Episode 88: Maximizing Legal Tech with Katherine Porter of the Resourceful Lawyer.

/ The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page/

In the labyrinth of legal tech, attorneys often waste resources on redundant software, overlook key workflows like client onboarding, and falter in choosing the right CRM. Join Katherine Porter as she guides us through these challenges!

Katherine is the founder of The Resourceful Lawyer, and she facilitates workshops for law firm leaders so they can align with their goals and create actionable strategies for growth and profitability. Katherine blends the best of project management, human-centered design, and two decades of legal experience to tailor workshops for each of her law firm clients. She earned her law degree at UCLA, holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, and is certified in Design Thinking.

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

  1. What are the top three areas of tech software that attorneys are wasting their money on?

  2. What are the three common workflows attorneys are not utilizing? And how do we create each one?

  3. What are your top three tips when vetting a new CRM LPM?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:10] Tech Setup Overview and Preferences

[07:08] Top Three Areas Where Attorneys Overpay for Tech Software

[12:37] Essential Attorney Workflows: Key Areas for Improvement and Implementation

[14:09] Tips for Creating Effective Workflows

[15:31] Top Three Tips for Vetting a New CRM or LPM System

[17:21] CRM/LPM Transition War Stories: Challenges and Solutions

Resources:

Connect with Katherine:

Mentioned in the episode:

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Monday Morning Humor: "I'm Not A Robot" Verification Nightmare! 😈

/ The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page/

This just ads to the frustration of “I’m not a robot” verification!

Lawyers, as our profession is known for being a stickler for details, ever find yourself stuck on CAPTCHA puzzles, scrutinizing each pixel to ensure there's no hidden traffic light? You're not alone! As tech-savvy lawyers, our overthinking skills are top-notch. This image hilariously captures our relentless attention to detail – because who else would triple-check for rogue traffic light slivers?

BOLO: Increased Solar Storms: A Potential Disruption for Lawyers!

/ The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page/

Lawyers need to prepare their office tech for the increase of solar flares this year!

Recent solar disturbances have raised concerns about potential impacts on various aspects of modern life, including the legal profession. Lately, the sun has been exhibiting heightened activity, leading to powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These solar disturbances can trigger geomagnetic storms that may disrupt various technologies we rely on daily.  Such intense flares can impact radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation signals and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.

While solar storms are not uncommon, the current solar cycle is expected to reach its peak activity in 2024 and 2025. Experts predict an increased likelihood of severe geomagnetic storms, classified as G5 events, during this period.  So, what does this mean for the legal profession?

Potential Impacts on Legal Professionals

As lawyers, we heavily rely on technology for communication, research, document management, and court proceedings. A significant solar storm could potentially disrupt these essential tools and workflows.  Here are some examples:

lawyers can reduce the anxiety in their life by preparing their technology for the potential disruptions from Solar flares!

  • Communication Disruptions: Solar storms can interfere with radio and satellite communications, affecting email, video conferencing, and phone systems. This could hinder communication with clients, colleagues, and courts.

  • Power Grid Instability: Intense geomagnetic storms can induce currents in power lines, potentially damaging transformers and causing widespread power outages. Prolonged blackouts could severely impact law firm operations and court proceedings.

  • Navigation System Failures: Solar storms can disrupt GPS and other satellite navigation systems, making it challenging for lawyers to attend court hearings, client meetings, or navigate to remote locations.

  • Data and Document Access Issues: If power outages or communication disruptions occur, accessing online legal databases, cloud-based document management systems, and electronic case files could become problematic.

Preparing for Potential Disruptions

While the likelihood of a severe solar storm is uncertain, it's crucial for legal professionals to be proactive and have contingency plans in place:

  • Contingency Planning: Developing comprehensive contingency plans for critical processes can help minimize disruptions. This includes having manual processes as backups for essential digital tasks and ensuring all team members are trained on these procedures.

  • Data Backup: Regularly backing up data using multiple methods (cloud storage and physical backups) ensures that even if one system fails due to a surge or outage caused by geomagnetic activity, another can step in to prevent data loss. Don’t forget my “3-2-1” data backup strategy!

lawyers can take some proactive measures to secure their client’s information, office technology and their ethical responsibilties!

  • Infrastructure Protection: Investing in surge protection devices and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) can safeguard sensitive electronic equipment from sudden spikes in voltage during geomagnetic storms.

  • Staying Informed: Monitoring space weather forecasts provided by organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center enables firms to anticipate significant events and take preventative measures accordingly.

  • Client Communication: Legal professionals should maintain open lines of communication with clients about potential risks to their cases or information due to technological disruptions from solar activity.

By being aware of the potential impacts of solar storms and taking proactive measures, lawyers can minimize disruptions to our practice and better serve their clients during these rare but potentially disruptive events.

Happy Lawyering!

My Two Cents: How The Tiktok Ban May Affect Legal Advertising And Client Communication!

/ The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page/

Will a ban on "tik-tok” in the united states affect an effective way for lawyers with limited means find new clients?

Recently, the Biden Administration signed into law a "potential" ban on the popular social media application TikTok.  TikTok is an application with a unique blend of short-form video content and algorithm-driven visibility loved by many - teenagers, adults, small businesses, big businesses, and more!  It has emerged as a powerful tool for law firms and solo practitioners to showcase their expertise, demystify complex legal concepts, and build a more approachable brand image.  Before everyone freaks out, including lawyers, about TikTok being shut down, this law gives TikTok nine months (with a possible three-month extension) to be divested from its parent company, ByteDance. So, what is the underlying problem?

ByteDance is accused of being a Chinese Spy. The U.S. Government believes the parent company will have unprecedented information on American Citizens that will cause a national security issue.  This is a legitimate concern but, in reality, may not be justified given the available data American's already freely share on the internet.  But, with discussions around national security concerns leading to potential bans or restrictions in various countries, the legal community stands at the precipice of a significant shift in digital communication strategies. Meanwhile, these legitimate security issues are buttressed against individual Constitutional rights of free speech and self-determination (of what to do with one’s own information).

Lawyers need to navigate how Federal laws, state laws, and state bar ethics may affect their social media presence!

The ban's most immediate effect on legal advertising stems from TikTok's role as a democratizing force in digital marketing. Unlike traditional platforms that require substantial investment in content creation and distribution, TikTok has allowed small businesses, including solo lawyers and small- to medium-size law firms, to reach potential clients through creative, engaging content without significant financial overheads. The platform's algorithm favors engagement over follower count, making it possible for even new practitioners to gain visibility among millions of users. Thus, a ban would close off a vital avenue for cost-effective brand building and a forum through which to cultivate new clients.

Moreover, TikTok has facilitated a unique form of client communication and community building that is especially relevant in today’s fast-paced digital environment. Legal professionals have leveraged the platform not only to advertise their services but also to provide valuable legal education and commentary on current events in an accessible format. This approach has helped demystify the law for many individuals who might otherwise feel intimidated by the prospect of engaging with legal issues or contacting a lawyer. In the end, the loss of this channel could significantly hinder efforts to make the law more accessible to the general public.

The ripple effects extend beyond direct marketing implications; they touch upon how law firms position themselves within an increasingly online world where social media presence is often synonymous with relevance and thought leadership. For many younger clients or those immersed in digital culture, a firm’s presence on platforms like TikTok signals openness to innovation and a willingness to communicate in relatable terms.

lawyers will need to figure out how their bottom line is affective if they can no longer use Tiktok as an economically efficient means of advertising and potential client communication!

In navigating these changes, law firms must reconsider their digital marketing strategies by exploring alternative platforms that offer similar engagement opportunities without running afoul of potential legal restrictions. (This can be challenging as lawyers need to be weary of federal laws, their state laws, their state bar ethics, and the laws of other states their TikTok ads may appear in - which could likely be all of them!)  Adapting content strategies to fit new platforms while maintaining authenticity will be crucial. Moreover, firms may need to invest more heavily in other forms of digital marketing, such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, or even revert back towards more traditional channels, albeit more expensive and less effective if those become the remaining alternatives. Thus, limiting their ability to reach new clients.

Understanding how a TikTok ban impacts legal advertising and client communication involves recognizing both its role as an equalizer in digital marketing for lawyers and its capacity for fostering meaningful connections with current and prospective clients. As restrictions loom on the horizon, navigating these shifts will demand creativity, adaptability, and foresight from legal professionals committed to maintaining robust lines of communication with their audience. All the while, lawyers will have to agonize if they should continue advertising on TikTok and if the investment they have already made in TikTok will require further expenditure to be retooled, if even possible, for other means of advertising.

It’s a mess right now, and I don't think lawyers need more to stress over.  But here we are….

MTC

Happy Lawyering!

Episode 87: Finding New Homes for Old Tech with Loren Williams of PCs for People!

/ The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page/

Today’s episode covers a range of topics related to technology repurposing and recycling practices among lawyers, as well as the environmental impact of office tech!

Meet Loren Williams, the Regional Account Manager at PCs for People, who oversees the sourcing of computers for distribution to low-income individuals and families. PCs for People is dedicated to secure and environmentally friendly IT recycling, protecting sensitive data through the National Association of Information Destruction (NAID) AAA-compliant processes, and promoting responsible e-waste management with R2 compliance.

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

  1. What are the top three ways lawyers can recycle and reuse their technology?

  2. What are the top three steps lawyers should take to securely remove their data before recycling their machines?

  3. What are three tips lawyer should keep in mind when trying to be environmentally friendly with the tech in their office?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:48] Loren’s Tech Preferences and Practices

[04:33] Top Three Ways Lawyers Can Recycle and Reuse Technology

[07:3] PCs for People: From Local Initiative to National Impact

[09:58] Top Three Steps Lawyers Should Take to Securely Remove Data Before Recycling Machines

[12:33] Three Tips for Lawyers to Be Environmentally Friendly with Office Tech

[13:56] Maximizing Donations and Tax Benefits with PCs for People

Resources:

Connect with Loren:

Mentioned in the episode:

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

BOLO: Locked Out Of Your Apple Account Last Weekend? You're Not Alone!

/ The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page/

Be wary of unsolicted requests to “reset” your password!

Over the past weekend or perhaps on Monday morning, Lawyers who use Apple products may have found themselves locked out of their Apple account. Don't worry, you are not alone.

The internet noted a surge in Apple users being asked to reset their passwords. I was one of them.  Instinctively, I was concerned that the request was sort of spam - I hadn't changed my password or done anything I thought may have triggered a rest.  This situation is frustrating as you have to go back into the recesses of your mind and ask yourself, "did I make a mistake?" or "am I being hacked?" Then you have to go through a litany of resets not just on your devices but sometimes in some of your application accounts that rely on that password.  But why is this happening? 😡

The phenomenon of getting locked out of an Apple account can be as perplexing as it is frustrating for users. This issue, surprisingly common, stems from a variety of reasons rooted in Apple's commitment to safeguarding user privacy and security. Understanding these reasons can provide insights into the complexities of digital security and the measures companies like Apple take to protect user data.

One primary reason users find themselves locked out is due to incorrect password entries. Apple's security protocols are stringent; entering a wrong password multiple times triggers a lockout mechanism designed to protect against unauthorized access attempts. This feature reflects the delicate balance between user convenience and the necessity of securing personal information against potential cyber threats.

Nothing indces panic more than when you are locked out of your account due to a “password reset” issue!!! 😬

Another significant factor contributing to account lockouts is suspicious activity detection. Apple monitors accounts for unusual behavior that could indicate a security breach, such as logging in from an unfamiliar location or device, making unauthorized purchases, or attempting to change sensitive account information without proper authentication. When such activities are detected, Apple may lock the account as a precautionary measure until the rightful owner can verify their identity.

The activation lock feature on iOS devices also plays a crucial role in this context. Designed to deter theft and unauthorized use, this feature requires users to enter their Apple ID and password after resetting an iOS device or attempting to deactivate Find My iPhone. Users who forget their credentials or acquire a second-hand device without having the previous owner remove theirs can find themselves unable to access their device entirely.

Furthermore, outdated or compromised account details contribute significantly to this issue. Users who neglect to update their email addresses or security questions might struggle with recovery options when trying to regain access to their accounts. Similarly, if an Apple ID becomes compromised due to phishing scams or data breaches on other platforms where similar login credentials were used, users might be locked out as part of Apple's response to suspicious account activity.

Lastly, compliance with legal requests can result in account deactivation or restriction. In rare cases where an account is suspected of engaging in illegal activities or violating terms of service, Apple may restrict access pending investigation.

These scenarios underscore the intricate challenges tech companies face in securing user accounts while maintaining ease of use. They highlight not just potential vulnerabilities within digital identities but also reflect broader concerns around privacy, data security, and consumer protection in our increasingly interconnected world.

Despite all of these potential reasons for being locked out, Apple tends to be a bit secretive if the issue is not created by the user.  This can be additionally frustrating as a user would like to know what is going on.  And I'd like to know that my information is secure (with Apple's known history of privacy and security, it generally is, but nevertheless, I'd like to be sure). It's equally frustrating as at the time of this posting, I am not aware that Apple has released a statement as to what happened.

So, what do you do to regain access to your account. 🧐

Don’t panic when you are asked to reset your password! Think it through and you should be alright! 🤗

Initially, the most straightforward action is to reset your password. Apple provides a streamlined process for this through its official website or directly from your device's settings. Other software service providers have similar protocols - it's always best to go straight to the provider's site or hardware device settings.  Clicking on random links or responding to unsolicited message requests is never a good idea.  But, once you go through a company's official process, the system will typically ask for some form of identification. This could be answering security questions you set up previously or entering a code sent to a trusted device. This step is designed with user security in mind, ensuring that only the rightful owner can reset the password.

Remember, always be vigilant when you are asked to reset your passwords or need to reset them!

Happy Lawyering!

My Two Cents/BOLO: Privacy Alert for Legal Pros: Navigating Discord's Data Vulnerabilities and Maintaining Client Confidentiality on the Internet

/ The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page/

Lawyers can learn a valuable lesson from a recent privacy breach alert for Discord users. Discord, originally designed for gamers to communicate while gaming, is a versatile chat app like Slack or Skype, offering real-time messaging, voice, and video to its over 100 million users. Discord users faced a privacy issue where their data on public servers has been scraped and sold. An online service named Spy Pet has been collecting data from thousands of Discord servers and selling it cheaply for various purposes, including to law enforcement and AI companies. This has raised concerns because the data includes user activities and messages, even though private direct messages remain secure.

Lawyers need to be careful about what services they use when communicating client information on the internet.

Here are some General Tips for Lawyers on Protecting Privacy when using Discord and Similar Platforms:

Be cautious about what you share on public servers since anything posted can potentially be scraped.

Monitor and manage server bots carefully to avoid unwanted data scraping. Remove or ban suspicious accounts.

Adjust server privacy settings to restrict who can join and view content.

Lawyers should be especially cautious when using platforms like Discord for any sensitive communications. Given the lack of end-to-end encryption for public server messages and the potential for data scraping:

Lawyers are a guardian of their client’s information when using it online!

  • Avoid sharing any confidential information that could compromise client privacy.

  • Utilize platforms that are specifically designed for secure, encrypted communications to ensure confidentiality and compliance with legal standards.

Always assume that any data shared on non-encrypted platforms could be accessed by unintended parties. Most of the popular Law Practice Management Programs and paid communication platforms should be secure. But it's always best to check a company's Terms of Service and online reputation before entering client confidential or private information.

MTC

Happy Lawyering!

Episode #86, Assisting Lawyers with Implementing Technology Into Their Practice, Debbie Foster of Affinity Consulting Group!

/ The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page/

Discover how modern tools and strategic approaches can revolutionize your law firm's efficiency and accuracy. Join my next guest, Debbie Foster of Affinity Consulting Group, as we explore innovative solutions and receive expert insights from industry leader Debbie Foster to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving legal landscape!

Debbie is a seasoned expert with 23 years at Affinity, where she excels in strategic project management, team leadership, and client relations. Her career began in 1994, revolutionizing efficiency in a fine-dining Italian restaurant and managing cultural change in a chain of dry-cleaning stores. With a background as an emergency medical technician, Debbie's exceptional triage skills and her superpower of building relationships with challenging personalities make her an invaluable asset. She thrives on working with her team to achieve strategic goals, ensuring remarkable client experiences and a positive workplace culture.

Join Debbie and me as we discuss the following three questions and more.

  1. What are the top three areas where attorneys are underprepared with their firm software needs?

  2. What are the top three software utility programs that lawyers should use?

  3. What are the top three areas of legal practice that need more innovation, and what should an average attorney do?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:51] A Peek into Debbie's Tech Setup

[03:27] Three Key Software Areas Where Attorneys Often Fall Short

[12:13] Top Three Software Utility Programs Every Lawyer Should Use

[20:22] Top Three Areas of Legal Practice Needing Innovation and How Attorneys Can Address Them

Resources:

Connect with Debbie:

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

My Two Cents: Other Issues to Learn from an MA Lawyer's Misconduct - Don't be Lazy and Hit “Reply all” in Your Emails - Check Your Work!

/ The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page/

by not proofing your e-mail before just “replying all,” you can create a slew of ethics issues for yourself! 😱

In Massachusetts, a lawyer faced public reprimand after inappropriately advising a bankruptcy attorney to ignore a court's call. The lawyer, defending a company and its owner in a pretrial hearing, suggested the possibility of a bankruptcy filing to the court. However, during the session, he covertly emailed and texted the bankruptcy lawyer with the message "Don't pick up your phone," an act he didn't disclose to the judge but accidentally revealed to opposing counsel by including him in the email to the bankruptcy lawyer. This action breached multiple professional conduct rules, leading to his reprimand. So, what lessons can we learn from this (aside from not engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice)?

From this story, attorneys can learn the critical importance of attentiveness when managing email communications. Notably, we should:

  1. Be wary of the "reply all" function to avoid inadvertently sharing information with unintended recipients.

  2. Always confirm the recipient list before sending sensitive information.

  3. Understand that digital communications are not private and can be disclosed in court.

  4. Recognize that actions taken in the heat of the moment can have serious professional consequences.

  5. Keep in mind the ethical implications and rules of professional conduct when communicating during legal proceedings.

practical e-mail management can help create a more peaceful and ethically compliant law practice! 😀

I think the most important lesson is to always check your work before submitting it! I am not encouraging lawyers to be deceptive in their work, break laws, or not follow the rules of ethics.  But a lot of these problems (aside from his unethical behavior) would have been prevented if the lawyer just proofread his work (including who he was sending his work to) before he sent it. 🙄