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

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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!

My Two Cents: The ABA Takes Lawyers’ Use of AI Head-On!

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I can’t visit Chicago without stopping by one of my favorite apple stores!

Last week, I attended the ABA 2024 Annual Meeting in Chicago, focusing on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sessions. This conference followed the release of the ABA’s Formal Opinion 512 on Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools. Over the past few years, the ABA has issued several opinions indirectly addressing AI:

Opinion 512 emphasizes that lawyers must balance the benefits of AI tools with their ethical obligations to ensure competent, confidential, and transparent client representation. I plan to delve deeper into Opinion 512 next week. The key takeaway is that as AI technology evolves, ongoing education and vigilance are crucial to maintaining high professional standards in the legal field. This is why I attended the ABA 2024 Conference!

Session Highlights

CLE in the City: AI Hot Topics Every Lawyer Needs to Know

Jayne R. Reardon, discussing the ethical and professional responsibility issues lawyers must be aware of when using AI for their work!

The first session I attended was "CLE in the City: AI Hot Topics Every Lawyer Needs to Know," hosted by Taft Law and moderated by Lucy L. Thompson, Principal at Livingston PLLC. The panel included:

  • Leighton Allen, Associate at Foley & Lardner, LLP.

  • Jayne R. Reardon, Ethics and Professional Responsibility Counsel

  • Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Northern District of Illinois

  • Josh Strickland, Corporate Vice President, Global Products, Motorola Solutions

  • Honorable E. Kenneth Wright, Jr., Presiding Judge, 1st Municipal District, Circuit Court of Cook County

  • Professor Daniel W. Linna, Jr., Director of Law and Technology Initiatives, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, and McCormick School of Engineering

Jayne Reardon discussed the ethical considerations lawyers must address when using AI, covering issues from hallucinations to confidentiality. Judge Fuentes shared his journey from having a no-AI policy to realizing its impracticality, acknowledging that AI is already embedded in tools like spell check, grammar check, and legal research. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the lawyer to verify their work before submission.

Access to Justice

Another significant topic was access to justice. Judge Wright emphasized the importance of helping economically disadvantaged individuals with their legal matters. When I asked the panel if they knew of any AI tools that were reliable, maintained client PII, and were free to the public, none could provide an example. The general consensus was that this is a significant hurdle in meeting access to justice needs.

AI in Legal Education

Legal experts debate AI ethics at the ABA 2024 Conference

Improving AI is being addressed through both education and development. Professor Linna mentioned that his school is teaching AI to law students, with law students and computer engineers collaborating on AI projects. This is promising, but it raises questions about how well other law schools are addressing this matter. Some schools are only beginning to teach basic automation functions in Microsoft Word, which has been around for decades. 🙄 This disparity highlights the challenge law schools face in keeping up with the rapidly changing technology landscape.

ABA Experts Session: Technology Issues

In this intimate gathering moderated by Anna Mercado Clark, Esq., CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM, FIP, partner at Phillips Lytle LLP and co-leader of its Technology Industry Team, participants engaged in a candid discussion about the concerns surrounding technology in today's legal practice. A primary concern among attendees, including myself, was the impact of AI on the legal profession. Questions arose such as: Will AI replace the need for lawyers? How can lawyers stay updated on AI capabilities and limitations? Do lawyers need to incorporate AI into their practice? What are the courts' stances on AI usage, and to what extent is it permitted?

The discussion built on points from the earlier session but offered unique insights from participants like Justice Robert J. Torres Jr., Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Guam, and Manuel A. Quilichini GarcĂ­a, President of the Puerto Rico Bar Association. They highlighted how AI is affecting lawyers, judges, and court systems, stressing the importance of practical, real-life experiences in integrating AI into legal practice. These real-world insights are crucial for lawyers to navigate the future competently and ethically.

CLE/ETHICS: Ethics, Uses and Abuses of Generative AI (GAI) for Attorneys and Judges: An Interactive Session

This session on the ethics of generative AI, Moderated by Justice Torres, delved into the ethical implications and challenges posed by AI in the legal field. The panel included:

  • Hon. Samuel A. Thumma, Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One, who serves on the ABA's Judicial Division and Appellate Judges Conference Ethics & Professional Committees;

  • Hon. Kimberly Kim, Assistant Chief Administrative Judge of the California Public Utilities Commission, who serves on the Technology Committee of the AB's Judicial Division;

  • Hon. Jennifer A. Mabey, Utah District Court Judge;

  • Hon. Stephanie Domitrovich, PhD, Sr. Trial Court Judge of Pennsylvania state courts; and

  • Zach Warren from Thomson-Reuters

Lead by Justice Torres, A Panel discusses ethical challenges of AI for lawyers and judges.

This session delved into the ethical implications and challenges posed by AI in the legal field. The panel underscored the necessity for legal professionals to understand the capabilities and limitations of AI technologies to ensure they are used responsibly and ethically. Zach Warren started by providing the audience with a framework that defined key terms. The discussions then focused on maintaining client confidentiality, the accuracy of AI-generated information, and the potential biases embedded in AI systems. Several examples with multiple-choice answers highlighted real-life scenarios, evoking memories of the multi-state portion of the bar exam for some audience members. The program emphasized the importance of continuous education and ethical vigilance as lawyers integrate AI into their practices, ensuring that these technologies enhance rather than undermine the justice system.

Final Thoughts

The ABA 2024 Annual Conference underscored the critical role of AI in modern legal practice and the ethical considerations that come with it. AI is already a part of legal practice, from spell check and grammar check to legal research tools like LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Fastcase. Staying informed and adapting to these changes is essential for maintaining high professional standards and ensuring access to justice for all. If you and your firm are not keeping up with the acceleration of AI, you risk losing clients to more efficient firms, revenue, and scrutiny from your bar association regarding compliance with ethical standards.

Lawyers who do not keep up with the evolving AI landscape will be left behind by those who do!

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Lawyers who do not keep up with the evolving AI landscape will be left behind by those who do! 🚨


MTC

My Two Cents: Harnessing The Power Of Podcasting: How Lawyers Can Benefit From A Podcasting Marketing Strategy - Why I went to Podfest 2024!

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My third attendnace at Podfest coincide’s with it's 10th Anniversary!

In today's digital age, where attention spans are shorter than ever, finding innovative ways to engage with potential clients is crucial for lawyers and legal professionals. One such method that has gained significant traction in recent years is podcasting. By leveraging the power of podcasting, legal professionals can effectively reach their target audience, establish themselves as thought leaders in their respective fields, and ultimately grow their client base.

Podcasting offers a unique opportunity for lawyers to connect with their audience on a more personal level. Unlike written content or video, podcasts allow listeners to tune in while multitasking or during their commute. This convenience factor makes it easier for lawyers to capture the attention of busy professionals who may not have the time or patience to read lengthy articles or watch videos.

Furthermore, podcasts provide an avenue for lawyers to showcase their expertise and knowledge in a conversational manner. By hosting a podcast or appearing as a guest on relevant legal podcasts, attorneys can discuss current legal issues, share insights into complex cases, and offer practical advice to listeners. This not only helps lawyers build credibility but also establishes them as trusted authorities in their areas of specialization.

By consistently producing high-quality podcast content related to their practice areas, lawyers can attract a dedicated audience of potential clients who are genuinely interested in what they have to say. These listeners may be seeking specific legal services or simply looking for informative content related to the law. In either case, by providing valuable insights through podcast episodes, attorneys can position themselves as go-to resources within their niche.  (Lawyers can also host and appear on podcasts for topics outside their practice area; sometimes being an authority in another area translates to the listener that you may be an authority in the area of law your practice.)

Additionally, podcasting offers an opportunity for lawyers to network and collaborate with other industry professionals. Attending events like Podfest 2024 allows legal professionals not only to gain insights from experienced podcasters and producers (e.g., finding the right hardware, learning how to use podcasting software, how to offload some or all of the production, how to repurpose your podcast in other social medial platforms, using LinkedIn to promote your podcast and your brand ... ) but also connect with influential individuals within the industry who may become valuable referral sources or even potential clients themselves - I ended up giving out my work business card so often that I ran out of card!

Another significant advantage of podcasting is its ability to enhance search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Podcast episodes can be transcribed and turned into written content, which can then be published alongside the audio file on a website or blog. This multimedia approach not only caters to different types of audience preferences but also improves the discoverability of the podcast through search engines and improves your own SEO.

By incorporating relevant keywords into podcast titles, descriptions, and transcripts, lawyers can increase their online visibility and attract organic traffic to their websites.

Group photo from Podfest 2024 VIP Business Podcaster Mastermind Session
Thank you @Joe Fier for a great Roundtable!!!

Harnessing the power of podcasting can be a game-changer for lawyers and legal professionals looking to expand their reach and build a strong online presence. By engaging with potential clients in a personal and informative manner, attorneys can establish themselves as trusted authorities within their fields while attracting a dedicated audience that may ultimately convert into valuable clients. With its unique ability to reach busy professionals on-the-go and enhance SEO efforts, podcasting is an effective marketing strategy that should not be overlooked by legal professionals seeking growth in today's digital landscape.

I hope to see you at the next Podfest or maybe at the 2024 Podfest Movement held in DC this August 2024!

MTC!!!

#76: Maximizing Practice Efficiency: Interview with Joshua Lenon at CLIO Con 2023

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Join Joshua and I live from the CLIO Con 2023 in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Joshua serves as the Lawyer in Residence at CLIO. Joshua has dedicated considerable efforts to enlightening legal professionals about the potential of technology to improve their practices, simultaneously educating tech companies about the distinctive requirements of the legal field.

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

  1. What are the three most common questions attorneys have about cloud computing? And how does CLIO address them?

  2. What are the three most common ethical missteps attorneys make with cybersecurity, and how does CLIO help prevent them?

  3. As we look into the future, what should attorneys be wary of regarding all things Internet in their law practice?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:09] From PCs to Macs: Embracing a Secure and User-Focused Technological Evolution

[03:25] Decoding Cloud Worries: How CLIO Tackles Attorneys' Top 3 Questions on Cloud Computing

[13:12] Ethical Cybersecurity: Navigating Attorney Pitfalls and CLIO's Defensive Strategies

[16:48] Futuristic Legal Tech: Internet's Evolution in Law Practice

[22:18] Data Migration Dilemmas

Resources:

Connect with Joshua:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshualenon

Email: joshua@clio.com

My Two Cents on Clio Cloud Conference 2023 – Clio sets the standard, ABA Techshow needs to catch up, and the other LPMs need to start…

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Recall I attended the Clio Cloud Conference 2023 (CLIO Con) recently. It was a very full event.  They had the standard announcements: I say “standard” because when you go to an electronics/technology conference, you expect to hear about the new products and features.  And as I had blogged recently, CLIO had plenty to share – new features to their Law Practice Management (LPM) platform now and next year!  But lawyers and legal professionals were not just going to a tech show to see the new shiny products; attendees wanted to learn more about their LPM of choice.  And CLIO Con wholistically met their needs!

My 2023 clio cloud conference press pass!

The conference was more than announcing new features like you might expect at an Apple or Samsung product event.  (The opening and closing sessions definitely had the polish of an Apple product announcement). You can see from their agenda, CLIO Con provided use-case sessions, presentations on the tech issues of today and tomorrow, and actual hands-on training and follow-along sessions through workshops and on their vendor floor.  CLIO Con had the right mix!

The ABA Techshow has had similar presentations and overview sessions.  But it needs more hands-on or follow-along training.  This has been a complaint of mine over the years – don’t show me what can be done, i.e., the final product, without showing me how to do it.  (The vendor sessions provided on the vendor floor are not enough to get a real feel of the various platforms - only a cursory overview to entice new customers for further investigation.)  After attending my first ABA LP Division meeting, it’s my understanding that the ABA is going to provide more detailed presentations at next year’s Techshow - so stay tuned to my 2024 ABA Techshow reports early next year.

CLIO’s competitors need to start their own conferences. The various CRMs/LPMs platforms have similar and different uses, functions, and third-party integrations. So, as potential clients need to screen their next attorney, attorneys need to vet their CRM/LPM platform.  It greatly helps lawyers to have it all pulled together and to be immersed with like-minded people at one event  - it gives the potential/new/current user a holistic sense of how a particular platform can serve their practice.  Quite frankly, if the other platforms are not going to do something similar, they are going to be left in the dust by CLIO.

Clio Con 2024 will be in Austin October 7 and 8!

The event had the enthusiasm of a Saturn Car dealership without the fanaticism (no offense to any current or previous Saturn car owners). It was a positive event. I am not a CLIO user, but I did learn some ideas on how I may want to improve my own CRM/LPM platform with third-party integration and use cases. I will consider CLIO a strong contender if I decide to change platforms.

For the record, I asked for and received a press pass for the event.  If other platforms start their own conferences, I will certainly do my best to attend and report on the similarities and differences between them and CLIO.  Until that happens, and quite frankly, even if other platforms start to do their own conferences, I'd encourage any attorney, CLIO user or not, to attend the next CLIO Con: It is a polished event where you can learn more about what LPMs can do for your firm, get ideas for what you want out of your platform, and maybe you'll find that CLIO does or does not meet your needs.

MTC.