🪙 My Two Cents: Unlocking Legal Tech 🔓⚖️ How Attending LPM Conferences 📅 Shapes the Future of Law Practice! 🚀

As the Tech-Savvy Lawyer Blogger and podcaster, I regularly attend Law Practice Management (LPM) software conferences to stay at the forefront of legal technology trends. My recent experience at the 2024 LEX Summit, Filevine's user conference, highlighted why these events are crucial not just for me, but for all attorneys, regardless of their current LPM solution.

Why Attorneys Should Attend LPM Conferences

Attending LPM conferences offers significant benefits for lawyers, whether they're current users of a specific product or considering alternatives:

For Current Users:

Your legal tech ambassador in salt lake city, utah for filevine’s 2024 lex summit!

• Gain deeper knowledge of their LPM software

• Learn about new features and how to leverage them effectively

• Network with other users to share best practices

• Provide feedback directly to developers

For Those Using Competitor Products:

• Evaluate if their current LPM is meeting their needs

• Explore alternative solutions in a hands-on environment

• Compare features across different platforms

• Assess potential ROI of switching to a new system

LEX Summit 2024 Highlights

The 2024 LEX Summit, held from September 8-10 in Salt Lake City, Utah, showcased several exciting announcements from Filevine over the past year, including:

Deposition Assistant:

Filevine announced a soon-to-be-released Depo CoPilot application that will “transform the way you do depositions.”  Depo CoPilot is an AI-powered assistant that promises to revolutionize the deposition process for litigation attorneys. This innovative tool acts as a virtual second chair, providing real-time transcription, analysis, and support during depositions. Depo CoPilot empowers attorneys to capture critical information, identify discrepancies in witness testimony, and stay on track with pre-defined goals. The AI assistant can even recommend follow-up questions based on the deposition content, ensuring a thorough exploration of every line of questioning. Compatible with both in-person and virtual depositions, Depo CoPilot works seamlessly with popular video conferencing platforms. Interested individuals can join a waitlist at www.depocopilot.com.

Document Management System (DMS):

Docs by Filevine is a groundbreaking standalone DMS launched by Filevine to challenge established providers like iManage and NetDocuments. This innovative product offers unlimited storage at a flat rate, making it the first and only DMS on the market to do so while providing advanced features such as AI-powered OCR, e-signatures, and robust security at a significantly lower cost than competitors. Docs by Filevine includes a comprehensive suite of tools, including project activity feed, enhanced OCR capabilities, contact management, task management, email integration, and AI Document Review.

Streamlined Legal Billing and Payment:

Time, Billing and Payments by Filevine creates a seamless end-to-end workflow for law firms, allowing them to perform timekeeping, create and send invoices, and process payments all within a single platform. The system supports various fee agreements, including contingency, hourly, and flat fees, and accepts multiple payment methods such as ACH, credit, and debit cards. 

Ryan Anderson, Filevine's Founder and CEO, emphasized the company's vision of providing a unified software solution that integrates all aspects of law firm operations, moving beyond the limitations of "point solutions" to offer comprehensive tools for managing cases, documents and time. He compared his vision for Filevine with the introduction of Apple’s first iPhone. Steve Jobs recognized that people wanted a device to work as a phone, music player, and web browser, whether the public was aware of it or not. Through Filevine, Ryan is attempting to provide lawyers with a “single pane of glass” that provides the legal community with everything it needs.

The Value of Continuous Education in Legal Tech

Attending these conferences is crucial for my continuous education in legal technology, and the same holds true for all legal professionals. The legal industry is rapidly evolving, with 55% of firms expected to adopt AI for legal research in 2024. By participating in events like LEX Summit, attorneys can:

• Stay informed about emerging trends in legal technology

• Understand how AI and automation are transforming law practice

• Explore ethical considerations surrounding new technologies

• Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools

Academy Award and Tony Nominated Jake Gyllenhall, star of Apple TV+'s Presumed Innocent headlined filevine’s 2024 lex summit conference!

Moreover, these conferences offer unparalleled networking opportunities - this year’s conference had over 1,000 legal professionals in attendance. Connecting with other legal professionals, technology vendors, and industry experts allows attendees to gain diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the legal industry. And as an added bonus, we got to see and hear live Academy Award and Tony Nominated Jake Gyllenhall, star of Apple TV+'s Presumed Innocent!

The Evolving Legal Technology Landscape

The legal technology landscape is evolving rapidly, with new trends emerging constantly. The integration of AI and automation into case management systems is transforming how law firms operate. By attending conferences like the LEX Summit, I can stay ahead of these trends and provide my audience with timely, accurate information on how to leverage technology to improve their practice.

Events like LEX Summit also offer hands-on workshops, such as Filevine's Basecamp, which provide immersive training experiences. These sessions help attendees fully understand the capabilities of different LPM systems, which is invaluable when selecting and implementing the right technology for their firms.

My Final Thoughts

Whether you're a devoted user of a particular LPM or exploring alternatives, attending conferences like LEX Summit is invaluable. Attending these events provide a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of legal technology, evaluate your current tools, and explore new solutions that could transform your practice.

As the Tech-Savvy Lawyer Blogger and Podcaster, my attendance at these conferences allows me to continue educating myself and sharing insights, helping legal professionals navigate the complex world of legal technology and harness its power to enhance their practice. For those in the legal field, staying informed and embracing innovation allows attorneys, legal staff, and judges to position themselves at the forefront of the evolving legal landscape. This proactive approach ultimately leads to better client service and more efficient legal practices.

MTC

Happy Lawyering!

MTC: How Time's 100 Most Influential People in AI Are Shaping the Future of Law!

This month’s release of Time's 100 Most Influential People in AI for 2024 serves as a critical signal for lawyers to evaluate their own use of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal practice. This list highlights some key figures who are shaping the AI landscape, offering insights into pressing issues such as privacy, security, and ethical AI deployment that lawyers should be aware of in today’s modern practice of law - note that I tried to keep this list focused to the more common consumer which includes lawyers as well.

Privacy and Personal Identification

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, is notable for his influence on privacy issues, particularly through the development of AI-driven social media platforms. Lawyers should be aware of how AI can impact client confidentiality and data protection, especially given the vast data collection capabilities of platforms like Meta.

Machine Learning and Training

AI is impacting nearly every aspect of the practice of law.

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, is recognized for advancements in machine learning, including projects like AlphaFold. Lawyers must consider how machine learning models are trained and the potential biases that could affect legal outcomes. Understanding these biases is crucial for ensuring fair representation and decision-making in AI-assisted legal processes.

Security

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, plays a pivotal role in AI hardware development, which is essential for secure AI applications. Legal professionals should prioritize understanding AI's security implications, particularly in safeguarding sensitive legal data from cyber threats.

AI Hallucinations

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is influential in developing generative AI models like ChatGPT, known for their potential to produce "hallucinations" or inaccurate outputs. Lawyers using AI for drafting or research must critically assess the reliability of AI-generated information to avoid misinformation in legal documents.

Ethical and Regulatory Considerations

The integration of AI and Justice is happening now!

Lina Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, is a key figure in shaping AI regulation. Her work underscores the importance of legal frameworks to govern AI use, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and protecting consumer rights. Lawyers should stay informed about evolving regulations to advise clients accurately and ethically. Not only would I encourage you to follow this blog for more information but the American Bar Association and your local Bar Association was well!

FINAL THOUGHTS

The individuals featured in Time's 100 AI list highlight the transformative impact of AI across various sectors, including law. For tech-savvy lawyers, these leaders offer insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. By understanding the implications of AI on privacy, security, and ethical practice, lawyers can better integrate AI into their work, ensuring it enhances rather than hinders their practice.

I'm Off to a Conference! ✈️ 10 Essential Tech Tips for Lawyers Attending Professional Conferences!

Don’t forget to maintain your computer’s security when you attend public conferences!

I’m off to this year’s 2024 Lex Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah! As a lawyer attending professional conferences, whether it's for the American Bar Association, State Bar Associations, or Law Practice Management events, staying connected and secure is crucial. Here are some key tech considerations to keep in mind:

Secure Your Connection

When using free conference Wi-Fi, always connect through a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This encrypts your internet traffic, protecting sensitive client information and your personal data from potential eavesdroppers on the public network.

Guard Your Devices

Never leave your laptop, tablet, or smartphone unattended in conference rooms, even for a quick break. If you must step away, lock your screen or shut down completely. Additionally, ensure all your devices are password-protected in case of loss or theft.

Power Management

Don't count on having access to power outlets during sessions. Not all conferences provide extension cords for attendees. Bring a fully charged portable battery pack and consider a laptop with long battery life. If you do find an outlet, be courteous and share with fellow attendees.  Don’t forget to bring a surge protector with both single and multiple outlets (to share with your neighbors) to protect your tech from a power surge – you don’t want to your tech fried!

Some helpful tips when lawyers are attending conferences!

Strategic Seating

If you plan to work during sessions, choose your seat wisely. Look for spots near power outlets (if available) and with a clear view of presenters. End-of-row seats can provide easy access without disturbing others (PS: My favorite seat! 

Silent Mode

Always silence your devices before sessions begin. Nothing disrupts a presentation more than unexpected rings, dings, or notification sounds. Consider using vibrate mode for important alerts.

Digital Networking

Prepare for efficient contact exchanges. Have digital business cards ready through apps like Linq, or familiarize yourself with your smartphone's built-in contact-sharing features (like Apple's AirDrop for iPhone users).

Cloud Backup

Before the conference, ensure all your important files are backed up to a secure cloud service. This provides peace of mind and allows access to crucial documents if your device is lost or damaged.

Two-Factor Authentication

techNOLOGY SECURITY IS PARAMOUnt in public even when you are among a group of lawyers! 🙃

Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts, especially email and cloud storage. This adds an extra layer of security if your device falls into the wrong hands. 

Update Everything

Before leaving for the conference, update your devices' operating systems, antivirus software, and all applications. This ensures you have the latest security patches and features.

Privacy Screens

Consider using a privacy screen protector for your laptop and mobile devices. These prevent visual hacking by limiting the viewing angle of your screen – particularly useful in crowded conference settings.

By following these tech tips, you can focus on networking, learning, and representing your firm professionally without worrying about tech mishaps or security breaches. Remember, in the legal profession, protecting client confidentiality extends beyond the office – it's crucial even at professional events.

Stay tech-savvy, secure, and make the most of your conference experience!

🤗

Stay tech-savvy, secure, and make the most of your conference experience! 🤗

Happy Lawyering and Happy Learning!

🎙️ Ep. # 95, Revolutionizing Immigration Law and Law Practice as a Whole, Tech Strategies for Modern Attorneys, my conversation with Ruby Powers.

This week’s episode features Ruby Powers, a board-certified immigration attorney, author, speaker, small business owner, law practice management consultant, and podcaster. She is the founder of Powers Law Group, a Houston-based, full-service immigration law firm. She provides comprehensive services such as family immigration, employment-based immigration, consular processing, asylum, deportation, and waivers of inadmissibility. She joined us today from Salt Lake City, Utah just after the 2024 Lex Summit to talk about her current tech setup and share some suggestions for those transitioning to a new LPM.

In addition to her current tech setup and suggestions for new LPM transitions, she explains what security measures she’s taken while traveling internationally and also while border-crossing. 

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

1. What are the top three pieces of tech, whether it be hardware or software, that you think every attorney should have to power up their practice?

2. You recently transitioned your LPM. What are your top three suggestions to lawyers when they're making this transition?

3. What are your top three pieces of tech, hardware, software or utility that a lawyer should expect from their LPM? 

In our conversation, we cover:

[01.27] Tech Setup – Ruby’s current tech setup.

[04.30] Power up – Ruby’s best three tech pieces that every attorney should have.

[07.40] Security – Ruby explains how she maintains security while traveling internationally.

[08.43] Client data protection – Ruby explains how she secures client data when crossing the border.

[10.25] LPM Transition – Tuo three suggestions when transitioning to a new legal project management.

[15.00] The top three pieces of technology, hardware, software, or utilities that lawyers should expect from their legal project management software

Resources:

Connect with Ruby

• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rubypowers/

• Website -

  • powersstrategygroup.com/

  • rubypowers.com/ 

• Power Up Your Practice: Create the Law Firm and the Life You Deserve By Ruby Powers - amazon.com/Power-Up-Your-Practice-Deserve/dp/B0DJB1FL5R

• Power Up Your Practice Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ruby-powers2

Equipment Mentioned in the Podcast

• HP Computers - hp.com/us-en/shop/cat/laptops

• Jabra Headset - jabra.com/en-apac/

• Samsung Android - samsung.com/us/smartphones/

• Yeti Microphone - blueyetimicrophone.com/ 

Software & Services Mentioned in the Podcast

• ChatGPT - chatgpt.com/

• Dropbox - dropbox.com/

• f.lux - justgetflux.com/

• FileVine - filevine.com/

• Moment - momentcrm.com/

MTC: AI in Law: Protecting Client Privacy While Embracing Legal Tech Innovation! 🚨

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an integral part of the software tools lawyers rely on daily. From legal research platforms to document management systems, AI is being baked into the very fabric of legal technology. For instance, Google's Gemini AI is now integrated into Gmail on Android devices, offering to summarize and organize emails. Similarly, Apple is developing its own AI called Apple Intelligence, which aims to enhance various aspects of its ecosystem. Even smartphone manufacturers like Google are incorporating advanced AI features into their latest devices, such as the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which offers AI-powered image editing and call transcription capabilities.

While these AI advancements promise increased efficiency and productivity, many lawyers are understandably wary of the technology's encroachment into their professional domain. The legal profession is built on a foundation of trust, confidentiality, and ethical obligations to clients. As AI becomes more prevalent, attorneys must grapple with the potential risks it poses to client privacy and data security.

One of the primary concerns is the protection of clients' personal identifiable information (PII) when using AI-powered tools. Lawyers have an ethical duty to safeguard client confidentiality, and the use of AI introduces new challenges in fulfilling this obligation. For example, when using AI-powered email summarization tools or document analysis software, there's a risk that sensitive client information could be inadvertently shared with third-party AI providers or stored in ways that compromise its security.

Moreover, the training of AI models raises additional privacy concerns. Apple's efforts to scrape content for AI training have met resistance from major publishers, highlighting the contentious nature of data collection for AI development. This underscores the need for lawyers to be vigilant about how client data is used and processed by AI systems they employ in their practice.

The legal profession must also contend with the potential for AI to introduce errors or biases into legal work. While AI can process vast amounts of information quickly, it lacks the nuanced understanding and ethical judgment that human lawyers bring to their practice. Overreliance on AI-generated content or analysis could lead to serious mistakes or ethical breaches if not properly vetted by legal professionals.

To navigate these challenges and protect client PII when using AI in legal work, lawyers should consider the following top three tips:

1. Conduct thorough due diligence on AI tools: Before adopting any AI-powered software, carefully review the provider's data privacy policies, security measures, and compliance with relevant regulations. Ensure that the AI tool does not retain or use client data for purposes beyond the specific task at hand. 

2. Implement strict data handling protocols: Establish clear guidelines for how client information is input into AI systems. Use anonymization techniques when possible and limit the amount of PII shared with AI tools to only what is absolutely necessary for the task. 

3. Maintain human oversight: Always review AI-generated content or analysis critically. Use AI as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for legal expertise. Implement a process for human verification of AI outputs before they are used in client matters or legal proceedings.

As AI continues to evolve and integrate into legal practice, lawyers must remain vigilant in protecting their clients' interests and upholding their ethical obligations. By approaching AI adoption with caution and implementing robust safeguards, the legal profession can harness the benefits of this technology while maintaining the trust and confidentiality that are fundamental to the attorney-client relationship.

MTC

My Two Cents: Podcasting for Lawyers - How the 2024 Podcast Movement in DC is Shaping Legal Practices.

Your favorite Tech-Savvy Lawyer at 2024 Podcast movement!

There is a clear, growing intersection of law and podcasting. This is why I attended last week’s 2024 Podcast Movement in Washington, DC.  As a lawyer who attended this event, I found myself amidst a vibrant community of creators, including familiar faces like former podcast guests David Hamilton of Mac Geek Gab and Gordon Firemark, known as The Podcast Lawyer™. Although the number of lawyers was small, the convergence of legal professionals and podcasters underscores a compelling trend: lawyers should embrace podcasting as a powerful tool for their practice.

Benefits of Podcasting for Lawyers 

Podcasting offers numerous advantages for lawyers. Firstly, it serves as an excellent platform for thought leadership. By sharing insights and expertise, lawyers can establish themselves as authorities in their respective fields. This not only enhances their professional reputation but also attracts potential clients who seek knowledgeable legal counsel. And when you see sponsors and vendors like CNN Radio, NPR, and SiriusXM, there is clearly a large market to tap into and as I think echoed amongst the attendees there is plenty of room for more podcast shows and talent. THIS COULD INCLUDE YOU!

Moreover, podcasting provides a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration. At the Podcast Movement, reconnecting with previous podcast guests like Dave and Gordon and meeting and hearing from people like Lindsay Bowen and Andrea Sager (both discussed below) exemplified the community-building aspect of podcasting. Such interactions can lead to fruitful partnerships and referrals, expanding a lawyer's professional network.

Lawyer like any podcaster must be mindful of legal issues when podcasting!

Additionally, podcasting can demystify legal concepts for the general public. By breaking down complex legal issues into accessible content, lawyers can educate their audience, fostering a better understanding of the law. This educational aspect not only benefits listeners but also positions lawyers as approachable and client friendly.

Legal Concerns in Podcasting

Despite its benefits, podcasting is not without legal challenges. During the Podcast Movement, Gordon Firemark's presentation, "Lights, Camera, Lawyers! - Legal issues video creators encounter that you might not have considered," highlighted potential pitfalls. Issues such as intellectual property rights, defamation, and privacy concerns are paramount. Lawyers venturing into podcasting must be vigilant about these legalities to avoid potential liabilities.

Lindsay Bowen, another lawyer for podcasters, discussed "NO FAIR! Let's talk about fair use," emphasizing the importance of understanding copyright laws when using third-party content. Furthermore, I talked with lawyer Andrea Sager of The Legalpreneur Podcast about on getting trademarks for your podcast underscoring the necessity of protecting one's brand in the podcasting space.

Final Thoughts

There is a large and growing market for lawyers who podcast!

Through The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Blog and Podcast, I have consistently advocated for the integration of technology in legal practice. Tools like Podcasting presents a valuable opportunity for lawyers to expand their influence, connect with peers, and educate the public. This aligns perfectly with the ethos of podcasting, which democratizes information and reaches a broad audience.

However, it is crucial to navigate the legal landscape carefully. By understanding and addressing potential legal issues, lawyers can harness the full potential of podcasting, ensuring it becomes a beneficial extension of their practice. As the legal profession continues to evolve, embracing platforms like podcasts will be essential for staying relevant and impactful in the digital age. 

MTC

Stay tuned as I hope to have some exciting announcements in the months to come!

📢 🎙️ 📒

Stay tuned as I hope to have some exciting announcements in the months to come! 📢 🎙️ 📒

Look Who I Caught at the 2024 Podcast Movement Conference at National Harbor!

Dave and I hanging at Podcast movement 2024!

I'm attending this year's Podcast Movement Conference at National Harbor outside Washington, DC. While enhancing my skills as a podcaster and blogger, I bumped into a previous podcast guest, Dave Hamilton, host of the renowned Mac Geek Gab Podcast! He gave a presentation on his high-efficiency production techniques - Streamline to Shine: Mastering Real-Time Podcast Production Across Genres. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend. But knowing Dave, I'm sure it was great!

My 2024 podcast movement badge!

I also bumped into previous podcast guest, Gordon Firemark, lawyer and host of The Podcast Lawyer™. He gave a great presentation on the intricate world of entertainment and media law as it affects podcasters - Lights, Camera, Lawyers! - Legal issues video creators encounter that you might not have considered. I always learn something new from Gordon and his presentation did not disappoint!

It’s always great to see listeners, past and potentially future guests, and colleagues!

Remember, if you catch me in public and tell me you listen to The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast, I’ll send you a free The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast Mug*!

Happy Lawyering!

* Limit one per person.

🎙️ Episode #94, Mastering Legal Tech & Protecting Your Firm’s “Brand”: From WordPress to Trademarks with Andrea Sager!

Andrea Sager, Founder and CEO of Legalpreneur, is revolutionizing legal services for small business owners and attorneys. With experience as a BigLaw attorney, small business owner, and small business attorney, Andrea combines her passion for empowerment with expertise, ranking 27th among 40,000 trademark attorneys in the U.S., driving accessible, innovative legal solutions.

Throughout our conversation, Andrea explains why lawyers should trademark their work. Also, she provides essential podcasting tech tips and discusses strategies to stay compliant with State Bar rules and avoid UPL.

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

1. What are the top three reasons a lawyer needs to trademark their business, blog, or podcast?

2. What are your top three tech tips (hardware and software) to make your podcast stand out?

3. What are your top three tips for ensuring a lawyer does not encroach on State Bar scrutiny with UPL (Unauthorized Practice of Law), etc.?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:08] Andrea's Current Tech Setup

[07:08] Top 3 Reasons Lawyers Should Trademark Their Business, Blog, or Podcast

[10:53] Tech Tips for Podcasting

[14:46] Ensuring Compliance with State Bar Rules

[19:53] Connect with Andrea

Resources:

Connect with Andrea:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrea-sager

• Website: andreasager.com/

• Website: thelegalpreneur.com/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• MyCase: mycase.com/

• Marketcircle Daylite: marketcircle.com/

• Riverside: riverside.fm/

• WooCommerce: woocommerce.com/

Shout Out: Celebrating My New Appointments at the ABA Law Practice Division! 🥳

DALL*E has an interesting interpreTATION OF ME FOR MY ANNOUNcement. Looks about right except the hair! 🙃

I'm excited to share some wonderful news with all of you today. I’m honored to announce my recent re-appointment to the American Bar Association (ABA) Law Practice Division (LPD) for 2024-2025. This will be my first full-term appointment after completing last year’s term, which unexpectedly opened after that year had started. I have been selected to serve on several important committees, a recognition that I am truly grateful for.

I want to express my sincere thanks to the ABA Law Practice Division for this opportunity. The chance to work alongside such esteemed colleagues in advancing the future of law practice is both an honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I will be serving as a Member of the Futures Initiative, Law Practice Today, and the Legal Technology Resource Center committees.

Stay tuned for more insights on how technology is shaping the future of law practice right here on The Tech-Savvy Lawyer!

🧑🏻‍💻

Stay tuned for more insights on how technology is shaping the future of law practice right here on The Tech-Savvy Lawyer! 🧑🏻‍💻

i hope you continue to follow my journey as I share more tech law practice tips (whether i have a full set of hair on my head or not)! 🙃

These appointments will help me continue my strong interest in helping lawyers, judges, and legal practitioners in the areas of law practice management and technology.  I’m eager to contribute to these vital initiatives with LPD and share them with you, the readers of The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page and listeners of The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast!

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to sharing more updates on this exciting journey!

Monday Morning Humor: Don't Be the 'Ctrl + Alt + Deleted' IT Person: Funny Tech Tip for Lawyers! 😉

Don't Be the 'Ctrl + Alt + Deleted' IT Person!

In today's tech-driven world, lawyers often double as their own IT person.

But let's not end up like this unfortunate "I.T. Guy" whose tombstone reads "Ctrl + Alt + Deleted."

Mastering tech is essential, but remember: your goal is to thrive in the digital age, not crash and burn. 🤪