Episode 84: Using technology to grow a family law practice with Jason Rice of Dirigo-Divorce.

Get ready to revolutionize your practice as Jason Rice from Dirigo-Divorce joins me to discuss how he uses technology to improve the services he provides to his clients. Jason is a Family Law attorney based in Maine and New England who has harnessed technology to manage his legal practice. He has a deep passion for family law, clearly fostered through his years of legal experience. Jason worked as a Staff Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Tampa, FL, where he assisted judges in various areas, including family law. Jason has also taught Family Law at a community college for nearly ten years and co-authored "Relocations: A Judge's Perspective" with the Honorable Judge Daniel Sleet.

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

What are three pieces of tech software hardware that solos and small firms might be surprised are not "big firms" only?

What three pieces of tech software and hardware make working with virtual remote services seamless?

What are the top three tips when communicating with clients through an LPM, text, or email?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:11] Jason's Mac-based Legal Practice

[11:00] Essential Tech for Solos and Small Firms

[21:07] Seamless Remote Work: Essential Tools for Virtual Collaboration

[31:14] How to Communicate Effectively with Clients: Texting and Email TipsTop of Form

[34:34] Connect with Jason

Resources:

Connect with Jason:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonmrice/

• Website: dirigo-divorce.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• External monitors Apple XDR: apple.com/pro-display-xdr/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Backblaze: backblaze.com/

• Calendly: calendly.com/

• Clio: clio.com/

• Daylite: marketcircle.com/legal/

• Fastcase: fastcase.com/

• Google Voice: voice.google.com/

• HumbleFax: humblefax.com/

• Kofax: knowledge.kofax.com/

• Marketcircle: marketcircle.com/

• Nuance Power PDF: shop.nuance.com/store/nuanceus

• Posh Virtual Receptionist Service: posh.com/

• Ruby Receptionists: ruby.com/

Monday Morning Humor: I Am Not A Robot! 🤖

Getting a little tired of the CAPTCHA tests? 🙄

Breaking News: Some International Internet Traffic May Be Down Due to Cable Cut!

Hong Kong Telecoms Company HGC Global Communications estimates that 25% of traffic between Asia and Europe as well the Middle East has been impacted!

🛜

Hong Kong Telecoms Company HGC Global Communications estimates that 25% of traffic between Asia and Europe as well the Middle East has been impacted! 🛜

lawyers reacting to potential internet disruptions!

CNN reports that submarine cables in the Red Sea, crucial for telecommunications between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, have been damaged, causing significant disruptions. Four major telecom networks are affected, with an estimated 25% of traffic being rerouted to minimize customer impact. The cause and perpetrators of the damage remain unidentified, amidst speculations involving Houthi rebels and military activities by the UK and US. This incident highlights the vulnerability of the undersea infrastructure that underpins global internet connectivity, reminiscent of past disruptions like the 2006 Taiwan earthquake. Among the impacted networks are the Asia-Africa-Europe and the Europe India Gateway, both vital for international telecommunications.

So if you feel your internet is a little wonky today, you may not be wrong!

Maintaining Legal Operations During Internet Outages: Tips For Lawyers

The downing of at&T’s INTERNET service caused some concern across the us…

AT&T’s outage last week should serve as a warning to lawyers about their own internet reliability (I don’t know how a $5 refund will alleviate AT&T customers from the self-panic ensued by the outage?🧐).  In the digital age, the legal profession, like many others, has grown increasingly reliant on the Internet for its operations. The internet is an indispensable tool in a lawyer's arsenal, from conducting research and accessing legal databases to communicating with clients and filing documents electronically. However, this dependency also means that internet outages can significantly disrupt legal operations, posing challenges that law firms must navigate to maintain continuity and uphold their duties to their clients.

Lawyers can take several proactive measures to ensure minimal disruption in their work due to internet outages. Here are five strategies to consider:

1. Backup Key Resources Offline: Lawyers should ensure they have offline access to critical resources, such as legal databases, case law, statutes, and client files. This can involve preemptively downloading essential documents and using software that allows offline access to these materials.

2. Establish a Redundant Internet Connection: Having a backup Internet connection can be crucial for maintaining productivity during an outage. Since AT&T went down last week, having a different provider (perhaps on a cheaper plan) could be a good investment. This could be in the form of a secondary wired connection, a mobile hotspot, or a tethering option through a smartphone. Investing in a reliable data plan for mobile devices can provide an immediate alternative if the primary connection fails.  (For example, I have Verizon FIOS for the office Wi-Fi, AT&T for phone and internet on my personal cell, and Verizon mobile for my blog phone and internet.  BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP, or REDUNDANCY, REDUNDANCY, REDUNDANCY!

3. Regular Data Backup: Regularly backing up data to external drives or cloud storage that can be accessed offline ensures that work can continue seamlessly, even without an internet connection. Automated backup solutions can be set up to run during off-hours to ensure that all recent work is securely stored.  Remember, my So, if one of your backups is in the cloud, then your other backup should be in a physical location like a hard drive at your office or offsite.

4. Develop and Test an Emergency Plan: It does not help if your emergency strategy doesn’t work! Creating an emergency plan that outlines steps to take during an internet outage can help minimize downtime. This plan should include contact information for IT support, steps for switching to a backup internet source, and a list of critical tasks that can be performed offline. Regularly testing this plan ensures everyone knows what to do when the internet goes down.

5. Invest in Training and Preparedness: Ensuring that all staff members are trained on how to access and use offline resources and understand the emergency plan is crucial. This can include training on manual procedures for tasks typically performed online, such as filing documents or conducting research.

lawyers can be proactive in the event of their internet going down!

By taking these proactive steps, lawyers can minimize the impact of internet outages on their practice, ensuring that they can continue to work effectively and meet their clients' needs, even in the absence of an online connection. Internet outage is a major concern I have with Law Practice Management providers based solely on the internet – if you lose access, there is going to be a major problem – and I don’t know how “understanding” a judge is going to be if you miss a filing deadline because the internet went down.  But in the meantime, what can lawyers do if there is downtime due to the internet being offline?

When the internet goes down, a lawyer, like any other professional reliant on online resources, can still stay productive by reverting to more traditional methods of working and organizing. Here are the top five things a lawyer should consider doing when you are completely stuck offline, and you have done everything necessary to protect your client’s interests:

Lawyers can still be productive during an internet outage!

1. Review Physical Files and Documents: Without internet access, it's an excellent opportunity to organize and review physical case files, documents, and any printed material that might have been set aside. This can also be an excellent time to catch up on reading case law, statutes, or regulations relevant to current cases that haven't been prioritized.

2. Plan and Strategize: Use this time to strategize for current cases or projects without the distractions of emails and online notifications. This can involve outlining arguments, planning case strategies, or brainstorming solutions to legal problems. It's also an excellent time to set goals and priorities for the coming weeks or months.

3. Networking and Client Relations: Reach out to clients, colleagues, and other professionals through phone calls. This can be an excellent opportunity to check in on clients, discuss cases, and build stronger relationships. Networking can also involve setting up future meetings or lunches.

4. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Professional Development: Lawyers often have CLE requirements to maintain their licenses. When the internet is down, it's an excellent time to catch up on CLE materials available in physical formats, such as books, journals, or even pre-downloaded audio or video courses.

5. Administrative Tasks and Office Organization: Use the downtime to catch up on administrative tasks that might have been neglected. This can include organizing the office space, filing, billing & invoicing, or even planning for future marketing efforts.

Did AT&T’s internet outage impact your firm’s OPERATIONS? Please share your stories!!!

While the internet is a crucial tool for modern legal practice, being disconnected can provide a valuable opportunity to focus on tasks that might otherwise be overlooked or deferred. It's also a reminder of the importance of having backup plans and being adaptable in the face of unexpected disruptions.

Happy Lawyering!

MTC

Episode #83: Mastering Legal Tech and Strategy with Filevine's Vice President of Strategic Partnerships with, Erik Bermudez!

Episode #83: Mastering Legal Tech and Strategy with Filevine's Vice President of Strategic Partnerships with Erik Bermudez

Join us as we embark on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of law firm management, legal marketing and technology adoption, guided by the seasoned expertise of Erik Bermudez. With Erik's background in strategic planning, relationship management, and market insights, this episode promises to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in the dynamic intersection of law and technology!

As the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Filevine, Erik brings a wealth of insights from years of experience in strategic alliances and market analysis. With a tenure at Filevine dating back to 2019, Erik's leadership has been instrumental in driving partnerships and fostering growth. He also held roles at KLAS previously, where he played vital roles in healthcare market research.

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

1. What are the top three ways attorneys should expect their client relations management/ law professional management platforms like Filevine, Lead Docket to seamlessly work with a third party?

2. What are the top three pain points lawyers have when adopting new technology, and what are the best ways to overcome them?

3. What are the top three tech tools lawyers can use for online marking?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:22] Erik's Simple Tech Setup

[06:25] Maximizing Client Relationship Management: Seamless Integration with Third-Party Platform

[14:11] Balancing AI and Human Touch

[20:34] Key Data Points for CRM and PMS Collaboration

[21:55] Lawyers' Top Three Pain Points and Solutions in Tech Transition

[24:18] Convincing Busy Lawyers to Embrace Technology

[27:21] Tailored Technology: Law Firms with Personalized Workflows

[34:33] Mastering Online Marketing: Essential Tools for Law Firms

[39:56] Connect with Erik

Resources:

Connect with Erik:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erik-bermudez-8a601825/

• Email: erik@filevine.com

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• Skullcandy headphones: skullcandy.eu/shop/headphones

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Filevine: filevine.com/

• Lead Docket: leaddocket.com/

My Two Cents: If you are not using Technology in your law practice and are not going to the ABA TECHSHOW, you will likely be replaced by those who at least go to the TECHSHOW!

THe Tech-savvy lawyer at the 2024 aba techshow in chicago!

I just got back from Chicago after attending last week's ABA TECHSHOW! And I had a blast. It was not just because it had technology (and I'm a geek) or just because I am a lawyer (which is my day job). It was because the TECHSHOW provided a great marriage of the two to show and teach lawyers how technology can improve their practice of law.

The conference started off with an intro session titled "Your Future Starts Here: Technology and the Era of Legal Practice." Speakers Cynthia Thomas, Jayne Reardon, Dan Pinngton, and Reid Trautz gave a great session discussing the changing nature of legal work and the world in which we practice. The conference had a great mix of how lawyers use technology, like Brett Burney and Tara Cheever's two-part session on Winning Trials with TrialPad or Dan Dan Siegel and Pamela Myers session on Using PDFs and Adobe Acrobat in Your Law Office or Alicia Aquino and Heidi Barcus' session on electronically organizing your trial documents from beginning to voir dire or Barron Henley of Affinity Consulting Group session on Word Power Tips for Legal Users – if you are not mastering the power of Word then you are wasting a lot of time!  And there were many more engaging and informative sessions!

Judge (ret.) Herbert Dixon, Jr. and Judge Scott Schlegel share their insights and experiences on technology in the courtroom!

There were many sessions on the practical and ethical concerns about the use of AI. There were plenty of sessions on improving a firm's online marketing, introducing numerous Law Practice Management companies, and getting your firm's mentality to embrace technology in their legal work. Lastly, one of my favorite sessions was with Judge (ret.) Herbert Dixon, Jr. and Judge Scott Schlegel on Embracing the Digital Courtroom: Exploring Current and Future Trends. They gave a great history of the courthouse's use of technology in trial and its future! Meanwhile, many legal technology companies were on display on the vendor's floor – everything from LPMs like CLIO, Filevine, Practice Panther, and more, virtual assistants, marketing, Fujitsu/RICOH with their solo- to small-firm cornerstone hardware, the ScanSnap, and many more! 

Catching up with previous podcast guest annette choti of law quill!

The finishing highlight was the infamous 60 in 60, where some of the ABA's brightest highlight 60 tech programs, hardware, and work-tricks in 60 minutes!

The next TECHSHOW will be held at a new hotel in Chicago from April 2 - 5, 2025!

I hope to see you there!

Monday Morning Humor: Remembering Phone Numbers versus Passwords!

🏆 ABA TECHSHOW 2024 Start-Up Alley Pitch Winner and Contestants!

BOB AMBROGI MODERATES THE 2024 START-UP ALLEY PITCH COMPETITION

Congrats to AltFee for Winning 🥇 the ABA TECHSHOW Start-Up Alley Competition. This contest is an annual event where legal tech startups compete for exposure and recognition by showcasing their innovative solutions designed to improve various aspects of the legal industry. The competition kicks off the American Bar Association's TECHSHOW.

Congratulations to Skribe.ai for coming in second 🥈 and Paxton AI for placing third 🥉. Contestants get a special booth on the vendor floor at the ABA TECHSHOW Conference. The winner will get a package of marketing and advertising prizes.

Congrats to the Winner and all the Finalists!

🏅🏆🏅

Congrats to the Winner and all the Finalists! 🏅🏆🏅

The Contestants and Winner are listed alphabetically listed below:

2nd Chair:  2ndChair.ai offers an AI-powered legal assistant designed to support lawyers with case preparation, research, and analysis.

Ai.Law: Ai.Law provides AI-generated litigation documents, from pleadings to discovery.

🥇 AltFee: AltFee revolutionizes law firm pricing by offering a foundation for alternative fee structures.

CONGRATS TO ALTFEE FOR WINNING!

Altumatim: Altumatim is the story-based eDiscovery platform that fully automates document review and finds the most important evidence by learning the story the attorney wants to tell.

Beagle: DiscoverBeagle.com offers an AI-powered tool that simplifies legal research by quickly analyzing and summarizing complex legal documents.

BriefCatch:  BriefCatch is a software tool that offers real-time editing suggestions to improve legal writing, including suggestions for clarity, conciseness, and persuasiveness.

Civille:  Civille provides technology solutions and digital marketing services tailored for law firms to enhance their online presence and client engagement.

Gretchen:  Gretchen securely accesses relevant client documents and drafts instant email responses, seamlessly blending into existing workflows without compromising document security..

CONGRATS TO SKRIBE FOR SECOND PLACEMENT!

Henchman:  Henchman automatically centralizes past clauses and definitions from any legal team’s contract database and delivers them intelligently in lawyers’ familiar Microsoft Word or Outlook environments.

Lexamica:  Lexamica connects law firms for case referrals, optimizing practices and revenue with tracked placements and payments.

LexSelect: LexSelect streamlines trial prep by automating workflows associated with reviewing transcript evidence.

🥉 Paxton AI: Paxton AI develops advanced legal research tools powered by artificial intelligence, providing legal professionals with swift and accurate access to a comprehensive database of laws, regulations, and case law to streamline the legal research and drafting process.

Recital:  RecitalApp.com offers a cloud-based platform designed to simplify and enhance the management of legal negotiation through automation, collaboration, and integrated compliance tools.

CONGRATS TO PAXTON.AI FOR THIRD PLACE!

Resolutn:  Resolutn.com offers conflict resolution services, leveraging technology to streamline and enhance the mediation and arbitration process.

🥈 Skribe.ai: Skribe captures legal testimony with software that dramatically lowers costs by 50% and speeds up the process 10x.

Hello from the ABA TECHSHOW 2024 in Chicago!

I’m all registered for the ABA TECHSHOW 2024!

I’m excited to catch up with friends and colleagues as we learn more about some of the best practices for #ArtificialIntellegence in the practice of law!

Be sure to say “hi” if you see me!

#ABATECHSHOW #LEGALTECHNOLOGY

Reminder to say "Hi" 🙋🏻‍♂️ in Chicago at the ABA TECHSHOW 2024!

I hope to SEE YOU AT THIS WEEK’S ABA TECHSHOW 2024

I hope to see you at the 2024 ABA Techshow in Chicago this week! The sessions will discuss the latest legal technologies transforming the profession. From a Start-Up Pitch Competition to discussions on ethical AI applications in law and more, this event is a must-attend for legal professionals keen on staying ahead. Network, learn, and discover innovations on the vendor floor. Don't miss this opportunity to evolve your practice with cutting-edge tools and insights.

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The printing on each mug may differ based on supplies.

If you see me there, be sure to say "Hi"! 🤗

Remember, the first five people who approach me and tell me that they listen to the The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast get a free The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Coffee Mug! ☕️

(Note - any previous mug recipient (whether as a contestant or guest) is excluded.)