🎙️ Ep. #97, Mastering your Law Practice Management Software with Val Reason of Vineskills!

RECORDED LIVE FROM FILEVINE’S 2024 LEX SUMMIT IN SALT LAKE CITY, UT!

🎙️

RECORDED LIVE FROM FILEVINE’S 2024 LEX SUMMIT IN SALT LAKE CITY, UT! 🎙️

Any legal practitioner looking to increase productivity, optimize workflows, and improve client service may find switching to a new law practice management (LPM) program to be a daunting but necessary step. However, to guarantee a successful migration, the procedure necessitates meticulous planning along with an understanding of key technological elements.

Val Reason is an optimizer at Vineskills, a tech and legal business process expert. She works with law firms to assist them maximize Filevine's capabilities so they may increase operational effectiveness and enhance case management procedures to meet their objectives. She primarily draws from her prior expertise as an operations manager in personal injury law, where she was in charge of daily operations, accounting, human resources, and all system management, including Filevine builds and maintenance, in this position. She is dedicated to helping legal teams to make the most of their technology.

Regardless of the LPM you use, this is a must listen episode for those looking to maximize the value of their LPM investment, whether they're currently using an LPM system, considering a switch, or contemplating implementing LPM for the first time!

Join Val and me as we talk about the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three tech building blocks that every attorney should know when starting with a new law practice management software suite?

2. What are the top three reasons a lawyer needs additional training on an LPM beyond what most LPMs offer?

3. What are your top three hidden tech tricks in Filevine that maybe not only you should know, but perhaps users of other LPMs as well? 

In our conversation, we cover:

[01.16] Tech Setup –  Val explains her monitor setup and why she decided to keep it simple.

[06.04] Mobile Preference – Val explains why she prefers Pixel phones.

[08.00] Tech Building Blocks - Transitioning to a new law practice management software.

[11.13] LPM Transitioning - The importance of planning and testing.

[14.12] Transition Process - Cost considerations and implementation timelines associated with transitioning to a new LPM.

[17.38] Additional Training - Val explains the reasons lawyers need additional training on LPMs.

[20.04] Tech Tricks - Val explains the top three hidden tech tricks in Filevine that lawyers should know

[22.50] Automations – Val explains her favorite top three automations.

[28.00] Productivity Tips – Val explains her top three favorite tech tips for personal productivity.

Resources:

Connect with Val Reason

• LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/reasonvalerie/

• Website - vineskills.com/

Equipment Mentioned in the Podcast

• Apple Pro Display XDR - apple.com/pro-display-xdr/

• Dell Monitors - dell.com/en-us/shop/all-monitors/sac/monitors/all-monitors

• Jabra Wireless Headsets & Headphones - jabra.com/en-apac/

• Pixel Phones - store.google.com/us/category/phones

• Samsung Monitors - samsung.com/us/monitors/

Software & Services Mentioned in the Podcast

• ClickUp Project Management - clickup.com/

• Filevine - filevine.com

• Needless Case Management Software - assemblysoftware.com/needles

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

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:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kporterjd/

• Website: theresourcefullawyer.com/

Mentioned in the episode:

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• Blue Yeti Microphone: blueyetimicrophone.com/

• Logitech C920 Webcam: logitech.com/en-ch/products/webcams/c920-pro-hd-webcam

• Microsoft Surface: microsoft.com/en-us/surface ​

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• ClickUp: clickup.com/

• Dubsado: dubsado.com/

• Make: make.com/

• Microsoft Bookings: microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business/scheduling-and-booking-app

• Miro: miro.com/

• Mural: mural.co/

• PandaDoc: pandadoc.com/

• Zapier:zapier.com/

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/

Episode 81: Navigating The Future of Legal Tech with Filevine's Emily Lippincott

Today's guest, Emily Lippincott, is a Legal Futurist at Filevine, a premier legal work platform serving law firms and businesses throughout the United States and Canada. With over 16 years of legal experience in Silicon Valley, encompassing roles in in-house and law firm settings, Emily brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Moreover, her background includes counseling corporate clients through various stages, from inception to public offering or acquisition.

Throughout the conversation, Emily illuminates for lawyers pathways to efficiency, accessibility, and excellence. Join us as she navigates the intricate web of tomorrow's legal tech landscape, shaping the future of the practice of law with insight and expertise. Let's unlock the secrets to efficiency, innovation, and success in the digital age!

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

What are the top three factors a lawyer should consider when vetting new hardware for their practice so that they are not only cutting edge but future-proof?

What are the top three things lawyers are still getting wrong with their hardware and software technology in their law practice?

What are the top three ways lawyers can use AI in their practice?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:07] Emily's Tech Setup

[06:25] Essential Considerations for Lawyers Embracing Innovation

[14:20] Common Pitfalls and Potential Solutions

[27:43] Maximizing AI in Legal Practice: Three Key Applications

Resources:

Connect with Emily:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilylippincott/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

1. Audio-Technica AT2020PK Microphone: audio-technica.com/en-us/at2020pk

2. Dell Curved Monitor: dell.com/en-us/lp/curved-monitors

3. Logitech Litra Glow: logitech.com/en-us/products/lighting/litra-glow

4. Logitech Stream Cam: logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/streamcam

5. Macbook Pro with M1 Chip: support.apple.com/en-us

6. Rubber Tips for Apple Pencil: apple.com/shop/product

7. Scarlett Solo: us.focusrite.com/products/scarlett-solo

Software, Apps, & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

1. 1Password For Chrome Extension: 1password.com/resources/guides/1password-for-google-chrome/

2. 1Password: 1password.com/ 

3. Apple Pages: apple.com/pages/

4. Backblaze: backblaze.com/

5. Camelcamelcamel: camelcamelcamel.com/

6. Capital One app: capitalone.com

7. Filevine Immigration AI: filevine.com/platform/immigrationai/

8. Filevine: filevine.com/

9. GoodNotes goodnotes.com/

10. Google One: one.google.com/overview/

11. Mac Updater: corecode.io/macupdater/

12. MacOS Sonoma: apple.com/macos/sonoma/

13. Microsoft Outlook plugin: support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-add-ins-in-outlook

14. WordPerfect: wordperfect.com/en/

15. Zscaler: help.zscaler.com/

My Two Cents: Anchoring Your Firm in The Cloud is Not a Great Idea!

IMHO it is not best practice to base your office in the cloud!

I think that online cloud backup and access has really revolutionized how attorneys and the world work! In addition to be able to access your office files anywhere, the security of having additional backups constantly updated and offsite provides an extra layer of relief. Heavens forbid the office catches on fire or someone steals your computer!  But basing and running your firm from the cloud is IMHO a big mistake.

Earlier this month, Microsoft 365, the online office suite, had an outage issue. As Tamal Nandi of Mint reports, “The company said that it was “investigating an issue with accessing Outlook on the web" in a Twitter thread posted on its Microsoft 365 Status account — and added that a “downstream impact" was also identified for Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business. Microsoft 365 Status later said it had reverted an update and saw an improvement in service — soon confirming recovery for impacted services.” This gives me no ease of mind in using this product. Your work is hosted on the cloud; not on your computer. So, when the host “misplaces” or “losses” your information, it will sync and remove the information from your computer. And then you’re SOL!

Nobody wants to be discover their e-mail has vanished!

I believe I may have been a victim of this as I use 365.  I was understandably freaked when my inbox had zero e-mails!  Note, I only use Outlook for the blog (not the firm and I’m looking for something else for the blog) and I don’t use OneDrive for any of my projects. As a lawyer, can you imagine your inbox emails just “disappearing?” Lawyers have a strong fear of missing out – this is understandable as if you miss an urgent client e-mail or a court notice that you fail to follow up on, it could be your job and possibly your law license.

Granted, it appears that this has only affected thousands maybe tens of thousands out of Microsoft’s million-plus users.  But apparently, this has been a recurring theme for at least this year. And solo and small firm practitioners certainly don’t want to find themselves as being one of the lucky "thousands” of Microsoft users without their inbox – temporarily or permanently.

I don’t know how to reverse backup from the cloud. But by using my computer as the main host of my work, I know I can easily make multiple backups.  My suggestion is to look carefully at the cloud CRM you are using and make sure that you have your “office” based on your computer versus their “cloud” host.  PS: It is one of a few reasons why I use Daylite as my CRM.

MTC.

Happy Lawyering!!!

SHOUT OUT! Your TSL.P Lawyer is Highlighted on Cult of Mac!

From Cult of Mac’s webpage!

Hey everyone, I’m highlighted in the Cult of Mac’s article How a Washington lawyer helps vets with Mac-based Daylite CRM. Cult of Mac is a daily news website that follows everything Apple.  The article discusses how I use Marketcircle’s Mac-based client relations management program Daylite.  I think Daylite is a great CRM when you are in the Apple ecosystem.  Your iPhones, iPads, Mac Laptops, and Mac Desktops all sync nicely in Daylite. So, whether I’m on the go, working remotely, or back in my office, I have my office with me and I don’t have to have an active internet connection to view my data – it’s all stored locally on each device! (Don’t forget to password protect your devices!) With Daylite’s “Pipelines” feature, I can create my own workflows to create automatic office tasks and deadlines when certain triggering events occur.  Plus, it’s easy to add and remove employees securely and when each new employee, they can see the e-mail, task, and work history for each client!

I’ve been using Daylite for years.  It just gets better and better.  You should check it out!

PS:  I was not paid for this posting.  If that ever changes, I’ll let you know. 🤗