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

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

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

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

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:03] Michael's Current Tech Setup

[04:13] Legal Tech Tools and Client Communication

[07:04] Evolution of AI in Legal Practice

[09:50] Challenges and Opportunities with AI

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

[21:08] Connect with Carolyn

Connect with Carolyn:

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/carolynelefant/

Website: myshingle.com/

Resources:

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

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

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

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

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

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

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

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

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:11] Jayne's Current Tech Setup

[04:50] Handling Tech Devices and Daily Usage

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

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

[26:37] Civility in Online Interactions

[30:58] Connect with Jayne

Resources:

Connect with Jayne:

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

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

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

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

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

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

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

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

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

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:32] Michael's Current Tech Setup

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

[04:13] Filevine's Differentiation from Competitors

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

[18:27] Future Predictions for LPMs

[21:35] Connect with Michael

Resources:

Connect with Michael:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-anderson

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

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

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Filevine: filevine.com/
• Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/
• Zoom: https://zoom.us/

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

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

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

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

1. What are the top three tech building blocks that every attorney should know when starting with a new law practice management software suite?
2. What are the top three reasons a lawyer needs additional training on an LPM beyond what most LPMs offer?
3. What are your top three hidden tech tricks in Filevine that maybe not only you should know, but perhaps users of other LPMs as well?

In our conversation, we cover:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resources:

• Connect with Val Reason
• LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/reasonvalerie/
• Website - vineskills.com/

Equipment Mentioned in the Podcast

• Apple Pro Display XDR - apple.com/pro-display-xdr/
• Dell Monitors - dell.com/en-us/shop/all-monitors/sac/monitors/all-monitors
• Jabra Wireless Headsets & Headphones - jabra.com/en-apac/
• Pixel Phones - store.google.com/us/category/phones
• Samsung Monitors - samsung.com/us/monitors/

Software & Services Mentioned in the Podcast

• ClickUp Project Management - clickup.com/
• Filevine - filevine.com
• Needless Case Management Software - assemblysoftware.com/needles

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

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

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

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

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:17] Filevine 2024 Lex Summit Overview

[02:46] Innovation and Client Needs

[06:37] Handling Client Adjustment and Change Management

[11:41] Ensuring Continuity and Uptime

[16:06] Top Three Technological Advances for Lawyers

[20:38] Using AI in Legal Work

[24:08] Billable Hours and AI

Resources:

Connect with Zach, Dr. Cain, Emily:

• Dr. Cain: linkedin.com/in/cainelliott/
• Emily: linkedin.com/in/emilylippincott/
• Zach: linkedin.com/in/zach-brenner

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Filevine: filevine.com/
• Immigration AI: filevine.com/platform/immigrationai/
• Lex Summit: lexsummit.com
• LibreOffice: libreoffice.org/
• OpenOffice: www.openoffice.org
• WordPerfect: wordperfect.com

This week’s episode features Ruby Powers, a board-certified immigration attorney, author, speaker, small business owner, law practice management consultant, and podcaster. She is the founder of Powers Law Group, a Houston-based, full-service immigration law firm. She provides comprehensive services such as family immigration, employment-based immigration, consular processing, asylum, deportation, and waivers of inadmissibility. She joined us today from Salt Lake City, Utah just after the 2024 Lex Summit to talk about her current tech setup and share some suggestions for those transitioning to a new LPM.

In addition to her current tech setup and suggestions for new LPM transitions, she explains what security measures she’s taken while traveling internationally and also while border-crossing.

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

1. What are the top three pieces of tech, whether it be hardware or software, that you think every attorney should have to power up their practice?
2. You recently transitioned your LPM. What are your top three suggestions to lawyers when they're making this transition?
3. What are your top three pieces of tech, hardware, software or utility that a lawyer should expect from their LPM?

In our conversation, we cover:

[01.27] Tech Setup – Ruby’s current tech setup.

[04.30] Power up – Ruby’s best three tech pieces that every attorney should have.

[07.40] Security – Ruby explains how she maintains security while traveling internationally.

[08.43] Client data protection – Ruby explains how she secures client data when crossing the border.

[10.25] LPM Transition – Tuo three suggestions when transitioning to a new legal project management.

[15.00] The top three pieces of technology, hardware, software, or utilities that lawyers should expect from their legal project management software

Resources:

Connect with Ruby

• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rubypowers/
• Website -
  • powersstrategygroup.com/
  • rubypowers.com/
• Power Up Your Practice: Create the Law Firm and the Life You Deserve By Ruby Powers - amazon.com/Power-Up-Your-Practice-Deserve/dp/B0DJB1FL5R
• Power Up Your Practice Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ruby-powers2

Equipment Mentioned in the Podcast

• HP Computers - hp.com/us-en/shop/cat/laptops
• Jabra Headset - jabra.com/en-apac/
• Samsung Android - samsung.com/us/smartphones/
• Yeti Microphone - blueyetimicrophone.com/

Software & Services Mentioned in the Podcast

• ChatGPT - chatgpt.com/
• Dropbox - dropbox.com/
• f.lux - justgetflux.com/
• FileVine - filevine.com/
• Moment - momentcrm.com/

Andrea Sager, Founder and CEO of Legalpreneur, is revolutionizing legal services for small business owners and attorneys. With experience as a BigLaw attorney, small business owner, and small business attorney, Andrea combines her passion for empowerment with expertise, ranking 27th among 40,000 trademark attorneys in the U.S., driving accessible, innovative legal solutions.

Throughout our conversation, Andrea explains why lawyers should trademark their work. Also, she provides essential podcasting tech tips and discusses strategies to stay compliant with State Bar rules and avoid UPL.

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

1. What are the top three reasons a lawyer needs to trademark their business, blog, or podcast?
2. What are your top three tech tips (hardware and software) to make your podcast stand out?
3. What are your top three tips for ensuring a lawyer does not encroach on State Bar scrutiny with UPL (Unauthorized Practice of Law), etc.?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:08] Andrea's Current Tech Setup

[07:08] Top 3 Reasons Lawyers Should Trademark Their Business, Blog, or Podcast

[10:53] Tech Tips for Podcasting

[14:46] Ensuring Compliance with State Bar Rules

[19:53] Connect with Andrea

Resources:

Connect with Andrea:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrea-sager
• Website: andreasager.com/
• Website: thelegalpreneur.com/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• MyCase: mycase.com/
• Marketcircle Daylite: marketcircle.com/
• Riverside: riverside.fm/
• WooCommerce: woocommerce.com/