The Digital Edge
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The Digital Edge: Lawyers and Technology is a podcast hosted by Sharon Nelson, president of Sensei Enterprises, and Jim Calloway, Director of the Oklahoma Bar Association's Management Assistance Program. Each month, Nelson and Calloway invite noted legal technologists, authors, and lecturers to address a different topic related to lawyers and technology.
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Jan 26, 2021
ABA TECHSHOW 2021 Goes Virtual!
What will an online ABA TECHSHOW look like for attendees? Jim and Sharon welcome this year’s co-chairs, Allan Mackenzie and Roberta Tepper, to hear all about the reinvention of TECHSHOW 2021 in the virtual realm. With a 5-day schedule this year (March 8-12), attendees can look forward to having access to all sessions, a larger speaking faculty than ever before, and a variety of social and networking opportunities. Register now at: https://www.techshow.com/pricing/.
Allan Mackenzie is a veteran of the legal technology world and co-chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2021.
Roberta Tepper is the lawyer assistance programs director at the State Bar of Arizona and co-chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2021.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.
Dec 24, 2020
What’s on the Horizon for Law Firms in 2021?
It might be a risky time to predict the future, but Jim and Sharon have decided to give it a whirl! Based on shifts they’ve seen throughout the legal community during 2020, they offer their thoughts on what lawyers should keep in mind as the new year begins. With topics ranging from the movement away from physical office space to cloud-based lawyering to the rise of ransomware, and more, Jim and Sharon talk about which changes they think will stick and what impacts we may see throughout the profession.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.
Nov 23, 2020
‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2020
It’s time for Jim and Sharon’s favorite podcast of the year – Tech Toys for the Holidays! In keeping with tradition, The Digital Edge hosts offer up their favorite practical and not-so practical tech toys, this year with plenty of remote work and COVID-related gift ideas in the mix. Pick up some wishlist inspiration for yourself and your favorite lawyer-nerds – a handy UVC sterilizer, the latest LegalBoard Wireless, ideas for your home workspace, a portable bug zapper (wait, what?), and so much more! Happy Holidays!
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.
Oct 22, 2020
Arizona First State to Approve Non-Lawyer Ownership of Law Firms
In hopes of encouraging growth in their legal community in a variety of ways, Arizona has removed barriers preventing lawyers and non-lawyers from sharing fees. To learn more about what this change could mean for the profession as a whole, hosts Sharon and Jim talk with Arizona Vice Chief Justice Ann Timmer about the positive impacts they hope this new reform will bring. Along with hopes of helping law firms improve entrepreneurial success, the main driver behind this reform was to increase access to justice by encouraging creativity and innovation in legal service delivery.
Vice Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer has served on the Arizona Supreme Court since her appointment in 2012.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.
Sep 28, 2020
Supreme Court of Virginia’s Lawyers’ Wellness Initiative: A Rousing Success!
The Virginia Lawyers’ Wellness Initiative is bringing even more resources and educational opportunities to help attorneys prioritize wellbeing. Digital Edge hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome wellness coordinator Margaret Ogden to discuss the history and development of this new initiative and how attorneys can seek assistance, take advantage of CLE opportunities, find resources, and more.
Margaret Ogden is the wellness coordinator at the Supreme Court of Virginia.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.
Aug 27, 2020
COVID-19 is Brutal to Young Lawyers
Young lawyers have been experiencing more professional hardship than senior lawyers during the pandemic. With a hard-hit economy, a halt on many networking opportunities, and fewer new jobs available, the outlook is uncertain for recent graduates attempting to get their careers off the ground. Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson discuss these issues and more with young lawyer Graham Bryant. Graham outlines the unique stressors faced by young lawyers, shares coping strategies and resources, and offers his thoughts on what the profession will look like post-COVID.
Graham K. Bryant is a frequent writer and presenter on the technological, legal, and social trends affecting the legal profession in the twenty-first century.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.
Jul 23, 2020
Best Practices for Audio and Video Evidence: Avoid Mistakes in Court!
Attorneys have to be thorough in their preparations for court, but in David Notowitz’s experience, audio and video evidence is often inadequately presented. Digital Edge hosts Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson talk with David about common mistakes lawyers make and his recommendations for effective, polished audio/visual presentations.
David Notowitz is the founder and lead forensic expert at the National Center for Audio and Video Forensics.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.
Jun 25, 2020
A Legal Podcast About Legal Podcasting
Sharon and Jim have reached a major milestone—the 150th edition of the Digital Edge! For this special episode, they welcome fellow veteran podcasters Bob Ambrogi, Joe Patrice, and Tom Mighell to talk shop about the world of legal podcasting. They share favorite memories and horror stories and offer invaluable insights for aspiring podcasters.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications.
May 18, 2020
Professor Richard Susskind Discusses Online Courts
Until now, the legal profession has largely viewed technology as a thing that should be grafted onto the very traditional practice of law, but the onset of the pandemic has forced this opinion to change rapidly. Lawyers and judges who once eschewed the idea of online legal practice–and particularly online courts–are now working to find ways to innovate legal and court services to continue providing access to justice. In this edition of the Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Professor Richard Susskind to survey the new landscape of online courts and discuss changing views toward technology across the profession.
Professor Richard Susskind OBE is an author, speaker, and independent adviser to major professional firms and to national governments.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and Blackletter Podcast.
Apr 27, 2020
Risky Business: How Lawyers are Navigating Through COVID-19 and the Rocky Economy
The pandemic has caused rapid changes in the legal profession, and many lawyers are struggling to weather the storm. What can you do to bring your firm through this crisis? In this Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway survey the new landscape of legal and discuss what you can do to keep up with important transitions in the practice of law. They share tips for cybersecurity, video conferencing, obtaining financial assistance, and future pandemic planning.
Also, check out Jim’s recommendation: Brett Burney’s video on working remotely with kids at home.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and Blackletter Podcast.
Mar 24, 2020
Tech Toolbox: What’s Right for Your Practice?
Is your current technology setup really working for your law firm? And with new challenges to the practice of law during the coronavirus crisis, are you able to do remote work effectively? Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson talk with Richard Ferguson about the types of tools all lawyers should have at the ready in their tech tool boxes. They tap into Richard’s wealth of knowledge on practical tech solutions for law firms of all sizes.
Richard Ferguson practices law in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with the business law firm Lynass, Ferguson & Shoctor and is a current member of the ABA Techshow 2021 Planning Board.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and Blackletter Podcast.
Feb 28, 2020
The Best Lawyer You Can Be: A Guide to Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Wellness
Higher instances of depression, stress, substance abuse, and even divorce amongst legal professionals continues to call attention to the need for an increased focus on lawyer well-being. Digital Edge hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Stewart Levine about how his ABA-published book, “The Best Lawyer You Can Be: A Guide to Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Wellness,” helps lawyers engage with their own well-being in healthier ways.
Stewart Levine is the founder of ResolutionWorks, a consulting and training organization dedicated to providing skills and ways of thinking needed to build strong organizational cultures.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and ServeNow.
Jan 16, 2020
Law in the Age of the Consumer: It’s the Model That Matters
Today’s consumers want services faster than ever, and the traditional legal service delivery model is no longer appealing to many in need of legal help. Erin Levine saw the need for her family law clients to have access to a simple, DIY approach to divorce that would save time and money and thus her successful platform, Hello Divorce, was born. The Digital Edge hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Erin about how lawyers can develop their own sustainable approaches to online legal services that meet the demands of the changing legal market. Erin shares insights on establishing a brand, staying relevant to today’s legal consumers, and avoiding burnout.
Erin Levine is the founder and CEO of Hello Divorce.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio, Nexa, Scorpion, and ServeNow.
Dec 23, 2019
A Preview of ABA TECHSHOW 2020
ABA TECHSHOW 2020 is right around the corner! Digital Edge hosts Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson talk with the conference’s co-chairs, Heidi Alexander and Catherine Sanders Reach, about what attendees have to look forward to at the upcoming TECHSHOW. They delve into the variety of topics the conference will focus on: new takes on well-being, practice management, academia-focused content, and more! They also share info on the special events at this year’s conference and highlight their exciting keynote speaker, Mary O’Carroll of Google.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Nexa, Answer1, and Clio.
Nov 12, 2019
‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2019
It’s that time of year again! Get ready to make some quirky additions to your wishlist. Digital Edge hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway bring you their much-anticipated annual episode – Tech Toys for the Holidays! This year’s list includes another healthy variety of practical and not-so practical gift ideas, ranging from Rocketbooks to flash drives to your very own Death Star fire pit–just what you didn’t know you needed! Tune in for ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Nexa, Answer1, and Clio.
Oct 16, 2019
What Lawyers Need to Know to Succeed in the Marketplace
Success isn’t just about numbers! If you are operating under continuous stress with little meaningful connection to the work you do, it might be time to rethink your approach. In this edition of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway are joined by Katy Goshtasbi to explore some of the more intrinsic challenges lawyers face in the process of business development. Katy explains the importance of reducing stress and defining your values in order to create business goals that serve both your personal and professional needs.
Katy Goshtasbi is a change and branding expert and founder of Puris Consulting.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Nexa, Answer1, and Clio.
Sep 27, 2019
Cybersecurity Basics for the Solo and Small Firm Lawyer
In the cybersecurity world, ransomware and business email compromise are the two most commonly seen issues. Is your law firm safe from these attacks? If you’re not sure, tune in to learn cybersecurity basics from John Simek, vice president of Sensei Enterprises. Digital Edge hosts Jim and Sharon talk to John about the ways cyber attacks happen and the essential security practices needed to protect your law firm.
Check out That One Privacy Site, John’s recommended resource for unbiased VPN comparisons.
John Simek is vice president of Sensei Enterprises, Inc., an information technology, digital forensics and information security firm located in Fairfax, VA.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Nexa, Answer1, and Clio.
Aug 27, 2019
The ”Big Ideas” of Law Practice - and Emerging Practice Areas
Are you up on the latest from the ABA’s Law Practice magazine? In this edition of the Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway are joined by contributing features editor Lance Johnson to talk through recent articles in the magazine’s Big Ideas Issue. Lance shares the process the magazine goes through when choosing these “big ideas,” and gives an overview of its current focus on automation, AI, and emerging practice areas. They also discuss developing trends in the delivery of online legal services, current issues in the cannabis industry, and the quickly growing practice areas of privacy and data breach-related law.
Lance Johnson is an IP attorney and the principal of Johnson Legal PLLC in Fairfax, VA. He is also the contributing features editor of the ABA’s Law Practice magazine.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Nexa, Answer1, and Clio.
Jul 25, 2019
Building a Cutting Edge Virtual Law Firm
What does it look like to operate an entirely web-based law firm? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Brooke Moore about her expertise as a virtual practitioner. She explains the advantages of moving to this highly tech-driven method of practicing law, including greater efficiency, flexibility, and convenience in interactions with clients. Brooke also gives listeners a rundown of how her firm operates and addresses common concerns lawyers may have about starting their own virtual law firms.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Nexa, Answer1, and Clio.
Jun 27, 2019
Digital Detoxing for Lawyers
One estimate claims the number of lawyers with digital addiction could be as high as 40%, and lawyers’ need to constantly engage with technology makes it difficult to set boundaries. What can they do to unplug? In this edition of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Roberta Tepper about digital addiction in the legal profession and her tips for spending less time on mobile devices. Together, they discuss the signs and symptoms of addiction, caution against “text neck”, and talk about ways lawyers can mindfully put their phones down and reduce dependence, step-by-step.
Roberta Tepper has been the lawyer assistance programs director at the State Bar of Arizona since 2013.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
May 29, 2019
How Can Chatbots Help Your Law Firm?
Many lawyers are curious about chatbots but have little knowledge of how they can be applied in their legal practice. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Tom Martin about how chatbots are being put to work in the legal industry. Tom talks about his background as a lawyer and shares what spurred his interest in developing chatbots. They discuss how this technology frees up lawyers’ time and helps them connect with more clients. Tom also offers his advice for lawyers interested in getting into the legal tech space.
Tom Martin is CEO and founder of LawDroid Ltd.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Apr 26, 2019
Highlights of the Wolters Kluwer 2019 Future Ready Lawyer Survey
The legal industry is transforming—what does this mean for lawyers in the future? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Stacey Caywood and Dean Sonderegger to discuss the Wolters Kluwer 2019 Future Ready Lawyer Survey. They discuss the trends and findings of the survey, highlighting the things leading organizations were doing that boosted their future-readiness. The survey found that law firms that lead in leveraging technology outperformed others across all categories and were also more profitable. They talk about how trailing organizations in the survey can catch up, offering strategies and encouraging them to invest in technology to better prepare their firms for the future.
Stacey Caywood is the CEO of Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory, a leading provider of information, software and integrated workflow solutions for legal and business compliance professionals worldwide.
Dean Sonderegger is the VP and General Manager of Legal Markets…
Mar 27, 2019
Successful Digital Marketing Tips for the Solo and Small Firm Lawyer
If your law firm’s digital marketing plan isn’t working for you, consider changing your tactics! In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Gyi Tsakalakis about how to be successful in digital marketing for small and solo firms. They also advise lawyers to have ownership for all of their online content, caution against being overly self-promotional, and encourage lawyers to track and measure their marketing efforts to effectively evaluate success.
Gyi Tsakalakis is a former lawyer and the founder of AttorneySync, an online legal marketing agency, to help lawyers be where their clients are looking.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Feb 27, 2019
ABA 2018 Legal Technology Survey: Takeaways for Lawyers
How are lawyers budgeting for technology in their firms and where do they need to catch up on legal tech? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Sofia Lingos about the ABA 2018 Legal Technology Survey. The survey and its subsequent report gives lawyers current statistics on the state of technology implementation in law firms. They discuss how lawyers can use this information for ideas on what their firms need to do to stay level with emerging technology.
Sofia Lingos, Esq. is the founding and managing attorney of Trident Legal, a Boston based law firm that provides innovative transactional legal services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and start-ups in diverse industries throughout all stages of growth.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Jan 31, 2019
Using Gamification of Access to Justice to Train Artificial Intelligence
How can access to justice technologies be developed through a game? In this episode of Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to David Colarusso about the Learned Hands project. Learned Hands is a game in which lawyers spot possible legal issues in real people’s stories about their problems. This machine learning game identifies text classifiers for developing a new taxonomy that can be used to connect people with public legal help resources.
Play the Learned Hands game at https://learnedhands.law.stanford.edu.
David Colarusso is the Director of Suffolk University Law School's Legal Innovation and Technology Lab.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Dec 20, 2018
A Preview of ABA TECHSHOW 2019
ABA TECHSHOW is right around the corner! In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway give a preview of ABA TECHSHOW 2019 with guests Lincoln Mead and John Simek, co-chairs of the conference board. They share how the conference stays current on tech for lawyers and give tips on how to best prepare for attending the show. There will be some new elements for attendees this year, including a new app for the conference, greater cooperation with educators for the academic track, and more focus on involving young lawyers and law students.
Lincoln Mead is the project manager for Canon Discovery Services and co-chair of the 2019 ABA TECHSHOW board.
John Simek is the Vice President of Sensei Enterprises and co-chair of the 2019 ABA TECHSHOW board.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Nov 16, 2018
'Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2018
Get ready to geek out over this wishlist of tech toys for the holidays! In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway share their complete list of picks for the best new technology -- some serious and some just plain fun. From a PhoneSoap sanitizer to a Marvel Thor’s Hammer tool set, there’s something for everyone on your list!
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Oct 31, 2018
The Insurance Industry Studies the Future of Law Practice
In regards to the future of law practice, the role of malpractice carriers is a unique one. On this edition of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway join Chris Newbold, the executive vice president of ALPS Malpractice Insurance, to discuss the role of malpractice carriers and how the risk assessment process can be an interesting way to look at the changes in law practice and the future of the profession.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Sep 26, 2018
The Wizardry of Law Librarians
The job of a librarian involves a lot more than books. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Marlene Gebauer and Greg Lambert about the skills of law librarians and the roles they play in different areas of the law. They discuss the different facets of being a law librarian and how they can help with analytics, risk management, and streamlining processes.
Marlene Gebauer is the director of knowledge solutions at Greenberg Traurig.
Greg Lambert is the chief knowledge services officer at Jackson Walker and is the president of American Association of Law Libraries.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Aug 29, 2018
The Cloudy Ethics of Cloud Computing
No lawyer should assume their firm's technology is secure. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Lucian Pera about the ethics of lawyers using the cloud and how they can use it with confidence. They break down the different cloud providers, the dangers that can potentially crop up when using the cloud, and the importance of having a technology mentor that lawyers can turn to with questions whenever they need it.
Lucian T. Pera joined Adams and Reese in 2006 and focuses his practice on commercial litigation, media law, and legal ethics work.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Jul 31, 2018
Addressing Lawyer Mental Wellness at the Virginia Bar
Is practicing law bad for your mental health? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Len Heath about lawyer mental wellness and why it’s an issue worthy of attention in today’s legal industry. They discuss what both the ABA and Virginia Bar Association are doing to address lawyer wellness and, as the president of the Virginia Bar, what wellness goals Len hopes to achieve while in office.
Len Heath is a partner in the firm of Heath, Overbey, Verser & Old and currently serves as the president of the Virginia State Bar.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Jun 26, 2018
The Data-Driven Ethics Initiative
The Data-Driven Ethics Initiative is a research project that aims to use legal services data to modernize legal rules for professional conduct. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Erin Gerstenzang about the initiative and the current landscape of ethics reform including lawyer regulations. Additionally, Erin delves into the challenges of ethics reform and how design-thinking can help.
Erin Gerstenzang is a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. She primarily handles DUI and other drug and alcohol related offenses.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
May 29, 2018
The Case for Collaboration
Collaboration is becoming increasingly important within the legal field especially with emerging technology that makes it easier than ever. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell, authors of The Lawyer’s Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies: Smart Ways to Work Together, about collaboration, why it’s necessary for lawyers, and the tools attorneys need to make their teamwork efficient. They also discuss what has been driving lawyers more and more towards collaboration techniques and how collaboration can assist with case management.
Tom Mighell is a published author, noted legal technologist, and runs his own blog, Inter Alia. He is currently senior consultant for Contoural, Inc.
Dennis Kennedy is an award-winning leader in applying the internet and technology to law practice.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Apr 16, 2018
The Lean Law Firm
Lean is a business methodology that’s used by Nike, Toyota, and even John Deere, but what does being a lean organization look like for law firms? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Larry Port and Dave Maxfield, authors of The Lean Law Firm, about what running a lean law firm looks like and the first steps to adopting lean techniques. They also address common misperceptions about the methodology and share some key takeaways of the book, such as seeing your law firm as a system and having the bravery to experiment.
Larry Port, CEO of Rocket Matter, is also a speaker and award winning writer at the crossroads of the legal profession and cutting edge technology.
For over 20 years, Dave Maxfield has represented individual consumers in cases against banks, credit reporting agencies, debt collectors, and insurance companies.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Mar 14, 2018
The ABA Journal: Legal Journalism in the Digital Age
Print may seem like it’s going out of style but the ABA Journal is still going strong. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Molly McDonough about news stories lawyers want to read and how the ABA Journal has adapted to changes in media consumption. They also discuss the ABA Journal’s role as the primary source of legal technology information for attorneys.
Molly McDonough, joined the ABA Journal staff in 2001 and has been editor and publisher since Feb. 3, 2017.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Feb 13, 2018
Expanding Access to Justice through Online Dispute Resolution
Not all legal disputes require the input of a lawyer. Some don’t even need the input of a human. Online dispute resolution (ODR), or the use of technology to solve basic disputes, is considered by some to be an access to justice solution. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Colin Rule how ODR works and how it has the potential to fill access to justice needs. They also discuss where ODR originally came from, the difference between between ODR and alternative dispute resolution, and how mobile access will expand the use of this technology.
Colin Rule is vice president for online dispute resolution at Tyler Technologies. Tyler acquired Modria.com, an ODR provider Colin co-founded, in 2017.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Jan 19, 2018
Preview of ABA TECHSHOW 2018
ABA TECHSHOW 2018 is just around the corner and, for those of you who can barely contain your excitement, here’s a sneak preview of what this year’s conference will look like. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to ABA TECHSHOW 2018 co-chairs Debbie Foster and Tom Mighell about this year’s conference. They discuss what’s new at TECHSHOW, advice for new attendees, and some of the most beloved extracurricular activities, like Taste of TECHSHOW and morning yoga sessions.
Tom Mighell has been at the front lines of technology development since joining Cowles & Thompson, P.C. in 1990. He is also the co-chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2018.
Debbie Foster is the managing partner of Affinity Consulting Group’s Tampa Bay office. She is also the co-chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2018.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Dec 21, 2017
When the Bell Tolls for Thee: Disaster Planning and Recovery for Law Firms
While months have passed, the impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria can still be felt by the businesses affected. For law firms, these intense storms have brought to the forefront thoughts about preparedness and how to react in situations like this. In this episode of The Digital Edge, host Jim Calloway talks to Tom Bolt, whose firm was hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria, about how lawyers can prepare for natural disasters. Their discussion includes what technology he used and needed, the importance of having a disaster recovery and business continuity policy in place, and what types of problems his firm has dealt with in the aftermath.
BoltNagi Firm founder and managing attorney, Tom Bolt, focuses his practice in government relations, banking, real estate, real estate finance, and estate planning.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Dec 4, 2017
‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2017
If you’re looking for the latest and greatest technology to spoil your most beloved tech-nerds this holiday season, look no further than the annual tech toys edition of The Digital Edge. This year, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk about a wide range of products, from doorbells to submarines, to help you brainstorm gift ideas for everyone on your list.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Product Mentioned:
Bluesmart laptop bag: the world’s first smart bag
BioLite SolarPanel 5+: portable solar charger
Legalboard: A keyboard designed for lawyers
Joby GripTight One GorillaPod Stand: flexible tripod and phone holder
The Levi's Commuter Trucker Jacket with Jacquard by Google: smart jacket
Gatekeeper 2.5 Wireless Bluetooth PC Lock: computer key
LG Gram Laptops: a series of lightweight laptops
Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II: noise canceling headphones
Microsoft Surface Book 2: a laptop/tablet
SketchPro 3D Pen: 3D dr…
Oct 17, 2017
The Apple Product Cheat Sheet for Lawyers
68-73% of lawyers use iPhones and those aren’t the only Apple products pervading the legal industry. The use of iPads for law has also become more and more common. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Brett Burney about the latest Apple products and how they can serve lawyers. From face ID to the benefits of iOS 11, they share which Apple tools will save lawyers time and effort in their business. They also discuss the top apps that attorneys who use Apple products should download. Check out links to those apps below.
Brett Burney is Principal of Burney Consultants LLC and is active in the Mac-using lawyer community, working with lawyers who want to integrate Macs, iPhones, and iPads into their practice.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Sep 12, 2017
How Augmented Intelligence and Cognitive Computing Serves the Legal Profession
Because they are unfamiliar with the technology, many lawyers are nervous about the growing popularity of artificial and augmented intelligence. However, others are welcoming the changes this technology will bring to the practice of law. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Brian Kuhn, global co-leader for the IBM Watson legal practice, about why lawyers should be interested in cognitive computing (or augmented intelligence) and how legal professionals are currently using IBM Watson and other AI technologies. They also discuss blockchain and how it works together with AI.
Brian Kuhn serves as the global co-leader for the IBM Watson legal practice driving global strategy and execution across clients, legal markets, and internal groups.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Aug 10, 2017
Teaching the Technology of Law Practice to Law Students
Introducing technology to legal education could be the key to inspiring innovation in the legal industry. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Darin Fox about how he sees technology functioning in legal education. They discuss the program Darin oversees at the University of Oklahoma, how the recession affected the use of legal technology, and potential future uses of courtroom technology.
Darin Fox is an associate dean at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He oversees the law library, information technology, and the school’s law practice technology training program, called the Digital Initiative Project.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Jul 10, 2017
Evernote for Lawyers: Manage Your Research, Marketing, and Process
As a lawyer, managing research, marketing, and even organizing your thoughts can potentially result in chaos. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Heidi Alexander about Evernote and how it can help lawyers stay organized. They discuss what Evernote is, what sets it apart from other note-taking programs, and examples of how lawyers are currently using it in their own practices.
Heidi Alexander, is the director of the Massachusetts Law Office Management Assistance Program (MassLOMAP).
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Jun 12, 2017
Low Bono Legal Services: Working to Provide Access to Justice
It’s no secret that access to justice is a significant issue within the legal industry, but when did lawyers first recognize the problem and how are they working to solve it? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway discuss low bono legal services with Shantelle Argyle, executive director of Open Legal Services. Their discussion includes the unintended consequences of the access to justice movement, the biggest barriers to innovation in legal services, and the role of Open Legal Services as a legal aid organization. They also discuss what’s different about today’s legal services consumers and how they affect access to justice.
Shantelle Argyle is co-founder and executive director of Open Legal Services, a sliding scale legal aid organization.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
May 8, 2017
Is Law Really A Buyer's Market? And If So, Now What?
The legal industry has operated as a seller’s market for so long that some lawyers don’t know how to handle the recent trend towards accommodating clients. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Jordan Furlong about what has driven the shift to a consumer-focused market, the new players that are breaking onto the scene as a result, and how law firms, both big and small, should react to the changes. Their conversation also includes three ways to respond to these market forces as well as how client services, competition, and culture should affect potential business strategies.
Jordan Furlong is a speaker, author, and legal market analyst who forecasts the impact of changing market conditions on lawyers and law firms.
Apr 14, 2017
Defining Artificial Intelligence as a Legal Tool
A number of lawyers are nervous about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing their jobs in the near future, but most don’t understand AI. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Mark Tamminga who defines artificial intelligence and what its growing popularity means for lawyers. Their discussion includes the big players in the AI industry, the future of technology, and what Mark would say to lawyers concerned that robots will take their jobs. They also talk about the College of Law Practice Management’s Futures Conference 2017, for which Mark and Sharon are co-chairs. This year’s focus will be artificial intelligence and its role in the legal industry.
Mark Tamminga is a senior partner at Gowling WLG, a platform from which to nudge his firm in the direction of rethinking how legal services and products are delivered.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Mar 31, 2017
Running with the Machines: Artificial Intelligence in the Practice of Law
You don’t actually need to worry about a robot taking your job. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson talk to Andrew Arruda, CEO of ROSS Intelligence, about how artificial intelligence assists lawyers, not replaces them. Their conversation includes what ROSS is, the biggest misconceptions surrounding AI, and the biggest challenges facing legal technology adoption in larger firms.
Andrew Arruda is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the artificial intelligence company ROSS Intelligence, a leader in the legal technology industry.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, Answer1, and Clio.
Feb 9, 2017
The Importance of Legal Writing
Does quality writing really make you a better lawyer? On this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway discuss legal writing with Gary Kinder, founder of the editing program WordRake. Together, they explore lawyers’ biggest writing errors, why this is important in the courtroom, and how writing well can help build a positive reputation for a firm. In their conclusion of the episode, they shift the focus to WordRake itself, expanding on what it is, the cost, and why it’s effective. They even include a treat especially for Digital Edge listeners.
Gary Kinder founded the software company WordRake in 2012. The company’s eponymous software is an automated editing program that suggests changes to improve brevity and clarity.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, and Answer1.
Jan 12, 2017
Will Alternative Business Structures in U.K. Law Firms Cross the Pond?
While 600 alternative business structure (ABS) licenses have been granted in the U.K., American law firms hesitate to pick up the strategy. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to David Beech, CEO of Knights, a professional services firm with a successful ABS. In his discussion he expands on common fears associated with ABS, how community makes ABS thrive, and why ignoring ABS is a mistake. He finishes the interview by touching on his own business, which started out as a law firm, and what makes it a successful ABS.
David Beech is the CEO of the professional services firm Knights in the U.K. David has led the business, originally a law firm, since 2011. His vision for Knights is to become the leading regional professional services business in the U.K.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, Scorpion, and Answer1.
Dec 7, 2016
Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2016
Struggling to find the perfect gadget for that tech savvy attorney in your life? Perhaps you’re trying to figure out exactly what to get a very special lawyer who seemingly has everything? In this edition of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway share all of their top tech toys and gifting goodies to help you spice up the law firm this holiday season.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, Scorpion, and Answer1.
Products Mentioned:
Family Hub Refrigerator: A smart refrigerator
IBM Model M Keyboard: Mechanical Keyboard
Thermo Thermometer: Smart thermometer
NES Classic Edition: Nintendo’s mini iconic console.
Self-Installing Car Seat: A car seat that installs itself
Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Powerful multi-purpose tablet
Nanoleaf Aurora: A modular LED panel lighting system
Samsung Galaxy X7 and X7 Edge: Smart phone
Petcube Play and Petcube Camera: Pet monitor and pet selfie device
Prepara iPrep Foldable/Adjutsable E-reader: E-reader and adju…
Nov 23, 2016
Trust Accounting for Lawyers
Starting, or running, a law firm requires legal know how and business acumen. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Oregon State Bar Professional Liability Fund Practice Management Advisor Sheila Blackford about her advice for attorneys seeking to better manage their client trust accounts.
Sheila Blackford is an attorney and practice management advisor for the Oregon State Bar Professional Liability Fund. She helps lawyers learn to set up and manage their client trust accounts and authored “Trust Accounting for Lawyers in One Hour.”
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.
Oct 21, 2016
Analysis of the ABA Report on the Future of Legal Services
Many lawyers are familiar with the varied services and resources that the American Bar Association provides to their members around the country. In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Vandenack Williams LLC. founder Mary Vandenack about the American Bar Association Future of Legal Services commission, the data found in that study, and how those findings can help lawyers improve and prepare for the future of law.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.
Sep 19, 2016
Attaining Law Firm Diversity
As the demographics that make up our society continue to shift, the question of diversity in the legal profession continues to grow in prominence. How would an increase in diversity benefit law firms and what can attorneys do to promote that change within the profession? In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with KM Advisors, LLC Managing Director John Mitchell about the difference between diversity and inclusion, diversity fatigue, and factors within the industry that might hinder the advancement of diverse lawyers.
John “The Purple Coach” Mitchell is managing director of KM Advisors, LLC in Chicago. He spends his days supporting and advising leaders of law firms and legal departments as they navigate a constantly changing marketplace.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow, CloudMask, and Scorpion.
Aug 31, 2016
Metadata Management and Daily Best Practices
In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with PayneGroup CEO Donna Payne about ways attorneys can better handle their metadata. Donna reminisces about starting her company in 1998, the client experience that inspired the creation of her Metadata Assistant software, and The Wall Street Journal’s front page article mention that resulted in 150,000 downloads. She analyzes how metadata has changed since she started and provides a list of things, such as track changes and hidden text, that lawyers should be on the lookout for. She states that one of the best things you can do if you can’t afford a third party assistant program is to know what is in the document and use any free options available in your preferred office software suite. Donna closes the interview with an explanation of what exchangeable image file format data is, her checklist of the most common metadata mistakes that lawyers make, and some daily best practices that lawyers can imple…
Aug 3, 2016
Tips for Managing Technology from a Chief Information Officer
In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway speak with Legal Technology Consultant Andrew Adkins about his time as chief information officer for the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. Andy reflects on his 23 years as a technology consultant and gives a brief breakdown of the variables that led to his move to West Virginia and employment with Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. The firm was large and successful when he arrived but, as he recalls, the information technology infrastructure was understaffed and mostly focused on day-to-day problem solving. This lack of needed staff was one of his biggest challenges as he began to expand the law firm’s IT capabilities and integrate new software to help the attorneys improve the services they provided. Andy talks about the process of building relationships among his teammates, learning their strengths and weaknesses, and the challenges he had convincing management of the necessity of continued employee training. He warns…
Jun 24, 2016
The Benefits and Challenges of Implementing a Firm-Wide Strategic Plan
As the legal marketplace becomes more globalized, many lawyers are venturing out and starting their own law firms. However, many attorneys also establish law firms without creating a company-wide strategic business plan to help guide future growth and company development. How do attorneys create a strategic business plan for their firm and what are the best ways to implement that plan?
In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with The Remsen Group President John Remsen, Jr. about the benefits of creating a firm-wide business plan. John expresses how important it is for law firm leadership to recognize that they are running a business and states that it is difficult to run a successful business without a plan of where you are going. He shares that his research results show that only 40% of midsize firms report that they have a written strategic plan and less than 5% give themselves a positive score on implementing that plan well. Gordon also reveal…
May 20, 2016
What Lawyers Should Know About Cloud Computing Security Standards
The large volume of data that many law firms handle makes utilizing cloud computing services a very enticing prospect. What ethical standards should lawyers expect these companies to abide by? What should lawyers look for in a cloud computing provider?
In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway speak with Clio founder and CEO Jack Newton and Rocket Matter founder and CEO Larry Port about cloud computing and the new cloud security standards for legal professionals released by the Legal Cloud Computing Association. Larry explains what the LCCA is and how it formed out of a need to educate lawyers about what is happening in the cloud. Jack provides some insight into the creation of the security standards, such as terms of service privacy policies and encryption, and states that with these standards as a baseline lawyers will be able to more easily assess if a cloud computing provider is adhering to certain ethical standards. Larry also lists a few factors l…
May 4, 2016
How Technology Has, and Will, Impact the Practice of Law
Over the past 100 years technology has made enormous leaps toward improving the ease of everyday living for the average citizen. This progress has also been reflected in the legal profession as tech becomes more integrated into the working lives of lawyers. However, in what ways has technology improved the profession and how can technological advancements aid us in the future?
In this special centennial episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway sit down with ABA President-Elect Linda Klein to reflect on how technology has improved the practice of law throughout their careers. The hosts open by taking some time to reflect on the last 100 episodes of the podcast and Linda shares her memory of having the Digital Edge be the very first podcast she ever listened to. She then muses over being introduced to technology early in her career and how tech started to influence and improve the way she practiced law. Within these reflections, Linda provides some insight into…
Apr 1, 2016
The Law is Not Copyrightable: Fastcase Sues Casemaker
Recently, the legal publishing company Fastcase received a takedown notice from the parent company of another publishing company, Casemaker, claiming they had exclusive rights to distribute, for commercial use, the Georgia Administrative Rules and Regulations. Fastcase CEO Ed Walters was surprised by this demand, because public law is not copyrightable. As a response, Ed decided to initiate litigation with Casemaker for the rights to the regulations and also to set a countrywide precedent. But why did Casemaker think they had exclusive rights to these Georgia laws in the first place?
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Ed Walters about the case, why he thinks keeping public law in the public domain is so important, and the history of law citations, annotations, and publication.
Topics include:
* The verbiage in Casemaker’s takedown notice to Fastcase
* Contracts with the Secretary of State of Georgia and other states
* The importance…
Mar 10, 2016
The Lawyer’s Duty of Technology Competence
In 2009, the American Bar Association created the Commission on Ethics 20/20 to examine in depth how changes in technology affect the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. The commission made many recommendations and, most notably, the ABA modified Rule 1.1 regarding lawyer competence. In the new version, Rule 1.1 Comment 8 reads “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...” But what does it really mean to be competent in technology as a lawyer?
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Jim Calloway interviews lawyer and legal technology blogger/podcaster Bob Ambrogi about the lawyer’s duty of technology competence, how it applies to discovery and confidentiality, and how technology can really benefit lawyers too.
Topics include:
* Tech duty: regulatory burden versus the reality of practicing law today
* State bars that have adopted…
Jan 27, 2016
ABA TECHSHOW 2016: An Interview with Chair Steve Best
30 years ago, the legal community began to see the value in the intersection between technology and the law. Lawyers are now using new software and tech devices more than ever in their practices and the courtroom, making the ABA TECHSHOW’s 30th anniversary valuable to anyone working in the legal field. So what’s going on this year?
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Steve Best, chair of ABA TECHSHOW’s Planning Board, about the popular technology topics that will be covered at the conference in March, why lawyers and other law firm staff should care about tech trends, and how Steve personally became so intricately involved.
Topics include:
* Steve’s career transition from a practicing lawyer to a legal technology consultant
* Why lawyers should care about security, mobility, and the cloud
* Regulation violations and security breaches
* Learning helpful info from the exhibit hall
* The planning board: IT professionals, in-ho…
Jan 19, 2016
The Future of the Professions: An Interview with Richard and Daniel Susskind
“The question is not can a machine exhibit empathy or judgement but instead for what problems are empathy, judgement, or creativity the solution?” -Richard Susskind
After years of writing and thinking about the future of the legal profession, Richard Susskind began to run into legal professionals whose careers are being affected by technology. In addition to lawyers, those in the medical, architecture, financial, and other fields have begun to notice a shift in the provision of professional services. Richard got together with his son, Daniel Susskind, at the time working in justice policy, education policy, and health policy for the British Prime Minister, to examine how technology is increasingly playing a fundamental role in how all service-based professions work. They recently published a book on the subject called “The Future of the Professions.”
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Richard and Daniel Susskind about their new book…
Jan 4, 2016
What’s Hot in Cybersecurity for Law Firms
With the data breaches and ransomware that has plagued law firms (and other companies) of all sizes recently, clients and firm managers alike are seeking more advanced data security. Certifications like the ISO 27001 provide guidelines and standards for how to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information your firm holds. But what does implementing the high level of cybersecurity mean practically, how much will it cost, and what if a solo or small law firm can’t afford it?
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview John Simek about the International Standards Organization (ISO) 27001 certification, The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) small business standards, and other news concerning law firm cybersecurity.
Topics include:
* Updates, guidelines, and costs of getting the ISO 27001 certification
* NISTIR 7621 Revision 1: absolutely necessary, highly recommended, and advanced cybersecurity act…
Dec 17, 2015
The Internet's Role in Client Development
How do people find lawyers these days? Although many attorneys believe they are discovered through a Google or Bing search, legal service consumers are actually still taking recommendations from people they know and trust. But technology has added a multitude of new ways that people perform research and journey to find lawyers. Potential clients will likely search for the lawyer or law firm’s website, Yelp or Avvo reviews, social media, and blogs before picking up the phone. So what should we, as lawyers, do to improve our online presence for more effective client development?
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Gyi Tsakalakis, founder of the online legal marketing agency Attorney Sync, about the internet’s role in client development, the mistakes most lawyers make, and the “magic” of online legal marketing strategies.
Topics include:
* The role of Google, Facebook, and Avvo in vetting legal service providers.
* Providing valuabl…
Nov 11, 2015
‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2015
And we’re back with another year of gift ideas for the tech savvy lawyer. Whether you are looking for a Star Wars drone for… ahem… your children, a computer or printer that you can fit in your pocket, or a whiskey glass to bring to Mars, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway have the inside tip. Tune in to this episode of The Digital Edge for another year of tech toys for your friends, your family, or yourself.
Special thanks to our sponsor, ServeNow.
Products Mentioned:
The New Apple TV: More memory, new interface, search with Siri, and since our fingers are tired of clicking, now with swipe!
The Surface Pro 4: Lighter than ever (1.69lbs) and 9 hours of battery
Intel Compute Stick: A fully functioning computer in a small stick
Microsoft Surface Book: High performance laptop
Polaroid Zip Mobile Printer: Instant photo printer that fits in your pocket
.law: A domain only available to qualified lawyers
FurniQi Wireless Charging Bamboo Side Table: Bamboo side table with two chargin…
Oct 12, 2015
Windows 10: What Lawyers Need to Know
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview technologist and Microsoft expert Ben Schorr about the price, benefits, and downfalls of Windows 10 and what lawyers specifically need to know.
Topics Include:
* What happened to Windows 9
* The start menu and live tiles on desktops without touch screens
* Microsoft Edge versus Internet Explorer
* The quality of Cortana
* Rumors of peer-to-peer networks and bandwidth use
* New and existing hardware and software compatibility
* Whether lawyers should download the operating system and when
* How much Windows 10 costs?
Sep 10, 2015
Results-Oriented Financial Management for Lawyers
Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview John Iezzi, author of “Results-Oriented Financial Management: A Step-by-Step Guide to Law Firm Profitability,” which is a book about compensation issues in small and mid-sized firms, what successful financial management looks like, and changes small firm lawyers need to make.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow and CloudMask.
Aug 27, 2015
How to Attract Clients in the Digital Era
Legal marketing has changed dramatically in the past 20 years as we have reached “the digital era.” Some lawyers have embraced this new world of social media marketing, engaging website content, and cloud-based computing. But those who have not, particularly solo and small firm lawyers, are missing out on an opportunity for increased client base, client satisfaction, and competition with big law firms.
Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Sona Pancholy, a business development director, about the ways in which the digital age impacts law firm marketing, what mistakes lawyers should avoid making, where busy professionals should start, and some dos and don’ts of social media.
Special thanks to our sponsors, ServeNow and CloudMask.
Jul 27, 2015
How Lawyers Can Do More in Less Time
Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Allison Shields, co-author of “How to Do More in Less Time: The Complete Guide to Improving Your Productivity and Increasing Your Bottom Line.” Allison discusses why she wrote the book, productivity mistakes lawyers often make, and specific suggestions she has for increasing time efficiency.
Jun 10, 2015
The ABA Commission on the Future of Legal Services
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Judy Perry Martinez, chair of the ABA Presidential Commission on the Future of Legal Services. Martinez discusses specific actions the commission is taking to find solutions, including grassroots meetings across the country, a national summit, public hearings, and lawyer education. She explains how discussions with lawyers, judges, technology innovators, law students, academics, and law librarians bring awareness to issues in the changing legal landscape and encourages solution ideas. These changes present challenges and opportunities for lawyers today, but those who do not jump on board will likely be left behind.
May 12, 2015
Website Wizardry: The Right SEO for Your Law Firm
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview attorney and marketing consultant Jennifer Ellis about what SEO is, why it is so complicated and expensive, and steps lawyers and law firms can take to start marketing online. Fundamentally, she explains, SEO means optimizing your law firm’s website so that people searching for your services in your area will find you on the results page. For example, if you own a family law firm in Phoenix, you want people who are searching in Google or Bing for “How do I find a divorce lawyer in Phoenix?” to find your law firm in the results. Due to complicated Google, Bing, and Yahoo algorithms and factors like mobile-friendliness, valuable content, and anti-spam rules, Ellis estimates that high-quality SEO should cost from $3,000 to $10,000 a month. If you are a solo or small firm with a limited marketing budget, she gives several other online marketing suggestions including running Pay Per Click campaigns or boosti…
Apr 21, 2015
Why the iPad is the Best Tablet for Litigators
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview The Kennedy-Mighell Report host Tom Mighell, lawyer and author of “iPad in One Hour for Litigators,” about why the iPad is the best tablet for litigators and how to best use the tools and applications available on the iPad. Mighell makes many suggestions about which apps are most useful for litigation, including apps for note taking, case intake, document transfer, discovery, legal research, and trial presentation. In addition, he recommends accessories for data input (handwriting or keyboard) and data output (evidence presentations or a printer). Most importantly, he emphasizes, lawyers should never assume they know how to use an app just because they downloaded it. Make sure you practice using every application before you enter the courtroom. Special thanks to our sponsor, ServeNow.
Mar 10, 2015
Speech Recognition and Dictation Solutions for Today’s Lawyer
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview law firm consultant Britt Lorish about today’s speech recognition and dictation solutions, added benefits of current dictation software, common misconceptions about Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and the best microphones and apps to consider. Lorish explains that most lawyers who use dictation have embraced digital recording and filing, but many lawyers are still wary of using speech recognition softwares due to previous bad experiences. She talks about using softwares from dictation vendors like Philips, BigHand, and Winscribe in the cloud, and how Dragon is lagging in cloud-based usability. Additionally, Lorish discusses custom commands, a system of automating commonly-used commands like adding a signature block, opening a document template, or inserting standard client/attorney language. These speech solutions, Lorish says, can greatly help lawyers with disabilities, those who type slowly, and can even help y…
Feb 17, 2015
The Ethical Misadventures of Luddite Lawyers
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview lawyer and legal technology blogger Sam Glover about when technology became an issue for attorneys, how they can get in trouble due to ignorance, and what all attorneys need to know about hackers, cloud services, and the resulting ethical duties. First, Glover explains that lawyers are getting into trouble in the courtroom by not knowing about how technologies like Twitter work, therefore losing cases that could be easily won. Concerning cyber security, he discusses the many reasons lawyers cannot simply outsource technology knowledge. Gloverhas been writing about technology, law practice management, marketing, and other legal information on Lawyerist since he started it in 2007.
Jan 7, 2015
ABA TECHSHOW 2015: Don’t Miss It!
The ABA TECHSHOW is an annual legal technology conference in Chicago, sponsored by the Law Practice Division of the ABA. The goal of the conference is to educate lawyers, legal professionals, and law firm employees on using technology in their practice. The 2015 conference will be held April 16th through the 18th, and will feature many new and recurring educational topics that are trending in legal technology. Want to find out if this conference will benefit your practice?
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview the Chair of the ABA TECHSHOW Board, Brett Burney, about the 2015 conference, what attendees can expect, and why attendance is useful to almost anyone working in the legal field. The people who should attend, Burney says, are solo and small firm lawyers, government lawyers, members of corporate legal departments, and big firm lawyers. Additionally, law firm employees such as paralegals, legal assistants, CIOs, IT professionals, law firm ad…
Dec 11, 2014
Microsoft Surface Pro 3: The Tablet That Really Can Replace a Laptop
The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 has been released and, according to these lawyers, it finally lives up to the standards of a laptop. It is lighter and more mobile than even the lightest laptop, which makes it better for travel. However, this tablet can download the software and applications that many lawyers use in business like Acrobat, Photoshop, Microsoft Office, while also supporting multiple users. The Digital Edge host Sharon Nelson purchased a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 recently and has put it through the test of whether this tablet can actually replace the laptop she uses for her business.
In this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway invite Nelson's business partner, husband, and technology expert John Simek on to analyze the statistics of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and assess for whom it can replace a laptop computer. The beneficial features of the tablet include:
*
Bluetooth
*
USB Port
*
Solid State Hard Disk
*
Wireless Connectivity
*
H…
Nov 19, 2014
Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2014
Are you a lawyer who always has the newest tech products and apps? Do you already have a drone even though most people think they are only in sci fi movies? Are you looking for a holiday gift for your tech junkie spouse?
In this edition of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway present their favorite tech toys for the holidays. Nelson and Calloway have each picked out their choice of new electronics for themselves or loved ones. These new gadgets range in practicality from the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 to a bacon scented alarm clock and they range in price from a $20 Bluetooth Shower Speakerphone/Radio to a glass yacht that you can't afford if you care how much it costs. Other products include a tablet, an Apple integrated flash drive, a cheap drone, noise-cancelling headphones, a flux capacitor USB port for your car, rhumbas for your grill and driveway, and even a Yeti cup. Tune in for inspiration and awe on the direction technology is heading. Who knows, you might hear about…
Oct 21, 2014
Lawyers Love New Apple Products: iPhone 6, Apple Pay, and Apple Watch
There are many exciting new Apple products available now or launching in the near future. Many lawyers love to use Apple products in their practice and personal lives and are often eager to learn about the newest change in the technology or services. The iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and iOS 8 were released in September 2014, Apple Pay launches in October 2014, and the Apple Watch is set to be released in the spring of 2015. If attorneys want to know about what's new, there is one lawyer who is an expert on all Apple products: Jeff Richardson.
On this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview attorney and iPhone J.D. blog writer Jeff Richardson about the new Apple products and services, what he recommends for lawyers, and predictions for the future of technology. Richardson starts by describing the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, differences from previous iPhones, and size and storage recommendations for lawyers using a smartphone in their practice. He gives some su…
Sep 29, 2014
Microsoft Office 365 for Lawyers is Here!
Lawyers now have the option to purchase Microsoft Office 365 for their small, medium, or big law firms. Microsoft Office 365 is a collection of products and services that can be purchased individually or in bundles known as stockkeeping units (SKUs). The products available include Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Lync, Yammer, Office Suite 2013, and Matter Center. These provide everything from document management, email and contacts, voice and text communication, to a corporate social network. How might these services benefit a law firm and what questions should lawyers be asking?
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and John Simek interview Microsoft expert and technologist Ben Schorr about the Office 365 services and products as they pertain to use in a law firm. Schorr answers some of the often asked questions concerning the difference between Office 365 and Office Suite 2013, cloud based information storage, collaboration and sharing, and the way t…
Sep 4, 2014
The Future of Wearable Technology for Lawyers
Wearable technology like the smartwatch is the next in a long line of new technological advancements that are embraced by some, but viewed skeptically by most lawyers. Judges already discourage smart phones in court and many clients worry about a decrease in information security. But if used properly, a smartwatch can actually increase the productivity, availability, and even safety of any lawyer's practice with fewer disruptions. What are the best practices for using wearable technology to benefit your practice?
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview legal technology expert Richard Georges about wearable technology, how smartwatches enhances his ability to be productive, and what lawyers need to consider when adopting this new technology. Having a smartwatch, Georges explains, actually decreases court disruptions and car distractions while making him accessible to clients at all times. Most of the issues concerning data security are due to human…
Jul 14, 2014
When Lawyers Get Divorced: Ethically Breaking up a Law Firm
When a law firm breaks up or a lawyer leaves to start a new practice, there are always clients, contingency arrangements, and hourly cases to split up. It is important to know what ethical steps a lawyer or law firm should take when parting ways. If the firm splits up, who has the rights to the name, brand, clients, or even client files? How can both parties ethically allocate unfinished business, accounts receivable, or unsettled contingency prearrangements? An ethical and professional split is inevitably beneficial for the future of the law firm and the lawyer.
On this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon D. Nelson and Jim Calloway ask legal ethics expert Tom Spahn about the proper way to professionally deal with the various situations that arise when a law firm splits up. He explains that lawyers and their firms should remain civil and open to negotiation before the lawyer has left. Firms have run into trouble while trying to penalize leaving employees on an individual basis. He dis…
Jun 20, 2014
Tips and Tricks for Lawyers Using PowerPoint in Trial Presentations
Many attorneys now use PowerPoint in trial to preview, highlight, and sum up the evidence for their arguments and organize their presentations. Effective PowerPoints garner the attention of court personnel and jury members and enhance their overall presentation. However, ineffective PowerPoints can be confusing, difficult to read, or distract the audience from the presentation's overall objective. Attorney and legal technology consultant Paul Unger argues that only with the proper skills and learning can a lawyer create an informative and engaging PowerPoint presentation that will be a useful tool in the courtroom.
In this episode of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Unger about the best practices in using PowerPoint in the courtroom. Unger emphasizes simplicity, professionalism, and making PowerPoint a tool that reinforces the content rather than providing it. According to research Unger has done, audiences who are distracted by bullet points and excess text…
May 14, 2014
The Best of Legal Tech for Solos and Small Firms 2014
There are a multitude of technology options to help run small firms and solo practices, but deciding on which ones can be a daunting endeavor. Mac vs. PC, practice management systems, and encryption of client data are among numerous issues attorneys must resolve. On this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview John Simek from Sensei Enterprises. Together, they discuss modern innovations that make running firms easier and keep client data safe. Tune in to learn more about meta data, benefits of paperless, and John's favorite software tools.
John Simek is the vice president of Sensei Enterprises, a digital forensics, information technology and information security firm located in Fairfax, Virginia. He is a co-author of The 2014 Solo and Small Firm Legal Technology Guide: Critical Decisions Made Simple, published by the American Bar Association along with many other books on technology, security and electronic evidence. John is a testifying expert and…
Apr 3, 2014
Headlines from ABA TECHSHOW 2014
Breaking all of its previous attendance records, ABA TECHSHOW 2014 will certainly go down as one of the most successful. True-to-form, many of the attendees were from small firms and solo practices. With the introduction of How-To sessions, lawyers will be getting more out of ABA TECHSHOW for many years to come. On this episode of the Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview this year's ABA TECHSHOW Chair Natalie Kelly. Together, they cover the highlights of the 2014 show plus take a look into the future Planning Board. This year's hottest topics: the re-emergence of paperless, the Cloud, and iOS. Tune in to hear about the Solutions Lab, Exhibits, and much, much more.
Natalie Kelly is the Chair of this year's ABA TECHSHOW. She is the Director of the State Bar of Georgia's Law Practice Management Program where she provides extensive practice management and technology consulting to members of the Georgia Bar. Kelly is a Certified Consultant and Trainer for AbacusLaw,…
Mar 17, 2014
Ethical Perils of Social Media for Lawyers and Judges
Of the 46% of judges using social media, 80% are on Facebook and over 30% are on LinkedIn, but activity on social media presents a number of ethical dilemmas for judges, attorneys, jurors, and litigants. In a recent case in Georgia, a judge stepped down after being scrutinized for sending a friend request to a litigant on his upcoming trial calendar and later releasing her on a personal recognizance bond. Similar activities from other judges and attorneys have resulted in violations of both the Code of Professional Conduct and the Code of Judicial Conduct, from unauthorized practice of law across state lines and breaching attorney-client privilege to posting inappropriate comments and sending friend requests to litigants and related attorneys. These ethical perils extend to jurors, who must be reminded of their own limitations in social media use with regard to pending trials. On this episode of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Judge Herbert B. Dixon, Jr…
Feb 21, 2014
Lawyer Scams and How to Avoid Them
In this edition of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway discuss check fraud with expert Dan Pinnington. Together, they reveal how lawyers are repeatedly falling into the trap of check fraudsters and what can be done to avoid it. Tune in for tips on how to spot a check fraudster in your practice or law firm.
Pinnington is the Vice President of Claims Prevention and Stakeholder Relations at Lawyers' Professional Indemnity Company (LAWPRO). He is a prolific writer, speaker, and blogger on topics including practice management, risk management, and legal technology. He is also a contributor to AvoidAClaim.com which is blog by LAWPRO that, among many things, helps attorneys prevent malpractice claims.
Jan 23, 2014
Acrobat Tips and Tricks for Lawyers
In this edition of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway invite Ernie Svenson, commonly known as "Ernie the Attorney," to discuss his recently published ABA book Acrobat in One Hour for Lawyers and unveil all the abilities, outside of just viewing, that PDFs offer. Topics include the benefits of the professional version versus the standard version, specific features for lawyers such as bookmarking, Bates stamping, redaction, quick tips, and more.
Svenson started his career at mid-sized New Orleans law firm where he learned how to do more with less, and at less cost. This made an easy transition to a solo firm where he continued working on the same kinds of commercial litigation cases he handled at his former firm. He then started PaperlessChase.com to help share what he learned from using technology in his law practice.
Dec 20, 2013
Time Management for Lawyers
Meg Spencer Dixon pulled three consecutive all-nighters before she began pursuing time management as a career. Now, she is a consultant in task management for legal professionals. In this edition of The Digital Edge hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway invite Dixon to discuss her top tips for legal professionals looking to master project management, how to stop procrastinating, and more.
Founder of Spencer Consulting, Dixon has been working as a time-management consultant for more than a decade. Her company focuses on providing seminars on time management, project management, stress management, and how to run effective meetings for law firms, CLE providers, government agencies, and corporate law departments.
Nov 15, 2013
Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2013
In this edition of The Digital Edge, Sharon Nelson, Esq. and Jim Calloway present their annual Tech Toys for the Holidays episode. Your hosts each present the top electronics on their wish lists and shopping lists for the gift-giving season. Tune in for inspiration and an update on the newest, coolest gadgets like smartphone spy lenses, doorbells connected via wifi, portable chargers powered by hydrogen and oxygen, and more.
Oct 18, 2013
Technology Audits for Your Firm – By Your Clients
On this edition of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon Nelson, Esq. and Jim Calloway invite lawyer, friend, and co-presenter Andy Perlman of Suffolk Law School to discuss the new technology audits for lawyers. Kasey D. Flaherty of corporate counsel for Kia Motors developed a technology audit to measure how efficiently lawyers are using technology and determine how much time (and clients' money) they could be saving. Suffolk University is partnering with Flaherty to enhance and automate the audit. Tune in to hear more about the audit, the partnership with Suffolk, how to get involved, and more.
Andy Perlman is a Suffolk Law School professor and the director of the University's Institute of Law Practice Technology Innovation. Perlman was the co-chief reporter for the ABA Commission of Ethics 20/20, which successfully implemented changes to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct and related ABA policies to address ethical issues from globalization and technological developments. He also con…
Sep 26, 2013
11th Edition: Outlook 2007 with Ben Schorr
Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Ben Schorr, author of the newly released book,"The Lawyer's Guide to Microsoft Outlook 2007.
Sep 26, 2013
10th Edition: The ABC's of SEO
Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway share their expertise on the subject of Search Engine Optimization.
Sep 26, 2013
9th Edition: Adobe Acrobat
A discussion on using Adobe Acrobat, featuring David Masters.
Sep 26, 2013
8th Edition: ABA TECHSHOW 2008 - Preview Edition
Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway explain how ABA TECHSHOW is so much more than just a legal technology conference.
Sep 26, 2013
7th Edition: The Legal Technology Year in Review
Jim Calloway and Sharron Nelson review some of the most notable technology software products of 2007.
Sep 26, 2013
6th Edition: Tech Toys for the Holidays
Looking for the perfect tech gadget for a colleague or yourself? Sharon and Jim share a few of their favorite things for the holidays.
Sep 26, 2013
5th Edition: Ethics in the Electronic Era: Staying Out of the Briar Patch
Technology can make an attorney's repetitive tasks much easier, but it can also make their lives a lot more complicated. With all the advances in technology it is easy for lawyers to accidentally commit malpractice at the speed of light. In this month's edition of "The Digital Edge: Lawyers and Technology" you'll learn ways to avoid the ethical briar patch.
Sep 26, 2013
4th Edition: Better than Batman's Belt: Our Favorite Utilities
Holy downloadable data directors! In this edition of "The Digital Edge: Lawyers and Technology" Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson discuss their favorite software utilities.
Sep 26, 2013
3rd Edition: Courthouse Technology: Lawyers Go Hollywood
Jim and Sharon discuss courtroom technology and how to be your own Steven Spielberg at trial, storyboarding your case and showcasing technology. They go through the use of various kinds of technology explaining their uses and dangers and recounting stories from real-life trials.
Sep 26, 2013
2nd Edition: Electronic Marketing: Harnessing the Web's Whizbang
How do you help clients find their way to your doorstep? Use the Internet's whizbang! This podcast contains many tips and strategies, including website development and search engine optimization, the purchase of keywords on search engines, directory listings (free and paid), electronic newsletters, blogs, podcasts, and much more.