Welcome to my Blog!

A growing number of new and experienced attorneys are not proficient in computer literacy to work in the evolving legal arena competently as required by many State Bar.  Sure, people know how to play Words with Friends on Facebook or post a picture to Instagram.  But, this does not rise to the (ever-so-increasing) level as required by the Rules to which we must abide – most of our respective State Bar Associations. 

From the ABA Model Rule 1.1 Competence, Comment 8: Maintaining Competence:

"To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology, engage in continuing study and education and comply with all continuing legal education requirements to which the lawyer is subject."

I have seen this lack of competence when dealing with new law clerks over the years and talking with colleagues who need my help from time-to-time.  My observation was sustained during some of the “academic” sessions held at the American Bar Association Techshow just last week in Chicago.  It is scary how much of what I know like the back of my hand (please I mean no offense – I’ve been using computers since 1980) is not basically grasped by lawyers (and law students).  For instance, I talked to an attendee at the Techshow who had a major data crash and it did not even dawn on her to have redundant back up (see my next post).

The goal of this blog is not to inundate you with information.  As lawyers, time is precious.  We don’t always have time for two-hour field guides, “How-to” books or hand-held instructions.  The goal is to provide you with some nuggets of information (in postings that will take only one to ten minutes of your time) that will allow you to learn at your leisure.  And, I hope, one day to serve as repository for lawyers to find work-specific tech information.

As tech is constantly changing, so too will this blog.

I hope you enjoy and would love to hear your feedback!

Michael