Shout Out! Your Award-Winning Blogger and Podcaster will be Presenting at the 2025 ABA Techshow!

The Aba techshow is the place to be for the intersection of technology and the practice of law - tech will not replace you but if you don’t use the right tech in your practice you could be left behind by those who do!

Hey everyone! Next week, I’ll be co-presenting with ABA Techshow Co-Chair Patrick Wright!

We’ll be presenting on “Innovations in Client Intake: Leveraging Technology for Better Outcomes” and “How to Leverage Video to Build Your Brand, Dominate SEO, and Attract the Best Clients.”

I can’t wait to see everyone there! Remember, if you tell me at the conference that you follow The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page and The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast, I’ll send you a free The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Mug!*

* Limit one per person: Previous recipients from any prior appearance or as a guest on The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast are not eligible for to receive an additional mug. Sorry!

PSA: October 2024 - Cybersecurity Month is not just for the Tech-Savvy Lawyer!

Its cyber Security Awareness month - are you cyber secure?

As we enter October 2024, it's time once again for Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This annual event, now in its 21st year, serves as a crucial reminder for lawyers to prioritize digital security in their practices. In an increasingly interconnected world, protecting client data and maintaining the integrity of our legal systems has never been more important. Let's explore some essential cybersecurity tips for lawyers of all tech levels, drawing from our previous discussions and expert insights.

The Basics: Foundational Cybersecurity Practices

Even if you're not a tech wizard, there are simple steps you can take to significantly enhance your firm's cybersecurity:

Password Protection and Authentication

Start with the basics: ensure all your devices are protected with strong passwords or passcodes. Use complex, unique passwords for each account, and consider implementing a password manager to keep track of them securely. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication wherever possible, adding an extra layer of security to your accounts.

Keep Systems Updated

Regularly updating your operating systems and software is crucial. These updates often contain critical security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Don't ignore those update notifications – they're your first line of defense against emerging threats.

Secure Your Network

When working remotely, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. Instead, use your phone's personal hotspot or a reliable VPN service to encrypt your internet connection1. This practice is essential for maintaining client confidentiality and protecting sensitive data.

Advanced Strategies: Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Security

Even solo and small firms need to be cyber secure!

For those ready to take their cybersecurity to the next level, consider these more advanced strategies:

Embrace AI-Powered Security Solutions

As discussed in our recent blog post on Time's 100 Most Influential People in AI, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing cybersecurity. Look into AI-powered security tools that can provide real-time threat detection and response, offering what we've termed "precision cybersecurity".

Implement Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Systems

EDR systems can monitor and respond to suspicious activities on your devices in real-time. This proactive approach can help prevent breaches before they occur.

Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing

Consider conducting regular security audits of your systems and networks. Penetration testing, where ethical hackers attempt to breach your systems, can reveal vulnerabilities you might have overlooked.

The Human Factor: Training and Awareness

Stay on top of trends and reports of cyber issues and how they may impact your practice!

Technology alone isn't enough – your team plays a crucial role in maintaining cybersecurity:

Phishing Awareness Training

Phishing remains one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks. Regularly train your staff to recognize and report phishing attempts. Consider running simulated phishing exercises to test and improve your team's awareness.

Develop a Cybersecurity Policy

Create a comprehensive cybersecurity policy for your firm. This should cover everything from acceptable use of technology to incident response procedures. Make sure all staff members are familiar with and adhere to this policy.

Foster a Security-First Culture

Encourage open communication about security concerns. Create an environment where staff feel comfortable reporting potential security issues without fear of reprimand.

Staying Informed: Continuous Learning

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest threats and best practices:

Follow Reputable Sources

CISA is America's Cyber Defense Agency
NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AND RESILIENCE

Keep an eye on authoritative cybersecurity sources like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for the latest advisories and guidelines.

Attend Webinars and Workshops

Take advantage of educational opportunities. For instance, CISA is hosting several webinars throughout October 2024, covering topics from protecting school systems to addressing the cybersecurity workforce gap.

Leverage The Tech-Savvy Lawyer Resources

Don't forget to revisit our podcast Episode #39, where we discussed essential cybersecurity tips with expert Tom Lambotte. This conversation provides valuable insights tailored specifically for lawyers.

Final Thoughts: A Year-Round Commitment

While Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides a focused opportunity to assess and improve our digital security practices, it's crucial to remember that cybersecurity is a year-round necessity. The threats we face are constant and evolving, requiring ongoing vigilance and adaptation. By implementing these tips and staying informed about the latest developments, we can protect our clients, our practices, and the integrity of our profession.

Remember, cybersecurity is not just about technology – it's about people, processes, and continuous improvement. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a large firm, every step you take towards better cybersecurity makes a difference. Let's use this Cybersecurity Awareness Month as a springboard for ongoing security enhancements throughout the year.

Stay safe, stay informed, and let's continue to raise the bar for cybersecurity in the legal profession.

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!

Nominations are open for the James I. Keane Memorial Award for Excellence in eLawyering!

Do you know an innovative legal services provider — Consider nominating them for the Keane Award.

ABA Law Division James I Keane memorial award nominations are open!
© AMerican bar association

“This Award is named for James I. Keane, the founding Chair of the Law Practice Management Section eLawyering Task Force. The Task Force was created in 2000, when ABA President William G. Paul, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, took the unusual and creative step of asking a Section to assume responsibility for an initiative to examine ways that lawyers could use the Internet and other electronic resources to deliver legal services to people of moderate means, more efficiently and effectively.

”ELawyering is doing legal work – not just marketing – over the Web. Pioneering practitioners have found dramatic new ways to communicate and collaborate with clients and other lawyers, produce documents, settle disputes, interact with courts, and manage legal knowledge. ELawyering encompasses all the ways in which lawyers can do their work using the Web and associated technologies. For most lawyering “verbs” – interview, investigate, counsel, draft, advocate, analyze, negotiate, manage, etc. – there are corresponding internet-based tools and technologies.

”ELawyering and its lawyer-less analogs present fundamental challenges for our profession. There are great dangers but also great opportunities for attorneys. To be successful in the coming era, lawyers will need to know how to practice over the Web, manage client relationships in cyberspace, and ethically offer “unbundled” services.

”The purpose of this Award is to give recognition to law offices that have developed legal service innovations that are delivered over the Internet. The focus of the Award is on the innovative delivery of personal legal services, with special attention given to firms and entities that serve both moderate-income individuals and the broad middle class.

Eligibility

Nominees may be any individual lawyer, law firm or other deliverer of legal services to individuals within the United States. The nominee can be a large or small law firm, public or private, or a legal services agency. More than one entry may be submitted, and self-nomination is encouraged.

Additional consideration will be given to projects that focus on the delivery of legal services to individuals of moderate means.

Absence of precedent - The legal service or innovative idea has never been offered before or has not been done quite this way before.

Evidence of action - The innovative idea was transformed into action and not merely reflective of best intentions. The nominee should be prepared to provide evaluation data that document the effectiveness of the legal service in terms of client satisfaction, revenue enhancement, and/or law productivity. The nomination must provide an analysis of the measures used to define success.

Effectiveness of innovation - There is some measurable outcome that would indicate that the innovation is accomplishing what it was intended to do.

Additional Requirements:

1. The project must demonstrate the use of the Internet to deliver legal services.

2. Action must have taken place no more than three years prior to this entry, and the legal service must be operating for at least one year prior to the submission of the Application.

3. Additional consideration will be given to projects that focus on the delivery of legal services to individuals of moderate means.

4. The nomination should describe how the service was developed, how it is managed, and how it has been evaluated.

5. The nomination should describe how the service can be replicated by other law firms in terms of development costs, required technology, people requirements, and ongoing maintenance costs.

Nomination deadline is December 15 and can be made following this link.

Good Luck!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Your Tech-Savvy Lawyer will co-present at the "Law Firm Start-Up AI-ccelerator" Program!

JOIN YOUR TECH-SAVVY LAWYER AS I CO-PRESENT AT THE “LAW FIRM START-UP AI-CCELERATOR” PROGRAM!

I'm excited to share that I'll be presenting for my friend, colleague, and previous podcast guest Carolyn Elefant's "The Law Firm Start-Up AI-ccelerator" program. Carolyn, the webmaster of the popular MyShingle blog, has created an excellent program aimed at teaching solo practitioners how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help run their practice. The Law Firm Start-Up AI-ccelerator is a six-week program where you can learn from experienced practitioners who use AI in their law practice and law firm management. I'll be presenting during "Content Week."

Join me at the "Law Firm Start-Up AI-ccelerator" Program as we talk about setting up your on podcast!

Content Week will be focused on ways to market your law firm and how AI can assist.  We will cover areas like blogging, webinar-based marketing, podcasting, and SEO/Marketing.  My presentation will cover how to get a podcast up and running quickly and affordably.  I'll talk about creating an idea for your show, microphones, software to produce your audio, and more! This will include how to use AI to assist with the production of your podcast!

Stay tuned! More details to come. I can't wait to see you there!!!