The Tech Savvy Lawyer

Latest Episodes:

🎙️Ep. 105: Cat Moon on Mindsets, Tech, and The Future Of Law! Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Meet Cat Moon, Co-Director of the Vanderbilt AI Law Lab, legal educator, and a leading innovator in legal tech.

Today, Cat shares strategies to encourage lawyers and students to embrace innovation, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and experimentation. She discusses handling resistance to technology, cultivating critical tech mindsets, and tailoring tools to individual needs. Cat highlights her favorite platforms, such as ChatGPT and Slack. She also explores emerging technologies such as generative AI and quantum computing and underscores lawyers' ethical responsibilities in using tech.

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

What are the top three strategies that you have found most effective for encouraging lawyers and law students to embrace technological innovation?
Based on your experience working with both practicing attorneys and law students, what do you think are the most critical tech skills lawyers need to develop today to stay competitive in the future?
Given your prior and extensive experience, what are your top three emerging technologies you see having the biggest impact on legal, education, and practice in the next five years?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:08] Cat's Tech Setup

[02:58] Cat's Tech Devices and Accessories

[07:35] Strategies for Encouraging Technological Innovation

[10:20] Handling Resistance to Technology

[14:26] Critical Tech Skills for Lawyers

[17:58] Favorite Tech Tools and Tips

[25:11] Emerging Technologies in Legal Education and Practice

[29:36] Ethical Obligations and Technological Reliability

[33:19] Contact Information

Resources:

Connect with Cat:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/caitlinmoon/
BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/catmoon.bsky.social

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Anker Batteries & Chargers: anker.com

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

SaneBox: sanebox.com/

🎙️ Ep. 104: The Importance of Data Backup & Cybersecurity w "Mr. Backup", Curtis Preston! Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Our next guest is Curtis Preston, AKA "Mr. Backup". Curtis is a backup and cyber recovery expert, author, podcast host, and technical evangelist for S2Data.com, a firm specializing in helping companies leverage their legacy data. He has been working in the space since 1993 and has written four books on the subject: Modern Data Protection, Backup & Recovery, Using SANs and NAS, and Unix Backup & Recovery. He joined us today to talk about the importance of cybersecurity for lawyers.

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

What are the top three things lawyers are doing wrong with their own cyber security, and how can they correct it?
What are the top three issues lawyers are missing or not understanding when it comes to E-discovery?
What are the top three things lawyers should be doing when they're under a ransomware attack?

In our conversation, we cover:

[01.13] Tech Setup – Curtis's current tech setup.

[03.13] Challenges - Challenges of using Windows and Mac operating systems.

[07.07] Tips & Tricks - Curtis shares his top three tips for balancing between Windows and Mac.

[08.52] Multi-Factor Authentication - Importance of multi-factor authentication and password managers.

[13.00] Data Backup - Curtis explains why not backing up your data is a mistake.

[19.43] Recovery Services - The importance of having a third-party cloud backup.

[20.14] E-Discovery - Curtis explains the E-Discovery challenges and best practices.

[22.49] Documented Process – The importance of having a documented, well-tested process for e-discovery.

[24.38] Ransomware Attack – Curtis explains the initial steps of handling a ransomware attack.

[28.25] The importance of having an authentication and authorization system for a backup.

[32.10] Air Gap Backup - Curtis explains how to make an Air Gap backup.

[36.07] Relationships - Developing a relationship with cyber professionals.

[38.38] Security Questionnaire - The top three things to look for in a security questionnaire from a provider.

RESOURCES

Connect with Curtis

LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/mrbackup/
Websites – backupcentral.com/ s2data.com/

Books by W. Curtis Preston

goodreads.com/author/list/193436.W_Curtis_Preston

Equipment Mentioned in the Podcast

Apple iPhone 15 - apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-15
Apple MacBook Pro - apple.com/macbook-pro/
Audio-Technica Microphone - audio-technica.com/en-us/blog/a-look-into-audio-technicas-20-series-microphones
Dell Latitude Laptop Computers - dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/scr/laptops/appref=latitude-product-line
Logitech Brio Webcam - logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/brio-4k-hdr-webcam.html

Software & Services Mentioned in the Podcast

Cohesity Data Security & Management - cohesity.com/
Dropbox - dropbox.com/
iCloud - icloud.com/
Rubrik Data Protection Solutions - rubrik.com/solutions/backup-recovery
s2data - s2data.com/
Time Machine - solution-soft.com/products/time-machine

🎙️ Ep. 103: Mastering Briefs – How TypeLaw Transforms Legal Writing and Compliance. Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Dralla, co-founder & CEO of TypeLaw, shares his journey from the legal profession to developing the AI-powered platform that assists with court brief formatting and compliance. He discusses the platform's features, including citation checking, table of contents creation, and dynamic editing.

Chris explains how TypeLaw helps save lawyers 20-40 hours per brief by handling technical aspects and ensuring compliance with local court rules. This allows lawyers to focus on more meaning tasks. He also emphasizes the platform's security measures, compatibility with multiple document formats, and adaptability to evolving legal requirements. Additionally, Chris touches on customer support and the future of digital legal documentation.

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

What are the top three key benefits of using TypeLaw's brief editing features, and how does it compare to traditional word processing software for legal documents?
What are the top three security concerns lawyers should consider when using a product like TypeLaw?
How does TypeLaw ensure compliance with local court rules across different jurisdictions, and how frequently are these rules updated in the system?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:43] Chris's Current Tach Setup

[11:38] Key Benefits of TypeLaw's Brief Editing vs. Traditional Word Processors

[16:27] How TypeLaw Boosts Efficiency for Lawyers

[23:08] Top 3 Security Concerns for Lawyers Using

[37:15] How TypeLaw Stays Compliant with Local Court Rules

[42:40] Contact Information

Resources:

Connect with Chris:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cdralla/
Website: typelaw.com/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

TypeLaw: typelaw.com/
WordPerfect: wordperfect.com

🎙️ Ep. 102: From Chatbots to Generative AI – Tom Martin explores LawDroid's legal tech advancements with AI. Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back previous podcast guest Tom Martin, the CEO and Founder of LawDroid, a legal tech pioneer revolutionizing law firms with AI-driven solutions!

Today, Tom explains how LawDroid has evolved from classical AI to incorporating natural language and generative models. He highlights its hybrid platform, AI receptionists, and automation features. He discusses AI-driven legal research and document management, stressing accuracy through retrieval-augmented generation. Tom advises lawyers to see AI as a collaborator, not an infallible tool, and to manage expectations about its capabilities.

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

What are the top three ways generative AI has transformed LawDroid's offerings and operations?
What are the three most critical security concerns legal professionals should consider when using AI-integrated products like LawDroid? For each situation, provide strategies to address these concerns.
What are the top three things lawyers should not expect from products like LawDroid?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:31] Tom's Current Tech Setup

[05:59] LawDroid's Evolution and AI Integration

[08:36] AI-Driven Features in LawDroid

[09:47] Security Concerns in AI-Integrated Legal Products

[12:45] Addressing Security and Reliability in LawDroid

[16:33] LawDroid's Legal Research and Document Management

[18:21] Expectations and Limitations of Legal AI

[20:51] Contact Information

Resources:

Connect with Tom:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thomasgmartin
Website: lawdroidmanifesto.com/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

ChatGPT: chatgpt.com/
Claude: claude.ai/
LawDroid CoPilot: lawdroid.com/copilot/
LawDroid: lawdroid.com/
Notebook LM: notebooklm.google/
Perplexity AI: perplexity.ai/
PipeDrive: pipedrive.com/

🎙️ Ep 101, Unpacking Tech Travel Tips with Globetrotting Pro, Pete Harman, your essential guide toward connectivity on the go! Nov 26, 2024

Show notes

Our next guest is Pete Harmon. Pete is not just a veteran and an experienced pilot for a major air delivery service with decades of travel experience but also the co-host of the long-running "Mac Geek Gab" podcast and the creator of "So There I Was," an aviation-focused storytelling podcast. In this episode, Pete shares his wealth of knowledge on staying connected while traversing the globe. His insights are particularly valuable for legal professionals who need to maintain seamless communication and productivity, whether they're traveling locally, across state lines, or internationally. From essential gadgets to connectivity hacks, Pete's tips will help you navigate the digital landscape of modern travel with confidence.

To cap off our episode, Pet shares a riveting war-era anecdote about a pilot blinded in action who ingeniously used his plane's mechanical technology to rescue an injured marine 20 miles away!

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

What are the top three tech tips for getting on and using the internet during your national and international travels?
What are your favorite top three war stories regarding computer tech issues on the road?
What are the top three tech gadgets you bring besides your phone, laptop, or tablet when traveling?

B1 What are Pete's top three favorite non-tech gadgets he brings on travel?

B2. What are Pete's top three tips or suggestions about going through security with tech?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:42] Pete's Tech Setup

[05:57] Top 3 Tech Tips for Staying Connected While Traveling

[17:52] War Stories and Tech Mishaps

[26:50] 3 Must-Have Tech Gadgets for Travel

[32:11] Favorite Non-Tech Gadgets for Travel

[42:22] Connect with Pete

Resources:

Connect with Pete:

Mac Geek Gab: macgeekgab.com/
So There I Was: sothereiwas.us/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

AirFly Pro: twelvesouth.com/products/airfly
Anker 100W Cube Charger: anker.com/products/a2343-100w-usb-c-charger
Anker Slim Flat Laptop Charger: anker.com/collections/for-laptops
Audio-Technica USB Microphone: audio-technica.com/en-eu/microphones/wired/type/usb
GL-MT3000 Travel Router: gl-inet.com/products/gl-mt3000/
Pokefi Portable WiFi: mypokefi.com/
Ultimate Ears Bluetooth Speaker: ultimateears.com/en-us

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

AT&T: att.com/international/
Channels DVR: getchannels.com/dvr-server/
Mint Mobile: mintmobile.com/
NeverSSL – neverssl.com/
OpenVPN – openvpn.net/
SiriusXM: siriusxm.com/
Synology NAS: synology.com/en-au/support/nas_selector
T-Mobile: t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans
TuneIn: tunein.com/
Verizon: verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/
WireGuard VPN– wireguard.com/

Episode 100: Guest Host Carolyn Elefant Catching Up with Your Tech-Savvy Lawyer Blogger And Podcaster! Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

In this special 100th Episode, guest host Carolyn Elefant catches up with your tech-savvy lawyer, blogger, and podcaster. We discuss my current tech setup, how technology is changing legal practice, and the impact of AI on client communication and law work. We also discuss practical tips for using tech tools effectively to improve efficiency and strengthen client relationships.

This milestone episode is full of insights for lawyers, judges and legal practitioners looking to stay ahead in legal tech!

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

How have some of the other legal tech tools that Michael uses transformed the way that he works with clients and deliver service to them since the 50th episode?
What are the challenges as well as the opportunities legal professionals who use technologies like AI, like gen AI are having and what are the implications they have for client confidentiality and data security?
What are the most significant challenges and opportunities Michael has observed for legal professionals using technology to enhance client confidentiality and data security?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:03] Michael's Current Tech Setup

[04:13] Legal Tech Tools and Client Communication

[07:04] Evolution of AI in Legal Practice

[09:50] Challenges and Opportunities with AI

[15:40] Practical Advice for Tech Use in Legal Practice

[21:08] Connect with Carolyn

Connect with Carolyn:

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/carolynelefant/

Website: myshingle.com/

Resources:

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Blue Yeti Microphone: logitechg.com/en-us/products/streaming-gear/yeti-premium-usb-microphone
Elgato Ring Light: elgato.com/us/en/p/ring-light
Elgato Stream Deck: elgato.com/ww/en/s/welcome-to-stream-deck
Shure MV7 Microphone:shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Apple Encryption: support.apple.com/en-us/HT204455
Backblaze: backblaze.com/
Carbon Copy Cloner: bombich.com/
NordVPN: nordvpn.com/
Setapp: setapp.com/
Text Expander: textexpander.com/

🎙️ Episode 99: Navigating the Intersection of Law Ethics and Technology with Jayne Reardon Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Meet Jayne Reardon, a nationally renowned expert on legal ethics and professionalism who provides ethics, risk management, and regulatory advice to lawyers and legal service providers. Jayne is an experienced trial lawyer who has tried cases in state and federal courts across Illinois and on appeal up to the United States Supreme Court. She also sits on the national roster of the American Arbitration Association for Commercial and Consumer Arbitration. Moreover, she is a certified neutral in the Early Dispute Resolution Process. Jayne's experience includes service as Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, an organization dedicated to promoting ethics and professionalism among lawyers and judges, and disciplinary counsel for the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

In today's conversation, Jayne explores ethical concerns for lawyers using AI, focusing on ABA Model Rules. She also discusses billing ethics, advising transparency in engagement letters and time tracking. Furthermore, Jayne highlights online civility, warning against impulsive posts and labeling, and real-life cases to underscore the importance of ethical vigilance in AI-integrated legal practice.

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

What are your top three warnings to lawyers about using AI in line with the ABA model rules of ethics?
Some lawyers are creating DIY services online through chatbots, AI for clients, through chatbots and AI for clients to handle their legal affairs. What are the top three ethical concerns these lawyers should be wary of when creating these services?
What are your top three suggestions about lawyers being civil to one another and others online?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:11] Jayne's Current Tech Setup

[04:50] Handling Tech Devices and Daily Usage

[08:51] Ethical Considerations for AI in Legal Practice

[19:21] Ethical Considerations for AI-Assisted Services

[26:37] Civility in Online Interactions

[30:58] Connect with Jayne

Resources:

Connect with Jayne:

E-mail: jayne.reardon@fisherbroyles.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jaynereardon/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

AirPods: apple.com/airpods/
Apple Watch: apple.com/watch/
iPad: apple.com/ipad/
iPhone: apple.com/iphone/
Mac: apple.com/mac/
PC (Windows device): microsoft.com/en-us/windows

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

LexisNexis AI: lexisnexis.com/en-us/gateway.page
Westlaw AI: legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/products/westlaw-edge

* the "W-Calendar" program I refered to apparently is no longer an active software program available for purchase.

🎙️Ep. # 98 - Streamlining Legal Workflows. Michael Anderson, Chief Product Officer at FileVine on LPM Evolution. Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

Michael Anderson, Filevine's CPO, shares insights into transforming legal practice management with technology. Highlighting Filevine's client-matter-centric approach, he reveals how it streamlines legal tasks, avoids context-switching, and embraces AI for efficiency. Predicting an all-in-one AI-driven future, he invites listeners to explore Filevine's transformative impact through today's conversation!

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

What are the top three software expectations a lawyer should expect from their LPMs?
What are the top three practical and ethical uses of AI by lawyers today?
What are your top three future predictions for LPMs?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:32] Michael's Current Tech Setup

[03:30] Top 3 Features Lawyers Need in Legal Practice Software

[04:13] Filevine's Differentiation from Competitors

[09:50] Practical and Ethical Uses of AI in the Legal Profession

[18:27] Future Predictions for LPMs

[21:35] Connect with Michael

Resources:

Connect with Michael:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-anderson

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Dell laptop: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/sr/laptops
Dell monitors: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-monitors-for-home/ar/4009
Loom light: https://www.loom.com/
Razer Keyboard: razer.com/pc/gaming-keyboards-and-keypads

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

🎙️ Ep. #97, Mastering your Law Practice Management Software with Val Reason of Vineskills! Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

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!

What are the top three tech building blocks that every attorney should know when starting with a new law practice management software suite?
What are the top three reasons a lawyer needs additional training on an LPM beyond what most LPMs offer?
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 96: Looking Into the Future of Law with Filevine Legal Futurists! Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

🎙️Episode 96: Looking Into the Future of Law with Filevine Legal Futurists!

Join me as I report from Filevine's 2024 Lex Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah. Filevine, a leading legal work platform, empowers over 125,000 professionals daily with tools for document management, billing, and analytics. Recognized in 2024 for its growth, Filevine envisions a seamless intersection of legal work, technology, and business. I talk with Filevine's Zach Brenner, Dr. Cain Elliot and Emily Lippencott as we discuss how the Filevine platform emphasizes client-focused solutions, change management, and AI integration.

Join Zach, Dr. Cain, Emily, and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

What are the three key terms that define a legal futurist?
What are the top three technological advances a lawyer should expect from the LPM, and how is Filevine addressing each answer?
As a legal futurist, what are the top three ways you see lawyers using AI in their work?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:17] Filevine 2024 Lex Summit Overview

[02:46] Innovation and Client Needs

[06:37] Handling Client Adjustment and Change Management

[11:41] Ensuring Continuity and Uptime

[16:06] Top Three Technological Advances for Lawyers

[20:38] Using AI in Legal Work

[24:08] Billable Hours and AI

Resources:

Connect with Zach, Dr. Cain, Emily:

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation: