The Tech Savvy Lawyer

Latest Episodes:

Episode 86, Assisting Lawyers with Implementing Technology Into Their Practice, Debbie Foster of Affinity Consulting Group! Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

Discover how modern tools and strategic approaches can revolutionize your law firm's efficiency and accuracy. Join my next guest, Debbie Foster of Affinity Consulting Group, as we explore innovative solutions and receive expert insights from industry leader Debbie Foster to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving legal landscape!

Debbie is a seasoned expert with 23 years at Affinity, where she excels in strategic project management, team leadership, and client relations. Her career began in 1994, revolutionizing efficiency in a fine-dining Italian restaurant and managing cultural change in a chain of dry-cleaning stores. With a background as an emergency medical technician, Debbie's exceptional triage skills and her superpower of building relationships with challenging personalities make her an invaluable asset. She thrives on working with her team to achieve strategic goals, ensuring remarkable client experiences and a positive workplace culture.

Join Debbie and me as we discuss the following three questions and more.

What are the top three areas where attorneys are underprepared with their firm software needs?
What are the top three software utility programs that lawyers should use?
What are the top three areas of legal practice that need more innovation, and what should an average attorney do?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:51] A Peek into Debbie's Tech Setup

[03:27] Three Key Software Areas Where Attorneys Often Fall Short

[12:13] Top Three Software Utility Programs Every Lawyer Should Use

[20:22] Top Three Areas of Legal Practice Needing Innovation and How Attorneys Can Address Them

Resources:

Connect with Debbie:

Email: 📧 dfoster@affinityconsulting.com
LinkedIn: 🔗 linkedin.com/in/debbiefoster/
Website: 🌐 affinityconsulting.com

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Focusrite audio interface: focusrite.com/categories/audio-interfaces
Logitech Brio 4K webcam:logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/brio-4k-hdr-webcam
Shure MV7 microphone:shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv7

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Actionstep: actionstep.com/
Calendly: calendly.com/
Carpe Diem:carpediemparalegals.com/
Centerbase: centerbase.com/
Cleo: cleo.com/
Daylite (by Marketcircle): marketcircle.com/
DocuSign: docusign.com/
Doodle:doodle.com/en/
HubSpot: hubspot.com/
Lawmatics: lawmatics.com/
PandaDoc: pandadoc.com/
SaneBox: sanebox.com/
Scribe: scribehow.com/ (This appears to be a web-based program so your operating system should not matter – I should be trying this out and report in the future).

Episode #85: Episode 85: Redefining Legal Services, Mathew Kerbis on Subscription Law and Tech Efficiency. Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

After nine years in private practice, Mathew founded Subscription Attorney LLC, pioneering a model that leverages automation and artificial intelligence to provide accessible legal services. Mathew is a recipient of the James I. Keane Award and a member of the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System's Above the Line Network. Also, he placed third in the Individual category for the American Legal Technology Awards, solidifying his impact on legal innovation.

In this episode, Mathew and I explore the innovative realm of subscription-based legal services. He covers topics from efficient workflows to ethical considerations and shares insights on transforming legal practice through technology.

Tune in to gain actionable insights and discover new possibilities in legal service delivery!

Join Mathew and me as we discuss the following three questions and more.

What are the top three key pieces of software hardware needed to make a legal subscription model work connecting the client with an attorney?
What are the top three workflows that work behind the scenes to make the business more efficient?
Given that technology allows attorneys to cross state lines, what are the top three Legal Ethics concerns attorneys should have when offering a subscription model?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:07] Mathew's Current Tech Setup

[37:58] Revolutionizing Legal Subscription Models: Key Software, Hardware, and Ethical Considerations

[46:12] Streamlining Business Efficiency: Time Blocking, Social Media Automation, and Document Automation

[50:51] Legal Ethics in Subscription-Based Practices

[54:43] Where to Find Mathew Online

Resources:

Connect with Mathew:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kerbisverse/
Website: lawsubscribed.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Anker battery pack: anker.com/collections/power-banks
Blue Yeti microphone: logitechg.com/en-us/products/streaming-gear/yeti-premium-usb-microphone
Lamicall phone holder:lamicallshop.com/collections/shop-all
LG ultra-wide monitor: lg.com/us/business/ultrawide-monitors
Logitech ergonomic keyboard: logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards
Logitech MX Master mouse: logitech.com/en-us/products/mice/mx-master

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Carrd: carrd.co/
Descript: descript.com/
Formula: formulasoft.com/
LawPay: lawpay.com/
Stripe: stripe.com/
SuiteDash: suitedash.com/

Bonus Episode: Unleashing Tech at the 2024 ABA Tech Show a Cross Podcast Examination With Mathew Kerbis and Your Tech-Savvy Lawyer Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Bonus Episode: Unleashing Tech at the 2024 ABA Tech Show a Cross Podcast Examination With Mathew Kerbis and Your Tech-Savvy Lawyer

In this special edition of the Tech Savvy Lawyer Podcast, I am thrilled to host a dynamic conversation between Mathew Kerbis, the distinguished "Subscription Attorney" and a recent recipient of the James Keane Award. Together, we provide a comprehensive recap and insightful analysis of the groundbreaking innovations showcased at the ABA Tech Show 2024 in Chicago.

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[02:14] Tech Show Takeaways: AI in Legal Innovation

[07:27] Beyond Billable Hours: Alternative Fee Structures in the Legal Profession

[11:45] Ethical Landscape of AI in Legal Practice

[16:09] Future of Legal Tech

[29:16] Hardware and Software Upgrades for Podcasting: Tips and Tricks

[33:21] Portable Podcasting Setups: Tips and Tricks for On-Site Recordings

[39:29] AI in Legal Practice: Leveraging Tools Responsibly

[44:55] Enhancing Practice Efficiency and Accessibility

[48:49] Evolution of Legal Tech: User-Friendly Solutions for Solos and Small Firms

RESOURCES:

Connect with Mathew:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kerbisverse/
Website: lawsubscribed.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Blue Yeti microphone logitechg.com/en-us/products/streaming-gear/yeti-premium-usb-microphone
iD14: audient.com/products/audio-interfaces/id14
Shure MV7 microphone: shure.com/en-US/products/microphones
Snowball microphone:logitechg.com/en-us/products/streaming-gear/snowball-ice-usb-microphone

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Amazon Prime: amazon.com/amazonprime
Clio: clio.com/
Daylight: daylightlaw.com/
Descript: descript.com/
FileVine: filevine.com/
LexisNexis: lexisnexis.com/
Paxton: paxton-access.com/
PDF deck: pdfdeck.com/
Squadcast: squadcast.fm/
Universal Migrator:universalmigrator.com/
Westlaw: legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/westlaw
Zapier: zapier.com/

Episode 84: Using technology to grow a family law practice with Jason Rice of Dirigo-Divorce. Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Episode 84: Using technology to grow a family law practice with Jason Rice of Dirigo-Divorce.

Get ready to revolutionize your practice as Jason Rice from Dirigo-Divorce joins me to discuss how he uses technology to improve the services he provides to his clients. Jason is a Family Law attorney based in Maine and New England who has harnessed technology to manage his legal practice. He has a deep passion for family law, clearly fostered through his years of legal experience. Jason worked as a Staff Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Tampa, FL, where he assisted judges in various areas, including family law. Jason has also taught Family Law at a community college for nearly ten years and co-authored "Relocations: A Judge's Perspective" with the Honorable Judge Daniel Sleet.

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

What are three pieces of tech software hardware that solos and small firms might be surprised are not "big firms" only?

What three pieces of tech software and hardware make working with virtual remote services seamless?

What are the top three tips when communicating with clients through an LPM, text, or email?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:11] Jason's Mac-based Legal Practice

[11:00] Essential Tech for Solos and Small Firms

[21:07] Seamless Remote Work: Essential Tools for Virtual Collaboration

[31:14] How to Communicate Effectively with Clients: Texting and Email TipsTop of Form

[34:34] Connect with Jason

Resources:

Connect with Jason:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonmrice/
Website: dirigo-divorce.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

External monitors Apple XDR: apple.com/pro-display-xdr/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Backblaze: backblaze.com/
Calendly: calendly.com/
Clio: clio.com/
Daylite: marketcircle.com/legal/
Fastcase: fastcase.com/
Google Voice: voice.google.com/
HumbleFax: humblefax.com/
Kofax: knowledge.kofax.com/
Marketcircle: marketcircle.com/
Nuance Power PDF: shop.nuance.com/store/nuanceus
Posh Virtual Receptionist Service: posh.com/
Ruby Receptionists: ruby.com/

Episode #83: Mastering Legal Tech and Strategy with Filevine's Vice President of Strategic Partnerships with, Erik Bermudez! Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

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!

What are the top three ways attorneys should expect their client relations management/ law professional management platforms, like Filevine and Lead Docket, to seamlessly work with a third party?
What are the top three pain points lawyers have when adopting new technology, and what are the best ways to overcome them?
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/

#82, Revolutionizing Legal Review with Chris Ford, The Journey Behind Legalize AI. Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

Episode 81: Navigating The Future of Legal Tech with Filevine's Emily Lippincott. Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

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:

Audio-Technica AT2020PK Microphone: audio-technica.com/en-us/at2020pk
Dell Curved Monitor: dell.com/en-us/lp/curved-monitors
Logitech Litra Glow: logitech.com/en-us/products/lighting/litra-glow
Logitech Stream Cam: logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/streamcam
Macbook Pro with M1 Chip: support.apple.com/en-us
Rubber Tips for Apple Pencil: apple.com/shop/product
Scarlett Solo: us.focusrite.com/products/scarlett-solo

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

1Password For Chrome Extension: 1password.com/resources/guides/1password-for-google-chrome/
1Password: 1password.com/
Apple Pages: apple.com/pages/
Backblaze: backblaze.com/
Camelcamelcamel: camelcamelcamel.com/
Capital One app: capitalone.com
Filevine Immigration AI: filevine.com/platform/immigrationai/
Filevine: filevine.com/
GoodNotes goodnotes.com/
Google One: one.google.com/overview/
Mac Updater: corecode.io/macupdater/
MacOS Sonoma: apple.com/macos/sonoma/
Microsoft Outlook plugin: support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-add-ins-in-outlook
WordPerfect: wordperfect.com/en/
Zscaler: help.zscaler.com/

Episode 80: Where Are Lawyers And Law Students With Technology Today With Jonah Perlin Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

Jonah Perlin, an Associate Professor of Law at Georgetown Law and former litigator at Williams & Connolly LLP, brings his expertise to today's The Tech Savvy Lawyer podcast episode. With his background in civil litigation, he launched the How I Lawyer Podcast in January 2021, aiming to share insights from legal professionals to law students and lawyers alike.

Jonah and I discuss how technology reshapes legal education, practice, and ethics. We further explore the importance of legal tech skills for law students in navigating the evolving job market. Additionally, we examine the integration of AI in legal education and research, acknowledging its potential and challenges. The discussion also addresses lawyers' underutilization of legal research tools and ethical concerns in technology use within law firms. Finally, we touch on specific legal tech tools and offer podcasting strategies for legal professionals!

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

What are the top three tech skills all students should master by the time they graduate law?
What are the top three tech tools that attorneys are under-utilizing today?
What are the top three ethical mistakes attorneys are making with their technology?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:23] A Law Professor's Tech Setup

[14:00] Observations on Law Students' Transition from Pre to Post-COVID

[19:54] Equipping Law Students with Essential Tech Skills for the Modern Legal Landscape

[33:21] Three Tech Tools Lawyers Should Embrace Today

[38:00] Ethical Tech Pitfalls in Legal Practice: Critical Insights and Solutions

[44:19] How I Lawyer Podcast: Exploring Legal Careers and Insights Through Conversations

[46:16] Essential Tech Tools for Starting a Podcast

[54:07] Connect with Jonah

Resources:

Connect with Jonah:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonah-perlin

Podcast: howilawyer.com/

Substack: howilawyer.substack.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

Mac Mini: apple.com/mac-mini

MV7 - Podcast Microphone: shure.com/en-US/products

Tascam Headphones tascam.com/us/category/Headphones

Yeti microphone: logitechg.com/en-us/products

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Calendly: calendly.com

Descript: descript.com

Fastcase: fastcase.com

LexisNexis: lexisnexis.com

Trello: trello.com

Episode 79: Handling Medical Information on The Internet With Leah Bucholz Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

Our next guest is Leah Bucholz, the founder and leader of Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting. PVMC is a veteran-owned family company dedicated to serving those who have served. Specializing in Independent Medical Opinions, commonly known as "Nexus Letters," the firm delves into the intricacies of injuries and illnesses stemming from military service. Moreover, Leah is a U.S. Army veteran, medical expert, and former C & P examiner.

Join Leah and me as we discuss the significance of robust security measures and policy enforcement to ensure HIPAA compliance and protect patient privacy. She shares practical advice on maintaining documents electronically, managing passwords securely, and utilizing PDF readers for sensitive data handling. We also discuss legal tech tools for efficient document review and management. Overall, our discussion emphasizes the critical role of technology in safeguarding confidential information, complying with regulations, and enhancing productivity in professional settings.

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

1. What are the top three tips for maintaining HIPAA compliance of documents online electronically?

2. What are the top three tips for maintaining many documents online electronically?

3. What are the top three secret tips for using your favorite PDF reader?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:13] Building a Secure Remote Tech Ecosystem: Exploring Cloud-Based Tools, Compliance, and Backup Strategies

[12:48] Mastering HIPAA Compliance: Essential Tips for Maintaining Document Security Online

[26:17] Top Tips for Managing a Large Volume Online

[35:52] Unlocking PDF Reader Magic: Expert Tips for Efficiency and Effectiveness

[28:45] Connect with Leah

Resources:

Connect with Leah:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leahbucholz/

Website: prestigeveteranmctx.com/

YouTube: youtube.com/@prestigeveteranmedical

Email: mailto:leah@prestigeveteranmctx.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

1. Internet connection provided by AT&T: att.com/internet/fiber/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

1. Zoho: zoho.com/

2. Zoho Vault: zoho.com/vault/

3. JotForm: jotform.com/

4. Spanning: spanning.com/

5. Backupify: backupify.com/

6. Speedtest.net: speedtest.net/

7. Zapier: zapier.com/

#78: Tech Innovations in Legal Practice: Interview with Karen McDonald from Wise Owls Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

Karen McDonald is a seasoned office automation expert, assisting busy law firms, attorneys, and lawyers in streamlining the administrative aspects of their business operations. With over a decade of experience, Karen has been dedicated to supporting attorneys in implementing efficient systems to automate their legal practices. She is the founder & creator of Owlwise Legal Practice Management Software, which is tailored for legal professionals to streamline essential tasks such as legal trust accounting, time tracking, billing, and centralized management of matters and contacts. Moreover, designed to meet the needs of today's lawyers, this versatile cloud-based solution ensures your law firm remains agile and prepared for the future across multiple platforms.

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

What are the top three tech tools that attorneys underutilize besides CRMs in their law practice?
What are the top three things attorneys should look for in an online CRM?
What are the top three tech shortcuts lawyers still need to know at any level of experience?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:32] Tech Talk: Karen's Current Tech Setup

[08:46] The Top Three Tech Tools Lawyers Should Utilize More

[17:16] Backup Strategies: Ensuring Data Security in Business

[22:40] Key Considerations for Choosing an Online CRM: Flexibility, Dependability, and Support

[30:05] Tech Shortcuts Every Lawyer Should Master

[39:13] Uncommon Keystroke Hacks in Microsoft Word

[40:37] Connect with Karen

Resources:

Connect with Karen:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wisekarenmcdonald/

Website: wiseowllegal.com.au/