’s dozen for a jury, the judge, and court staff?

The iPad is a great device, but it never became the laptop killer some were hoping it would be.  Given the cost and newness of the device, I’ll wait for a few versions before I go out and get one.

(Unfortunately, Grandma Harriet is no longer with us. 🙁 But if anyone wants to buy me one, I won’t complain! 🥳)

[1] Editor’s note: This aspect of Vision Pro (and other augmented reality devices) is beyond this editorial's scope.

Are Lawyers At Risk? 🧐 How Relying On Smartphones May Impact Cognitive Health. 😬

In recent years, smartphones have become an indispensable tool for lawyers, aiding us in various aspects of our profession. However, as attorneys increasingly rely on these devices to perform our daily tasks, concerns about the potential impact on our cognitive health and mental well-being have arisen. Cognitive decline refers to the gradual deterioration of brain function over time, affecting memory, attention span, decision-making abilities, and overall cognitive performance. While aging is a natural contributor to cognitive decline, emerging research indicates that excessive smartphone use may exacerbate this phenomenon. For lawyers who depend on our mental sharpness and critical thinking skills to analyze complex legal cases and develop effective arguments, any factors that hinder cognitive function could be detrimental to our professional success.

overloading our brains due to smartphone use may have a negative impact on our cognitive Health!

One of the primary concerns regarding smartphone usage is its potential to contribute to cognitive overload among lawyers. With constant access to emails, messages, notifications, and a myriad of other applications, lawyers are often bombarded with information throughout the day. This continuous influx of data can lead to cognitive overload, making it difficult for lawyers to focus on important tasks, ultimately impacting our mental well-being. The irony cannot be ignored, given that many attorneys were already distracted before the incorporation of instantaneous information from our smartphones as we wait for that important phone call or letter (oftentimes only to be received the next day we return to our office to receive our overnight messages or our finally delivered USPS mail).

Studies have shown that excessive smartphone use can lead to decreased attention spans and reduced ability to concentrate for extended periods. Lawyers require a high level of concentration and attention to detail when working on complex legal cases. The multitasking behaviors promoted by smartphones may also harm a lawyer's cognitive performance in the long run. While juggling multiple tasks simultaneously might seem efficient at first, research suggests that multitasking can lead to decreased productivity and increased errors. Lawyers who are constantly switching between smartphone activities and legal tasks or just juggling multiple cases on our smartphones may experience cognitive overload. This may impair our ability to think critically and make sound decisions. This may also diminish our ability to quickly recall vast amounts of legal knowledge. If prolonged smartphone usage hampers these cognitive abilities over time, it could potentially jeopardize the quality of our work and increase our stress levels.

The “physics” and “stress” of late night smartphone use may have a negative impact on our health!

Smartphones have been found to disrupt sleep patterns due to increased exposure to blue light emitted by screens. Lawyers often work long hours and may be tempted to check work-related emails or engage in other professional activities using our smartphones late into the night. The negative impact on sleep quality can lead to fatigue and impaired daily cognitive function.

Then, there is the addictive nature of smartphones. Social media platforms, news apps, games - all these distractions can easily consume valuable time that could be spent engaging in activities that promote mental well-being, such as exercise or spending time with loved ones. For lawyers who already face demanding work schedules and high-stress levels inherent in our profession, addiction or over-reliance on smartphones may exacerbate these issues, leading to burnout and decreased mental well-being.

Finding daily balance and limits on our smartphone use at work may prove important to our smartphone use!

While smartphones undoubtedly offer convenience and productivity benefits to lawyers, it is crucial for legal professionals to find a balance between utilizing these devices effectively and protecting our cognitive health. Implementing strategies such as setting boundaries for smartphone use, employing time management techniques, and practicing mindfulness can help mitigate the potential negative effects on mental well-being. Recognizing these risks and adopting strategies to manage smartphone use effectively can help attorneys maintain our cognitive health while navigating the demands of our profession.

MTC

Happy Lawyering!

Monday Morning Humor: In Honor of the Snow Storms Across the Country, Maybe We Need to Just Reboot!

MAYBE WE COULD JUST UNPLUG AND PLUG THE WEATHER BACK IN? 🙃

Episode 80: Where Are Lawyers And Law Students With Technology Today With Jonah Perlin.

Jonah Perlin, an Associate Professor of Law at Georgetown Law and former litigator at Williams & Connolly LLP, brings his expertise to today's The Tech Savvy Lawyer podcast episode. With his background in civil litigation, he launched the How I Lawyer Podcast in January 2021, aiming to share insights from legal professionals to law students and lawyers alike.

Jonah and I discuss how technology reshapes legal education, practice, and ethics. We further explore the importance of legal tech skills for law students in navigating the evolving job market. Additionally, we examine the integration of AI in legal education and research, acknowledging its potential and challenges. The discussion also addresses lawyers' underutilization of legal research tools and ethical concerns in technology use within law firms. Finally, we touch on specific legal tech tools and offer podcasting strategies for legal professionals!

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

1. What are the top three tech skills all students should master by the time they graduate law?

2. What are the top three tech tools that attorneys are under-utilizing today?

3. What are the top three ethical mistakes attorneys are making with their technology?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:23] A Law Professor's Tech Setup

[14:00] Observations on Law Students' Transition from Pre to Post-COVID

[19:54] Equipping Law Students with Essential Tech Skills for the Modern Legal Landscape

[33:21] Three Tech Tools Lawyers Should Embrace Today

[38:00] Ethical Tech Pitfalls in Legal Practice: Critical Insights and Solutions

[44:19] How I Lawyer Podcast: Exploring Legal Careers and Insights Through Conversations

[46:16] Essential Tech Tools for Starting a Podcast

[54:07] Connect with Jonah

Resources:

Connect with Jonah:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonah-perlin

Podcast: howilawyer.com/

Substack: howilawyer.substack.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Mac Mini: apple.com/mac-mini

MV7 - Podcast Microphone: shure.com/en-US/products

Tascam Headphones tascam.com/us/category/Headphones

Yeti microphone: logitechg.com/en-us/products

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Calendly: calendly.com

Descript: descript.com

Fastcase: fastcase.com

LexisNexis: lexisnexis.com

Trello: trello.com

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/