The Digital Edge

INTRODUCING: For the Innocent Season 3 | Amanda Knox, JJ Velasquez, and More

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 20:31:00 -0000

Hosted by Michael Semanchik, For the Innocent exposes the shocking reality of wrongful convictions through raw, first-person stories from the exonerated. Season 3 returns September 9th featuring powerful accounts from Amanda Knox, JJ Velasquez, Bruce Lisker— three exonerees whose names have become synonymous with injustice— and more.

Through their voices, uncover how the justice system failed them, what it took to win back their freedom, and the lifelong impact of being branded guilty while innocent. Plus, hear legal and criminal experts break down the systemic flaws from false confessions and eyewitness misidentifications to flawed forensic science and corrupt police officers. This season uncovers the truth behind America’s most haunting wrongful convictions. Season One and Two are now available.

Subscribe to the show on ⁠⁠⁠Legal Talk Network⁠⁠.

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INTRODUCING: Leading the Bar

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 20:45:00 -0000

Bar presidents share strategies, tools and insights for attorneys growing into leadership roles. Learn from real stories of growth, crisis management, and innovation in NCBP’s Leading the Bar podcast. Listen monthly for compelling stories the next generation of lawyer-leaders can use to develop skills, confidence, and vision to lead with purpose and integrity.

Subscribe to the show on Legal Talk Network

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‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2023

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0000

We know you’ve been anxiously awaiting this episode, and it’s Sharon and Jim’s favorite podcast of the year — Tech Toys for the Holidays! Tune in for their specially crafted wishlist for all the technology enthusiasts in your life.

This edition of The Digital Edge will be Sharon and Jim’s final podcast. We are so thankful for their many years of camaraderie, great conversations, and help in keeping us up with the latest in legal tech. Goodbye and happy trails to our dear friends. We wish you the best in years to come!

2023 Tech Toys:

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ABA TECHSHOW 2024 – A Preview from the Co-Chairs

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:00:00 -0000

TECHSHOW will be here before we know it, and there’s no time like the present to get your tickets! To get an idea of what attendees can expect, Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson talk with co-chairs Cynthia Thomas and Sofia Lingos about the 2024 conference theme and special events. TECHSHOW is for anyone and everyone in the world of legal—lawyers, students, judges, paralegals, tech innovators, and more! To learn more and reserve your spot, go to: https://www.techshow.com.

Cynthia Thomas is the proprietor of PLMC & Associates, a consultancy firm specializing in law firm management.

Sofia Lingos is the founding and managing attorney of Trident Legal, a Boston based law firm that provides innovative transactional legal services

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What Generative AI Means for the Law Firm Business Model

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Is AI finally going to be the undeniable and absolute conqueror of the billable hour? Though many have called for its demise for years, the billable hour still has a substantial foothold in much of the industry, but AI might just change all that. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Jordan Furlong about how AI promises to change not just billing, but law firm business practices across the board. Jordan explains AI’s potential to spur a variety of new innovations in legal practice and what lawyers should do to stay abreast of new developments.

Jordan Furlong is an internationally renowned legal sector analyst, author, speaker, and consultant deeply invested in a better future for the legal profession and the society it serves.

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Sharing Files With Clients: Security and File Management

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Lawyers are often confused about the best and safest ways to share files with clients. Are standalone file sharing tools best? Should every lawyer have a client portal? Is email okay? Sharon Nelson and John Simek have an in-depth conversation with Roberta Tepper about everything you need to know about ethical, secure file sharing solutions.

Roberta Tepper is the Chief Member Services Officer at the State Bar of Arizona.

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Microsoft’s Copilot: New AI Tools for Microsoft 365!

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Copilot is your upcoming digital assistant in pretty much all the Microsoft applications you use day-to-day. So, what do you need to know about utilizing this technology in your legal practice? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Ben Schorr to discuss the many lawyer-specific Copilot possibilities, from meeting notes, to case summaries, email drafts, and more. They also discuss its current reliability, a privacy overview, and Ben’s top tips for getting the most out of Copilot in your Microsoft apps.

Ben M. Schorr is a senior content designer at Microsoft.

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Generative AI and Copyright: Collision is Inevitable

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Copyright law is buzzing with the rising possibilities of AI-related legal matters. Is this a major concern in our current era of blossoming AI technologies? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Vedia Jones-Richardson to get her expert opinion on a variety of legal questions arising from the “creative expressions” of generative AI. They review the current landscape of AI’s copyright connections, get explanations on what is and isn’t protected, and discuss notable cases that have explored the infringement and copyright implications of AI-created materials.

Vedia Jones-Richardson is a Principal with Olive and Olive, PA, where she leads the trademark and copyright practice group.

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Lawyers Are Hopping Aboard the AI Train – and It’s Gathering Speed

Thu, 25 May 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Lately, AI developments have been top of mind for just about everybody—lawyers included. And with AI’s potential to solve all kinds of workflow problems and majorly improve access to justice, the excitement around it does have real merit. However, concerns about accuracy, security, and the current lack of regulation are just as pressing as the excitement surrounding the AI bandwagon. To address all these issues and more, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome John Simek to unpack the latest AI trends and their implications for lawyers.

John W. Simek is vice president of the digital forensics, managed information technology and cybersecurity firm Sensei Enterprises.

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The AI Revolution in Law Practice: A Conversation with Attorney Greg Siskind

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Pain points in your legal practice might just be easily solved with a little automation. Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson chat with Greg Siskind about his firm’s leading-edge relationship with AI and automation technologies. Greg’s simple, straightforward insights help listeners understand the ethics of AI use in law and how to leverage it to improve your firm’s workflows and client experiences.

Greg Siskind is a founder of Siskind Susser, a national immigration firm based in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Legal Service Productization for Lawyers

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Turning a legal service into a product has already been proven to be both profitable for lawyers and a huge help in increasing access to justice. So, how do you join this new wave and productize your services? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Dorna Moini about strategies for creating a legal product for your target market, pricing recommendations for today’s clients, and future outlooks as legal products change the way we deliver services in the profession.

Dorna Moini is the CEO and founder of Gavel, a no-code platform for building document automation and client-facing legal products.

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An Interview with ChatGPT on the Future of Law Practice

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Is ChatGPT ready to pass the bar? Maybe not quite, but it’s learning rapidly and might just become a tool lawyers use on a daily basis in the future. Sharon and Jim are joined by Julie Bays to find out ChatGPT’s current capabilities in answering questions about legal practice and the law. Listen in to find out what ChatGPT has to say about access to justice, legal ethics, growing your law firm, and more.

Julie A. Bays is the practice management advisor of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

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The Ten Most Popular Office 365 Tips For Lawyers

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Office 365 is so very helpful in so many ways, but most of us are really underutilizing its capabilities. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway chat with Danielle DavisRoe about ten simple tips for getting more out of your Office 365 experience. Check out Danielle’s LinkedIn post, The Ten Most Popular Office 365 Tips For Lawyers, for insights that will save you time and boost your productivity.

Danielle DavisRoe is a senior consultant at Affinity Consulting Group.

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ABA TECHSHOW 2023: An Interview with Co-Chairs Jeannine Lambert and Gyi Tsakalakis

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

TECHSHOW 2023 is right around the corner! Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway chat with co-chairs Jeannine Lambert and Gyi Tsakalakis about the offerings at the upcoming conference. This year, the conference will be an entirely in-person event, so don’t miss the return of Taste of TECHSHOW, crowd favorite Start-Up Alley, the new Visionaries of Legal Tech panel discussion, and much more. Find out more and register (and snag the early bird discount before January 18th!) at: techshow.com.

Jeannine Lambert is the executive director of Centers & Programming at Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law.

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.

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‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2022

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Your favorite nerdy-lawyer wishlist is back yet again! Tune in for Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson’s top picks for the gift-giving season. Happy Holidays!

Tech Toys 2022:

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Disaster Planning: It’s Not Just for Hurricanes

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 11:01:00 -0000

Shawn Holahan knows how disasters can affect your practice first hand. Experiencing the effects of Hurricane Katrina, she learned that when a disaster happens, confusion reigns, but having a disaster plan in place can help your law firm survive. Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson get Shawn Holahan’s top tips for disaster planning in legal practice. Shawn emphasizes the importance of keeping your plan simple and explains “No Tech” Binders and the pre-disaster steps all lawyers should take.

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Law Firms Stunned by Cyber Insurance Premiums, Security Requirements, and Exclusions

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:01:00 -0000

In August, Lloyds of London announced that beginning in 2023 all of its insurer groups will exclude “catastrophic” state-backed attacks from their cyber insurance policies. And, unfortunately, this is just one of many on a growing list of potential exclusions for insurers worldwide, even though premium prices have continued to climb. So, is cybersecurity still worth it? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with John Simek about the elements driving these shifts and what you need to know to make the best choices for your law firm.

John W. Simek is vice president of the digital forensics, managed information technology and cybersecurity firm Sensei Enterprises.

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Your Law Firm Cookbook: How and Why

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 10:59:00 -0000

Why does your law firm need documented standard operating procedures? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway find out with guest Catherine Sanders Reach. Catherine outlines the common problems that arise when operating procedures are lacking and explains how to create a ‘law firm cookbook’—plus, which tools will help—to cultivate dynamic efficiency in your firm.

Learn more from Catherine’s recommended articles:

Your Firm Cookbook: Why and How - North Carolina Bar Association (ncbar.org)

Unseen Risks And The Great Reshuffling - North Carolina Bar Association (ncbar.org)

What You Need to Know About Project Management - North Carolina Bar Association (ncbar.org)

Catherine Sanders Reach is director at the Center for Practice Management at the North Carolina Bar Association, providing practice technology and management assistance to lawyers and legal professionals.

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What’s New in Law Practice Management Software?

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 10:59:00 -0000

Many law practice management software vendors have been working to provide one-stop shop platforms that meet all the basic needs of a law firm, thereby streamlining processes formerly served by multiple vendors. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway discuss all the latest trends and happenings (including the Affinipay’s MyCase acquisition) with industry expert Niki Black. She talks through processes for choosing software for your law firm and explains how to find the functionality that will best meet your needs.

Niki Black is an attorney and the Legal Technology Evangelist at MyCase.

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Professor Kenton Brice on Training the Next Generation of Lawyers and the Future of Legal Tech

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 10:59:00 -0000

Today’s law students grew up side by side with technology and typically view it as an integral part of their lives and futures as lawyers. As such, today’s law schools are working to support students through more robust legal technology training and development. Digital Edge hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Kenton Brice about his involvement with the Digital Initiative at the University of Oklahoma College of Law to get a sense of how technology is being leveraged in a tech-forward school. They also discuss how the Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) and legal ops are using technology to increase access to justice, and Kenton shares his thoughts on what tech trends point to new possibilities for the future of law.

Kenton Brice is the director of technology innovation at the University of Oklahoma College of Law and directs the OU Law Center for Technology & Innovation in Practice and the College’s Digital Initiative.

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Cyber Insurance for Law Firms: Skyrocketing Prices and Less Coverage

Thu, 26 May 2022 10:59:00 -0000

If you’ve struggled to afford cyber insurance, you’re not alone. In the past year, prices rose by 30 to 40 percent, and some law firms, especially solos and smalls, were forced to cancel or downgrade coverage in the wake of sudden price hikes. Additionally, inadequate cybersecurity in a firm may lead to a denial of coverage altogether. So, what’s going on? Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Judy Selby to get a handle on the rapid changes in the cyber insurance industry and what firms should do to maintain coverage in this difficult market.

Judy Selby is a partner at Kennedys and a member of their global cyber team. She primarily serves as cyber coverage and monitoring counsel to insurers.

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How to Build a Successful Solo Law Practice

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 10:59:00 -0000

When starting your own law firm, you don’t know what you don’t know! Thankfully, those who have gone before have plenty of tips for avoiding common mistakes. One such lawyer, Mark Bassingthwaighte, joins Sharon and Jim to share insights from The ALPS Guide to Getting Started Solo. Drawing from his own experience, Mark lays out the key steps new solos should follow to establish a successful practice.

Mark Bassingthwaighte, Esq. has been a Risk Manager with ALPS, the nation’s largest direct writer of lawyers’ malpractice insurance, since 1998.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

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What Do Women Lawyers Really Want from Their Law Firms?

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Is there potential for a mass exodus of women from the legal profession? Multiple studies have shown that the pandemic was harder on women, with increased home responsibilities falling disproportionately upon them and often leading to a continued need to work remotely, even after their law firms reopened. These shifts have had major impacts on gender parity in workplaces. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome Roberta Tepper to discuss these issues of inequality and what law firms should do to support women in the profession.

Roberta Tepper is the Chief Member Services Officer at the State Bar of Arizona.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

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ABA TECHSHOW 2022: An Interview with Co-Chairs Brooke Moore and Ivan Hemmans

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 13:00:00 -0000

TECHSHOW is coming up March 2-5 in Chicago! Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway welcome this year’s co-chairs Brooke Moore and Ivan Hemmans to learn more about the in-person and virtual offerings for conference-goers. Visit techshow.com to register!

Brooke Moore is the legal editor for Legal Templates LLC and founding attorney of MyVirtual.Lawyer, an online, limited scope representation law firm model.

Ivan Hemmans is a senior manager of technical development at O'Melveny & Myers LLP and has extensive experience with information technology.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

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Remote Litigation Tips: A View From the Bench with Judge John Tran

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0000

The pandemic forced the use of virtual technology into the courts, but there is still plenty of room for growth. Though there has certainly been some struggle throughout the transition, the profession as a whole is already seeing many benefits from new remote-based procedures. Judge John Tran joins Jim and Sharon to talk about the advancement of courtroom tech and his top tips for lawyers involved in virtual proceedings.

Judge John Tran is a circuit court judge in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

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The Future of Digital Court Reporting

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Digital court reporting has been invaluable throughout the pandemic, and new tech in this area continues to help court proceedings run more smoothly. Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway chat with Tony Sirna about how AI can work hand-in-hand with digital reporters, how these tech and human elements aid in both in-person and virtual proceedings, and what has changed as a result of pandemic-era changes in the courts.

Tony Sirna is the legal strategist and customer success manager at Verbit.ai.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

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‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2021

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 13:00:00 -0000

Tech Toys are back! Jim and Sharon ring in the holidays with an abundance of gift recommendations for the tech-lovers in your life. Tune in for their curated list of practical and not-so-practical wishlist picks. Happy Holidays!

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

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A Conversation with LawPay’s CEO – and Introducing ClientCredit

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Payment platforms can be a lifesaver for law firms big and small. Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson get to know Dru Armstrong, recently appointed CEO of LawPay, and talk with her about how payment platforms help lawyers get paid faster, improve client relationships, manage trusts, and much more. They also discuss LawPay’s upcoming offering, ClientCredit, and how it will allow attorneys the opportunity to provide more payment options for their clients.

Dru Armstrong is the CEO of LawPay.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Alert Communications, Blackletter Podcast, Scorpion, and Smokeball.

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New Horizons for the ABA Journal

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Judge Herbert Dixon, newly elected chair of the ABA Journal Board of Editors, joins Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway to discuss the publication’s plans for the future. They take a look at the longstanding importance of the ABA Journal and its efforts to reach the profession as a whole, and Judge Dixon gives a few sneak peeks at what may be coming during his time as chair.

Judge Herbert B. Dixon, Jr., is a senior judge with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

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The Rise of Re-Regulation in the Legal Industry

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 15:00:00 -0000

New developments surrounding re-regulation in the legal industry have left some lawyers uncertain about what these changes mean for the future of the profession. Digital Edge hosts Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson bring on legal analyst Jordan Furlong to hash out trends in legal re-regulation, dispel myths, and explain the underlying intent behind it all. They discuss the re-regulation’s goals of protecting public interest and providing meaningful, affordable access to justice and offer wisdom for lawyers on how to best navigate future changes in legal regulatory structures.

For more of Jordan Furlong’s thoughts on this subject, see his post The legal regulation revolution and other content on his Law21 blog at https://www.law21.ca/blog/.

Jordan Furlong is principal at Law21 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is an internationally renowned legal sector analyst, author, speaker, and consultant deeply invested in a better future for the legal profession and the society it serves.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

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Overcoming Trust Account Management Challenges

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Managing IOLTA accounts is challenging for both new and established law firms, so what can they do to make sure all their ducks are in a row? Sharon and Jim welcome Paul Garibian of Nota to talk through common mistakes lawyers make, the serious consequences of mismanaging these accounts, and the best practices lawyers need to know.

Paul Garibian is a fintech expert, entrepreneur, and current CEO of Nota.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

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The Southern Poverty Law Center: A View From the Inside

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:28:00 -0000

Natalie Kelly shares insights on the important work of the Southern Poverty Law Center and her role in modernizing its legal operations. Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

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10 Features of Microsoft 365 That Lawyers Love

Thu, 27 May 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Ben Schorr digs into 10 features of Microsoft 365 that lawyers find particularly well-suited to the unique needs of legal practice. Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

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Managing Your Law Firm Through Change

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Mary Vandenack shares how her firm navigated pandemic-era changes and her tips for shifting your business model to accommodate the needs of your clients. Special thanks to our sponsors, Scorpion, Blackletter Podcast, Alert Communications and Nota.

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Clio’s 2021 Legal Trends for Solo Law Firms

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Jack Newton shares insights on Clio’s first solo-focused trends report and offers tips for how to stay competitive in the midst of pandemic-era changes in solo practice.

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How to Win Clients Online for Free!

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0000

Nothing in life is free… or is it? Gyi Tsakalakis shares no-cost methods for improving your online presence to gain more clients.

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ABA TECHSHOW 2021 Goes Virtual!

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 18:47:59 -0000

ABA TECHSHOW co-chairs Allan Mackenzie and Roberta Tepper offer a sneak peek at the content and events coming to this year’s fully online conference.

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What’s on the Horizon for Law Firms in 2021?

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0000

Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson give their take on which of the many pandemic-related changes will most likely impact the future of the legal profession.

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‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2020

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Tech Toys are back! Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson share their favorite wishlist picks for the 2020 holiday season.

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Arizona First State to Approve Non-Lawyer Ownership of Law Firms

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:51:39 -0000

Arizona Vice Chief Justice Ann Timmer gives an overview of the state’s reforms allowing lawyers and non-lawyers to share fees.

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Supreme Court of Virginia’s Lawyers’ Wellness Initiative: A Rousing Success!

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0000

Margaret Ogden, wellness coordinator at the Supreme Court of Virginia, shares insights into new initiatives focused on attorney mental health and wellbeing.

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COVID-19 is Brutal to Young Lawyers

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 15:00:00 -0000

Young lawyer Graham Bryant shares the struggles of his demographic as they cope with the hardships of the pandemic.

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Best Practices for Audio and Video Evidence: Avoid Mistakes in Court!

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 16:32:44 -0000

A/V forensics expert David Notowitz discusses strategies for enhancing your presentations of audio and video evidence in court.

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A Legal Podcast About Legal Podcasting

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -0000

Bob Ambrogi, Joe Patrice, and Tom Mighell join Sharon and Jim to discuss their experiences in the world of legal podcasting.

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Professor Richard Susskind Discusses Online Courts

Mon, 18 May 2020 18:44:25 -0000

Professor Richard Susskind shares insights on how the pandemic will impact the future of online legal and court services.

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Risky Business: How Lawyers are Navigating Through COVID-19 and the Rocky Economy

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 16:36:17 -0000

Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway offer guidance for weathering COVID-19 and its economic impacts on the legal profession.

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Tech Toolbox: What’s Right for Your Practice?

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 19:43:10 -0000

Richard Ferguson offers tips for selecting the right technology tools for your law firm.

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The Best Lawyer You Can Be: A Guide to Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Wellness

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -0000

Stewart Levine discusses his ABA-published book about practical strategies for increasing lawyer well-being.

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Law in the Age of the Consumer: It’s the Model That Matters

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 17:33:01 -0000

Erin Levine offers insights on how to meet the changing needs of modern legal consumers.

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A Preview of ABA TECHSHOW 2020

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 18:03:58 -0000

ABA TECHSHOW 2020 co-chairs Heidi Alexander and Catherine Sanders Reach share insights.

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‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2019

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 00:23:15 -0000

Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway share their list of must-have tech toys for 2019!

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What Lawyers Need to Know to Succeed in the Marketplace

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 18:05:08 -0000

Katy Goshtasbi shares strategies for clearly defining your values in order to effectively grow your brand.

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Cybersecurity Basics for the Solo and Small Firm Lawyer

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 18:53:19 -0000

John Simek offers essential cybersecurity tips for solo and small firm lawyers.

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The ”Big Ideas” of Law Practice - and Emerging Practice Areas

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 19:20:45 -0000

Lance Johnson, contributing features editor of the ABA’s Law Practice magazine, gives an overview of recent articles in the magazine’s Big Ideas Issue.

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Building a Cutting Edge Virtual Law Firm

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 20:34:20 -0000

Brooke Moore discusses the benefits of moving to a virtual law practice and shares useful tactics for setting up a web-based firm.

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Digital Detoxing for Lawyers

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 17:10:19 -0000

Roberta Tepper talks about digital addiction for lawyers and gives a step-by-step process of how legal professions can reduce their time when using their mobile devices.

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How Can Chatbots Help Your Law Firm?

Wed, 29 May 2019 22:49:45 -0000

In this episode, 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.

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Highlights of the Wolters Kluwer 2019 Future Ready Lawyer Survey

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 23:50:45 -0000

In this episode, 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.

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Successful Digital Marketing Tips for the Solo and Small Firm Lawyer

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 19:33:13 -0000

If your law firm’s digital marketing plan isn’t working for you, consider changing your tactics! In this episode, 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.

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ABA 2018 Legal Technology Survey: Takeaways for Lawyers

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 20:11:49 -0000

How are lawyers budgeting for technology in their firms and where do they need to catch up on legal tech? 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.

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Using Gamification of Access to Justice to Train Artificial Intelligence

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 22:51:11 -0000

How can access to justice technologies be developed through a game? In this episode, 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.

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A Preview of ABA TECHSHOW 2019

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 21:03:36 -0000

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.

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'Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2018

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 19:38:50 -0000

Get ready to geek out over this wishlist of tech toys for the holidays! In this episode, 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!

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The Insurance Industry Studies the Future of Law Practice

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 23:05:24 -0000

In regards to the future of law practice, the role of malpractice carriers is a unique one. 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.

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The Wizardry of Law Librarians

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 17:33:18 -0000

The job of a librarian involves a lot more than books. 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.

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The Cloudy Ethics of Cloud Computing

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 21:31:20 -0000

No lawyer should assume their firm's technology is secure. 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.

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Addressing Lawyer Mental Wellness at the Virginia Bar

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 06:24:40 -0000

Is practicing law bad for your mental health? 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.

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The Data-Driven Ethics Initiative

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 23:24:55 -0000

The Data-Driven Ethics Initiative is a research project that aims to use legal services data to modernize legal rules for professional conduct. 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.

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The Case for Collaboration

Tue, 29 May 2018 18:15:58 -0000

Collaboration is becoming increasingly important within the legal field especially with emerging technology that makes it easier than ever. 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.

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The Lean Law Firm

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 21:52:44 -0000

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.

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The ABA Journal: Legal Journalism in the Digital Age

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 22:04:33 -0000

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.

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Expanding Access to Justice through Online Dispute Resolution

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:09:16 -0000

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.

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Preview of ABA TECHSHOW 2018

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 17:40:50 -0000

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.

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When the Bell Tolls for Thee: Disaster Planning and Recovery for Law Firms

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 17:36:46 -0000

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.

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‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2017

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 16:58:10 -0000

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 drawing pen

Samsung 34” CF791 Curved Widescreen Monitor: HD monitor

Ring Video Doorbell: security system

Nexx Garage: door opener

Echo Connect: Amazon Echo phone accessory

Kuri: home robot

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard: travel keyboard

Kohler Numi Toilet: smart toilet

Apple Watch Series 3: smart watch

Carved Satellite Series: carved wooden phone cases

Aston Martin Limited Edition Submarine

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The Apple Product Cheat Sheet for Lawyers

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 18:10:21 -0000

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.

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How Augmented Intelligence and Cognitive Computing Serves the Legal Profession

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 20:39:21 -0000

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.

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Teaching the Technology of Law Practice to Law Students

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:56:53 -0000

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.

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Evernote for Lawyers: Manage Your Research, Marketing, and Process

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 16:12:49 -0000

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).

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Low Bono Legal Services: Working to Provide Access to Justice

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 20:38:10 -0000

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.

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Is Law Really A Buyer's Market? And If So, Now What?

Mon, 08 May 2017 19:29:03 -0000

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.

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Defining Artificial Intelligence as a Legal Tool

Fri, 14 Apr 2017 17:45:36 -0000

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.

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Running with the Machines: Artificial Intelligence in the Practice of Law

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 22:58:58 -0000

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.

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The Importance of Legal Writing

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 21:56:08 -0000

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.

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Will Alternative Business Structures in U.K. Law Firms Cross the Pond?

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 21:35:09 -0000

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.

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Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2016

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 18:00:00 -0000

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 adjustable stand

Amazon Echo Dot: Voice-controlled; cloud based Alexa Voice speaker

Sensorwake: Olfactory alarm clock

Hudway Glass: Heads up display for any car

Wilson X Football and Basketball: Smart football and basketball device

Urbanears: Washable headphones

Anki’s Cozmo Robot: Robot

Smart Remote: Smart remote that instantly connects to house appliances

CHiP: Robotic dog pet

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Trust Accounting for Lawyers

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 18:30:26 -0000

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.”

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Analysis of the ABA Report on the Future of Legal Services

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 21:00:30 -0000

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.

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Attaining Law Firm Diversity

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 16:58:55 -0000

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.

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Metadata Management and Daily Best Practices

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 14:00:00 -0000

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 implement to help protect their data.

Donna Payne is the founder and serves as chief executive officer of PayneGroup, Inc. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the Project Management Institute. In addition Donna is an original member of the Microsoft Legal Advisory Council. She is a frequent speaker at legal and technical conferences worldwide and has spoken to Congressional committees, the Senate, and at international judicial conferences on the subject of metadata and preventing accidental disclosure.

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Tips for Managing Technology from a Chief Information Officer

Wed, 03 Aug 2016 15:00:00 -0000

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 other CIOs of potential “upgrade fatigue” within their IT departments and shares how traveling to introduce himself to each branch of the company and incorporating a monthly newsletter to inform staff of upcoming tech changes helped to prepare staff for company-wide tech improvements. Andy closes the interview with an analysis of how he addressed the law firm's cyber security needs and his list of his best and worst professional moments during his four year employment there.

Andy Adkins has been assisting law firms to improve their services to clients since the late 1980s. His career/journey has continuously led him down various paths, including a four year gig as the Chief Information Officer at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, a large law firm based in Bridgeport, West Virginia.

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The Benefits and Challenges of Implementing a Firm-Wide Strategic Plan

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 17:18:24 -0000

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 reveals that 90% of firms with a plan will attribute improved performance in areas like increased cohesiveness, profitability, long term sustainability, and growth to the planning exercise. He then analyzes the top five concerns of midsize firms, like associate development and firm governance, and provides ways that firms can address these concerns. He closes the interview with reasons that older lawyers resist these types of improvements and tips to help law firms start the strategic planning process.

John Remsen, Jr. is a frequent speaker and author on law firm leadership and marketing topics. He has spoken at national and regional conferences of the Legal Marketing Association, the Association of Legal Administrators, American Bar Association and numerous state and local bar associations. After serving as in-house marketing director at two major law firms, John formed The Remsen Group, a consulting firm that works exclusively with law firms to help them develop and implement long-term strategic objectives to improve cohesiveness, performance and profitability.

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What Lawyers Should Know About Cloud Computing Security Standards

Fri, 20 May 2016 17:54:46 -0000

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 lawyers should consider, like where the SaaS data center is located, and the four things (vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and aesthetic code and dynamic code reviews) that the standards require in security testing. They both end the interview with an analysis of in-transit and at rest encryption and the benefits and drawbacks of zero knowledge level security.

Jack Newton is the founder and CEO of Clio and recently joined the board of the International Legal Technology Standards Organization (ILTSO). He also co-founded and is acting president of the Legal Cloud Computing Association (LCCA). Jack received his master of science in computing science from the University of Alberta.

Larry Port is the founder and CEO of Rocket Matter and is a speaker and award winning writer at the crossroads of the legal profession, cutting edge technology, and law firm marketing. He was named to the 2012 Fastcase 50 and received his master of computer science with an emphasis in distributed systems from New York University.

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How Technology Has, and Will, Impact the Practice of Law

Wed, 04 May 2016 22:48:05 -0000

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 why she thinks it is important for lawyers to give back to their communities and tips on how tech can help fit everything into one’s busy life. The group then focuses on ABA initiatives centered around positively influencing the rapid change happening in the legal profession spurred by globalization and technology. Linda then looks toward the future and discusses goals that she has for her presidency relating specifically to technology and the practice of law.

Linda A. Klein is president-elect of the American Bar Association. She is also a senior managing shareholder at Baker Donelson, recently completing a 6 year term on the Firm's Board of Directors. Her practice includes most types of business dispute resolution, including contract law, employment law and professional liability.

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The Law is Not Copyrightable: Fastcase Sues Casemaker

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 17:23:54 -0000

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 of having a federal court declare that private publishers can’t own the law
The history of laws published with citations, annotations, or editorial enhancements
How the digitalization of laws has changed the publishing landscape
What happens when a state designates a version of the code as official (even if it was published by a private company like LexisNexis)
What will happen next with the Casemaker/Fastcase lawsuit

Ed Walters is the CEO and co-founder of Fastcase, a legal publishing company based in Washington D.C. Before working at Fastcase, he was a lawyer at Covington & Burling in Washington D.C. and Brussels. Ed also teaches The Law of Robots at Georgetown University Law Center.

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The Lawyer’s Duty of Technology Competence

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 17:51:00 -0000

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 the ABA rule change
Implications of the California eDiscovery Ethics Opinion
Relevant technology and knowing what you don’t know
Getting up to speed on encryption
eDiscovery and knowing how to collect, preserve, and search data properly
How to effectively contract out competence
The duty to supervise
Benefits of technology in practice management

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ABA TECHSHOW 2016: An Interview with Chair Steve Best

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 17:20:39 -0000

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-house attorneys, lawyers, and consultants
Two special plenary sessions
Getting the most out of the technology you already have
The 30th anniversary party at the Chicago Hilton hotel

Steve Best is an attorney and the founding partner at Affinity Consulting Group, a well-known and well-respected law office management and technology company. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Georgia Bar and is also a certified consultant and trainer, maintaining certifications in many law office software products including time billing and accounting, practice management, document management, PDF production, document assembly, and paperless office packages.

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The Future of the Professions: An Interview with Richard and Daniel Susskind

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 18:40:18 -0000

“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 and key topics within that might interest lawyers who wish to prepare for the future. They discuss a “grand bargain” concept of exclusivity, the capability of machines to replace cognitive, physical/manual, and emotional skills currently provided by human professionals, and the right questions to ask about the future of legal services. Are there any tasks that computers won’t be able to do?

Topics include:

Society’s expectation for affordable, accessible, and reliable professional services
Computers and artificial intelligence as a threat to the legal profession
Professionals to be redeployed into new roles
Embedded knowledge
Free sharing of information through online avenues
Incremental changes versus complete changes
Commercial and social circumstances of the current systems

Professor Richard Susskind is an author, speaker, and independent advisor to international professional firms and national governments. He is president for the Society for Computers and Law, IT advisor to the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, and chair of the Oxford Internet Institute Advisory Board. His books include the best sellers, “The End of Lawyers?” and “Tomorrow’s Lawyers.”

Daniel Susskind is a lecturer in economics at Balliol College, University of Oxford, where he researches and teaches, and from where he has two degrees in economics. He was also a Kennedy Scholar at Harvard University. Previously, he worked for the British government as a policy adviser in the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit and as a senior policy adviser at the Cabinet Office.

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What’s Hot in Cybersecurity for Law Firms

Mon, 04 Jan 2016 19:42:50 -0000

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 actions
Helpful resources for small firms
Client wishes and data breaches in 2015
How to implement an incident response plan (IRP)
Email encryption and Opinion 648 of the Texas Center for Legal Ethics
Protection from ransomware
Passwords, multi-factor authentication, and biometrics
Changing defaults and patching applications

John Simek is the vice president of Sensei Enterprises, Inc. in Fairfax, Virginia, which offers IT, information security, and digital forensics services for law firms and other businesses. John is a co-author of the book “Encryption Made Simple for Lawyers,” published by the American Bar Association in 2015 and a co-author of the second edition of “Locked Down: Practical Information Security for Lawyers” which will be published in March of 2016. John is one of the country’s leading cybersecurity experts for law firms.

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The Internet's Role in Client Development

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 20:38:48 -0000

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 valuable content versus blatant advertising
Understanding your audience and catering your marketing
Being authentic, direct, and transparent
Learning to use the technology properly
What to look for in a marketing agency
Properly defining your advertising goals for success
Utilizing current and past charity events participation

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‘Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2015

Wed, 11 Nov 2015 18:21:49 -0000

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 charging pucks in the bottom

Amazon Echo: Alexa is always listening and can play music, answer questions, and control smart devices. Next stop, smart houses?

Swarovski USB Stainless Steel Bracelet: For the lady lawyer in your life (depending on which lady lawyer is in your life)

Roku 4K Video Streamer: 2500+ channels on demand and, more importantly, a lost remote finder

Ring Zero: The world’s smallest input device

Bosch eBike: Electronic motor assisted biking

Panono: 360 degree panoramic photography ball (camera)

Mycestro wearable mouse: Ergonomic and controlled with natural gestures

AKGQ701 Headphones: “The Holy Grail of Headphones”

Zero Gravity Whiskey Glass: To avoid spilling your whiskey once space travel becomes a thing

Steakchamp Thermometer: Cook your steak the way you like it every time

Star Wars Speros BB8: The Star Wars drone with an adaptive personality

Pet Cube: Play with your pets at home while you are at work

Darth Vader and R2D2 Handheld Showerhead

Bonus: Which of these products isn’t available to the public yet?

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Windows 10: What Lawyers Need to Know

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 20:36:06 -0000

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?

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Results-Oriented Financial Management for Lawyers

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 18:00:00 -0000

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.

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How to Attract Clients in the Digital Era

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 18:51:37 -0000

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.

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How Lawyers Can Do More in Less Time

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 18:18:47 -0000

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.

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The ABA Commission on the Future of Legal Services

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 21:50:43 -0000

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.

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Website Wizardry: The Right SEO for Your Law Firm

Tue, 12 May 2015 18:05:00 -0000

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 boosting social media posts. Ellis has suggestions for any lawyer or law firm on any budget and she strongly advises lawyers to spend some time on their online presence. Special thanks to our sponsor, ServeNow.

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Why the iPad is the Best Tablet for Litigators

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 18:16:43 -0000

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.

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Speech Recognition and Dictation Solutions for Today’s Lawyer

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 18:05:00 -0000

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 younger lawyers improve oral argument abilities.

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The Ethical Misadventures of Luddite Lawyers

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 19:56:00 -0000

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.

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ABA TECHSHOW 2015: Don’t Miss It!

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 18:45:00 -0000

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 administrators, office administrators, litigation support professionals, and many others will benefit from the educational value of the ABA TECHSHOW. He talks about this year's legal technology topics such as cloud computing, a paperless office, digital security, and many others, and how the board selects speakers of quality and relevance. Burney discusses how having vendors and exhibitors at the conference can help users, why a legal professional should attend for the first time, and what's new and cool for the 2015 conference. The ABA TECHSHOW comes highly recommended by past attendees for legal professionals at any level of tech experience, from novice to expert.

Brett Burney is the Chair of this year's ABA TECHSHOW Board and is also the Principal of Burney Consultants LLC. He focuses the bulk of his time consulting on e-discovery and litigation support topics. He also works with lawyers who want to integrate Macs, iPhones, and iPads into their practice. Burney is a frequent contributor to Legal Technology News and speaks around the country on litigation support, e-discovery, Mac and iOS-related topics.

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Microsoft Surface Pro 3: The Tablet That Really Can Replace a Laptop

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:00:00 -0000

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
Hard Wire Capability
12" Screen
2160x1440 Resolution
Micro SD Card Slot
Headphone Jack
Mini Display Port for Additional Monitors
Kickstand
Front and Rear Cameras
Multiple Processor Options

Nelson found that these features made this tablet work for her as a laptop replacement. She found the i7 Processor particularly nice since lawyers often have little patience with a slow computer. However, this isn't an advertisement for the Surface Pro 3, so Simek pointed out some downsides to the product. Purchasers should expect to pay laptop prices (instead of tablet prices) ranging from $799 to $1949, not including necessary accessories like the keyboard, which will cost an additional $199. The battery life ranges from 8 to 9 hours, relative to the iPad which consistently lasts 10 hours. Also, the Surface Pro 3 can't sit atop a lap; it needs a hard surface to work with the kickstand. Despite the downfalls, however, Simek and Nelson have agreed that this tablet can replace a laptop, at least in their legal practice.

John Simek is the Vice President of Sensei Enterprises, holds many digital forensics and IT certifications, and is the co-host of Legal Talk Network's Digital Detectives podcast. Simek is the co-author of 12 books with two more slated to come out next year and a frequent speaker on the lecture circuit where he talks about IT, information security, and digital forensics.

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Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2014

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 19:00:00 -0000

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 a new tech toy you have to have!

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Lawyers Love New Apple Products: iPhone 6, Apple Pay, and Apple Watch

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 17:46:18 -0000

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 suggestions for essential accessories including a case, external battery, additional cables, and bluetooth headphones. Richardson then describes new iOS 8 features such as predictive text and interactive notifications, how the Apple Watch will change the future of wearable technology, and what Apple Pay means for consumers and vendors. Although Apple is always coming out with new products, it is a particularly exciting time for lawyers and technology.

Jeff Richardson is a partner in the New Orleans office of Adams and Reese LLP. His practice focuses on defending companies sued in class actions and complex litigation, as well as appellate litigation. Richardson publishes iPhone J.D., the oldest and most comprehensive website for attorneys who use iPhones and iPads.

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Microsoft Office 365 for Lawyers is Here!

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 22:36:13 -0000

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 that Microsoft's pricing differs from other software providers. He wraps up the interview by explaining the differences between SharePoint and Matter Center for document management and advises lawyers and legal professionals to do online research and work with a Microsoft partner before deciding on products for a firm. There are many options to pick and choose from for a firm of any size, from solo to big law.

Ben M. Schorr is a technologist and Chief Executive Officer for Roland Schorr and Tower, a professional consulting firm headquartered in Flagstaff, Arizona with offices in Hawaii and Oregon. He has been involved with management and technology for more than 20 years and a Microsoft MVP for more than 15. He is the author of several books and articles on technology including "The Lawyer's Guide to Microsoft Outlook," "The Lawyer's Guide to Microsoft Word," and "OneNote in One Hour."

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The Future of Wearable Technology for Lawyers

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 21:12:55 -0000

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 error rather than technology. As long as lawyers learn how to properly embrace wearable technology, he says, it can improve any practice from big law to a solo firm. The risks are not greater, they are simply different.

Richard Georges practices in real property, corporations, wills, trusts, and estates law in Pinellas County, Florida. A self-proclaimed tech junkie, he is well known for writing the Futurelawyer blog and has taught many seminars on technology and the law.

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When Lawyers Get Divorced: Ethically Breaking up a Law Firm

Mon, 14 Jul 2014 18:52:25 -0000

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 discusses the ethically proper way to deal with unfinished business doctrines, document retention programs, and fiduciary duties to clients. Due to technology, there are new issues to consider including digital files or property ownership of domain names. Overall, however, Spahn emphasizes that every partner has a continuing duty to make sure every client is adequately served.

Tom Spahn, often known as "Mr. Ethics" in Virginia, practices as a commercial litigator in the Tysons Corner office of McGuireWoods. He has served on the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professionalism, and has spoken over 1,200 times on ethics and other topics in the United States and abroad.

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Tips and Tricks for Lawyers Using PowerPoint in Trial Presentations

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 15:21:29 -0000

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 are unlikely to remember much of the slide's content or even the presenting lawyer's main point. He recommends that the PowerPoint slides provide only headlines and pictures that are held together by the attorney's narrative.

Unger's experience in PowerPoint and legal technology comes from being an attorney and founding principal of Affinity Consulting Group, a nationwide consulting company providing legal technology consulting, continuing legal education, and training. He specializes in trial presentation and litigation technology, document and case management, and paperless office strategies. To learn more, pick up a copy of his book, PowerPoint in One Hour for Lawyers, at the ABA bookstore.

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The Best of Legal Tech for Solos and Small Firms 2014

Wed, 14 May 2014 21:49:12 -0000

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 holds many technical certifications. He's also a co-host on another Legal Talk Network podcast, the Digital Detectives.

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Headlines from ABA TECHSHOW 2014

Thu, 03 Apr 2014 21:04:56 -0000

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, Amicus Attorney, PCLaw, PracticeMaster, Tabs3, Time Matters, Billing Matters, and TimeSlips software applications. She also speaks and writes frequently on these topics. At home, Natalie is a hard-working wife and mother of 3 daughters.

Special thanks to our sponsor, ServeNow.

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Ethical Perils of Social Media for Lawyers and Judges

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:17:35 -0000

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., discussing stories of collateral damage associated with inappropriate social media use and ways legal professionals can avoid ethical missteps. Stay tuned at the end for Judge Dixon's 4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Posting on Social Media.

Judge Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. sits on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and is a former chair of the National Conference of State Trial Judges. He is the technology columnist for The Judges' Journal magazine and a former member of the ABA Techshow Planning Board. Judge Dixon is Senior Judicial Advisor to William and Mary Law School's Courtroom 21 Project, the Presiding Judge for the Superior Court's Technology-Enhanced Courtroom Project, and a frequent speaker on topics related to the intersection of law and technology.

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Lawyer Scams and How to Avoid Them

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 15:39:09 -0000

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.

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Acrobat Tips and Tricks for Lawyers

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 15:00:00 -0000

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.

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Time Management for Lawyers

Fri, 20 Dec 2013 10:39:02 -0000

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.

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Tis the Season: Tech Toys for the Holidays 2013

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 14:07:23 -0000

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.

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Technology Audits for Your Firm – By Your Clients

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 14:18:00 -0000

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 contributes to the blog Legal Ethics Forum.

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11th Edition: Outlook 2007 with Ben Schorr

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:11:00 -0000

Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk with Ben Schorr, author of the newly released book,"The Lawyer's Guide to Microsoft Outlook 2007.

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10th Edition: The ABC's of SEO

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:09:00 -0000

Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway share their expertise on the subject of Search Engine Optimization.

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9th Edition: Adobe Acrobat

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:08:00 -0000

A discussion on using Adobe Acrobat, featuring David Masters.

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8th Edition: ABA TECHSHOW 2008 - Preview Edition

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:07:00 -0000

Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway explain how ABA TECHSHOW is so much more than just a legal technology conference.

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7th Edition: The Legal Technology Year in Review

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:06:00 -0000

Jim Calloway and Sharron Nelson review some of the most notable technology software products of 2007.

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6th Edition: Tech Toys for the Holidays

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:05:00 -0000

Looking for the perfect tech gadget for a colleague or yourself? Sharon and Jim share a few of their favorite things for the holidays.

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5th Edition: Ethics in the Electronic Era: Staying Out of the Briar Patch

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:04:37 -0000

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.

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4th Edition: Better than Batman's Belt: Our Favorite Utilities

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:03:35 -0000

Holy downloadable data directors! In this edition of "The Digital Edge: Lawyers and Technology" Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson discuss their favorite software utilities.

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3rd Edition: Courthouse Technology: Lawyers Go Hollywood

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:02:13 -0000

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.

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2nd Edition: Electronic Marketing: Harnessing the Web's Whizbang

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:01:08 -0000

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.

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1st Edition: Talking to Yourself: Is Speech Recognition Ready for Prime Time?

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 18:00:07 -0000

Computers that can be controlled by speech used to be a matter of science fiction. In the real world speech recognition software has matured slowly. There have been significant improvements in recent years, but is speech recognition practical for daily use in your law office? Jim and Sharon discuss the highs and lows of digital dictation.

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12th Edition: Outsourcing Electronic Discovery Review Abroad<

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:16:21 -0000

Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway discuss the pros and cons of outsourcing Electronic Discovery tasks overseas.

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13th Edition: Ball in Your Court - Craig Ball on Electronic Discovery

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:12:11 -0000

A wealth of free electronic discovery resources may be found at Craig Ball's website at www.craigball.com

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14th Edition: Tech Toys for the Holidays

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:11:08 -0000

Suggestions for tech toys from Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway!

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15th Edition: ABA TECHSHOW

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:09:47 -0000

Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway explain how ABA TECHSHOW is so much more than just a legal technology conference. Find related links at Law Practice Today a webzine of the ABA Law Practice Management Section here.

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16th Edition: Social Networking for Lawyers

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:07:43 -0000

Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson discuss social networking for lawyers, focusing on the use of Twitter and Facebook.

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17th Edition: Marketing in a Down Economy

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:06:51 -0000

This month Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson discuss Marketing in a Down Economy on the Digital Edge: Lawyers and Technology podcast.

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18th Edition: Practice Management

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:05:42 -0000

Jim Calloway and John Simek speak with Andy Adkins to discuss discuss his recently-published book, The Lawyer's Guide to Practice Management Systems Software, Second Edition.

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19th Edition: Essential Tips to Power Your Practice

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:04:11 -0000

Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson speak with Dan Pinnington and Reid Trautz to discuss discuss their recently-published book, The Busy Lawyer's Guide to Success: Essential Tips to Power Your Practice.

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20th Edition: How to Select an S.E.O. Company

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:03:02 -0000

Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson discuss the importance of search engine optimization and share tips for selecting the right company to help put your Web site on the on the search engine map.

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21st Edition: How Good Lawyers Survive Bad Times

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:02:01 -0000

Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson welcome guest Ross Kodner to discuss the economic downturn and its effect on lawyers. Stay tuned for Jim, Sharon, and Ross's book, How Good Lawyers Survive Bad Times.

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22nd Edition: How Good Lawyers Survive Bad Times - Marketing and Management

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:54:36 -0000

Following the informative discussion of Jim Calloway, Sharon Nelson, Ross Kodner's book "How Good Lawyers Survive Bad Times," this edition of The Digital Edge, explores marketing and management tools for lawyers during a down economy.

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23rd Edition: Looking Ahead

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:52:42 -0000

Join Jim and Sharon for a look at trends for the future – the economy and its effect on the legal profession, technology, and more!

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24th Edition: Find Info Like a Pro: Investigative Research on the Internet

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:50:02 -0000

Jim and Sharon welcome Carole Levitt and Mark Rosch to discuss their book (to be published later this year) "Find Info Like a Pro, Volume 1: Mining the Internet's Publicly Available Resources for Investigative Research.

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25th Edition: Tech Toys for the Holidays

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:48:11 -0000

Jim and Sharon prepare for the season of giving (and wanting!) with some great gift ideas for the tech lover in all of us.

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26th Edition: Cloud Computering for Lawyers

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:46:26 -0000

Authors Erik Mazzone and Ben Schorr join Jim and Sharon to discuss the cloud computing title bout between the cloud curmudgeon and the cloud champion.

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27th Edition: Computer Forensic FAQs

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:45:15 -0000

Sharon Nelson (flying solo because Jim Calloway is under the weather) interviews John Simek, one the foremost experts on computer forensics, and gets answers to some of the computer forensics questions most frequently asked by lawyers.

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28th Edition: What's Hot in Technology for 2010

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:43:58 -0000

We welcome back Jim as he and Sharon discuss some hot technologies that may change the business of practicing law in 2010 and beyond.

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29th Edition: The Next Generation of Lawyers

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:42:53 -0000

Dennis Kennedy, respected legal technologist and author, chats with Jim and Sharon about how the practice of law is likely to change for the next generation of lawyers.

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30th Edition: ABA TECHSHOW 2010 - It's a Wrap

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:41:47 -0000

Jim and Sharon discuss some of the highlights of this year's ABA TECHSHOW.

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31st Edition: Alternative Fee Arrangements: Is it Finally Time?

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:40:54 -0000

A long-standing source of debate, Jim and Sharon talk about the billable hour, its role in so many firms, and creative solutions to it - AFAs.

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32nd Edition: Surviving the Law Practice Shark Tank - the Top 6 Mistakes That Can Kill You in Your Practice

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:28:45 -0000

Jim and Sharon welcome long-time friend and colleague Nerino Petro, as they discuss some of the greatest mistakes lawyers can make and how to avoid them.

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33rd Edition: Virtual Lawyering Goes Mainstream

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:25:23 -0000

With 14% of attorneys reporting to the ABA that they are now engaged in the virtual practice of law, Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway discuss how VLOs (virtual law offices) have gone mainstream.

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34th Edition: 2010 ABA Legal Technology Survey Report

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:23:58 -0000

Listen in as Jim and Sharon are joined by Catherine Sanders Reach – Director of the ABA Legal Technology Resource Center – to discuss some exciting and useful findings from the sixth volume of the Center's Survey Report.

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35th Edition: Metadata - What You Can't See Can Hurt You

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:22:33 -0000

Jim and Sharon discuss the importance understanding metadata. With the amount of misinformation and lack of knowledge about metadata, it is important for legal professionals to understand how misuse could ultimately affect their businesses.

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36th Edition: Anatomy of a Law Firm Audit

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:19:06 -0000

Jim and Sharon take a look at the little-discussed topic of law practice management audits. Hopefully you will never have an audit ordered on you or your law practice. But what can you learn from the items that an auditor might examine that will help you be a better lawyer?

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37th Edition: Tech Toys for the Holidays

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:12:24 -0000

'Tis the season to be a techie as Jim and Sharon highlight tools - and most importantly, toys - for everyone's holidays.

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38th Edition: Google for Lawyers

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:07:22 -0000

Jim and Sharon welcome author experts Carole Levitt and Mark Rosch to discuss their recent (and extremely successful) book, Google for Lawyers: Essential Search Tips and Productivity Tools.

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39th Edition: Legal Talk Network - Taking Legal Podcasts to the Next Level

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:05:53 -0000

Jim and Sharon are joined by two-time Emmy Award winner Lu Ann Reeb, Co-founder and President of Legal Talk Network, LLC.

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40th Edition: ABA TECHSHOW - 25th Anniversary

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 15:56:14 -0000

Past ABA TECHSHOW Chairs Jim and Sharon welcome Paul Unger, Chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2011, for a preview of the exciting 25th anniversary of bringing lawyers and technology together!

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41st Edition: Contemplating the Future of Law Practice

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 15:54:47 -0000

Jim and Sharon discuss a number of trends that impact the future of the legal profession.

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42nd Edition: New Book Release - iPad in One Hour for Lawyers

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 15:51:46 -0000

Jim and Sharon discuss a New Book Release - iPad in One Hour for Lawyers by Tom Mighell

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43rd Edition: 24 Favorite Websites

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 14:06:58 -0000

ABA TECHSHOW 2011 closed with a crowd in attendance for 60 Sites in 60 Minutes. Jim and Sharon joined colleagues ABA TECHSHOW 2010 chair Paul Unger and TECHSHOW planning board member Erik Mazzone for this lively presentation. Jim and Sharon just couldn't get enough of talking about interesting and fun websites for lawyers so they decided to discuss some of the websites here, beginning with a 'missing site" that was mysteriously omitted from the original 60 Sites presentation.

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44th Edition: Information Security for Lawyers

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 14:05:32 -0000

Information security for lawyers is major issue. Bedrocks of the attorney-client relationship are attorney-client privilege and confidentiality of client information. Jim and Sharon are joined by Dave Ries, who is a partner with the firm of Thorp, Reed and Armstrong, a former ABA TECHSHOW planning board member and an expert on information security for lawyers, to discuss this critical issue.

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45th Edition: How to Start a Law Practice

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 14:04:05 -0000

Sharon and Jim interview Bill Gibson, noted author and lecturer and the President at the College of Law Practice Management about starting a law practice. Bill tells newly-minted lawyers what it is essential to have and to think about as you form your own practice and offers his very best tips and techniques.

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46th Edition: All Things Apple for Lawyers

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 14:02:31 -0000

Hosts Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway talk to Brett Burney, the principal of Burney Consultants and a nationally-recognized expert on Apple products about "All Things Apple for Lawyers.

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47th Edition: The Lawyer's Guide to Microsoft Word 2010

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 14:01:28 -0000

This month Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson interview Ben Schorr of Roland Schorr and Tower, who is the author of The Lawyer's Guide to Microsoft Word 2010. Ben shares several tips and great information about all of Microsoft Office 2010.

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48th Edition: Favorite Social Media Tips

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 14:00:11 -0000

Sharon and Jim discuss their favorite tips for using social media, including ways to maximize your results while minimizing your time, privacy safeguards and stories from their own successful use of social media.

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49th Edition: Tech Toys for the Holidays

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:58:23 -0000

This month Jim Calloway and Sharon Nelson continue their annual tradition with Tech Toys for the Holidays 2011, the 49th edition of The Digital Edge: Lawyers and Technology podcast. They agree that this is their favorite podcast of the year and note that if any listeners want to send them any holiday presents, they are not hard to locate.

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50th Edition: Solo By Choice

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:57:12 -0000

Sharon and Jim welcome Carolyn Elefant, an attorney and the author of Solo by Choice: Be the Lawyer You Always Wanted to Be. Carolyn talks about how solos should market themselves through social media and in other ways, how they can stay current with technology and the budgetary and ethical implications of cloud computing for solos.

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51st Edition - ABA TECHSHOW 2012

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:54:46 -0000

Sharon and Jim welcome Reid Trautz, the Chair of ABA TECHSHOW 2012. Reid offers a preview of the conference, which will take place March 29-31 in Chicago, including new educational sessions, social events, the keynote by Ben Stein and discounted pricing.

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52nd Edition - Start It Up Reboot or Reload

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:52:41 -0000

Sharon and Jim interview Barron Henley, a partner at Affinity Consulting Group, about the technology that lawyers need today to efficiently open and operate a law office. These are the various specific products mentioned by Mr. Henley during the discussion. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

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53rd Edition - iPad for Litigators

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:50:45 -0000

In this episode, Sharon and Jim discuss using iPads in the courtroom with Tom Mighell. This podcast was motivated by a webinar that Jim and Tom did with trial lawyer Jamie Moncus earlier this year for the ABA Law Practice Management Section.

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54th Edition - Ethics and Technology – The Rules Are Changing

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:49:17 -0000

This month Sharon Nelson and Jim Calloway interview Catherine Sanders Reach Director of Law Practice Management and Technology for the Chicago Bar Association. The topic is Ethics and Technology The Rules are Changing.

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55th Edition - Locked Down: Information Security for Lawyers

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:47:47 -0000

Sharon and Jim talk to noted litigator Dave Ries about information security (or the lack thereof) in law firms. They discuss why law firms are increasingly targeted by hackers, how the hacks are accomplished and steps that law firms should be taking to safeguard their data.

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56th Edition - The Future of Law Practice

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:43:21 -0000

Sharon turns the tables on Jim and makes him her guest to talk about the future of law practice. Jim discusses current trends, technology implications, alternative fees arrangements and gives advice about what lawyers can do to prepare for the future of law practice.

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57th Edition - Avoid Bad Check Frauds

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:41:41 -0000

Jim and Sharon talk to Dan Pinnington, the Vice President of Claims Prevention and Stakeholder Relations for the Laywers Professional Indemnity Company in Ontario about how lawyers can avoid bad check frauds. Dan explains exactly how these frauds work, notes some red flags to alert lawyers that something is wrong and gives a number of helpful resources for further information.

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58th Edition - The New Normal

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:40:08 -0000

Jim and Sharon interview Arthur Greene about "the new normal" in the economy and how it impacts law firms.

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59th Edition: Model Rules Have Changed

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:38:57 -0000

Jim and Sharon welcome guest Andy Perlman, a noted professor, author and lecturer, who serves as the Chief Reporter for the ABA Commission on Ethics 20/20. The House of Delegates adopted a number of the Commission's recommendations in August of 2012 and Andy provides a great overview of what lawyers need to know about the changes in what it means to be competent, the protection of client data and ethical marketing.

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60th Edition - iPad for Lawyers, 2nd Edition

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:37:23 -0000

Sharon and Jim welcome Tom Mighell, the author of the second edition of The iPad for Lawyers. Everything moves fast in the iPad world so Tom brings us up to date on the latest apps, accessories and tips!

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61st Edition - 2012 Tech Toys

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:31:28 -0000

Sharon and Jim present their annual Holiday Tech Toys podcast including some heavy duty technology and some light-hearted technology to entertain you over the holiday season

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62nd Edition - 2012 Top Tech Trends

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:27:49 -0000

Sharon and Jim talk to Toby Brown, the Director or Strategic Pricing and Analytics for Akin Gump, about technology trends in large firms - it's a very different IT world from that of solos and small firms!

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63rd Edition - Windows 8 for Solos and Small Firms: Should You Upgrade?

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:24:29 -0000

In this very timely podcast, Jim and Sharon talk to legal technologist Ben Schorr about the pros and cons of Windows 8, what it costs, how easy it is to install and its best and worst features.

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64th Edition - Social Media, Part 1

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:11:06 -0000

Jim and Sharon talk to Ernie Svenson and Jared Correia about how lawyers can effectively and ethically use Twitter and blogs.

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65th Edition - Social Media, Part 2

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:09:19 -0000

In Part 2 of Lawyers and Social Media, Jim and Sharon are joined by Allison Shields and Dennis Kennedy who talk about their favorite tips for ethically using Facebook and LinkedIn.

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66th Edition - Big Data for Lawyers

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:05:38 -0000

Sharon and Jim interview Jobst Elster, the Head of Content for InsideLegal.com, about the implications of big data for all lawyers in firms small and large. Big data provides both opportunities and challenges for lawyers! Show Notes Software TyMetrix RateDriver app (free download) Big Data Articles and Blog Posts Legal IT Insider

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2013 ABA Legal Technology Survey Report: Has Virtual Lawyering Declined?

Fri, 06 Sep 2013 14:13:03 -0000

This year’s ABA Legal Technology Survey Report found a slight (from seven to five percent) decline in virtual lawyering. This spurred the discussion of: What, exactly, is virtual lawyering? What is the growth potential in this type of practice? and, Is it a viable business model for lawyers? On this episode of The Digital Edge, co-hosts Sharon D. Nelson, Esq. and Jim Calloway chat with Bob Ambrogi about the survey results, virtual and online lawyering, and how although clients may be ready for these e-services, lawyers may not be.

Bob Ambrogi is the co-host of Legal Talk Network’s legal-affairs podcast Lawyer2Lawyer. He authors the blog LawSites, where he posts new and intriguing websites and e-tools for the legal profession, and the blog Media Law, covering freedom of the press. He is a Massachusetts lawyer, writer, and media consultant.

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Lawyers Swarm to Ghost Blogging, But is it Ethical?

Wed, 14 Aug 2013 12:45:07 -0000

The days of just having a website are over. With the increase in social media profiles and supplementary links lawyers need to rank well in search engines, it’s no surprise they are farming out their blogging, and whatever else they can, to keep up. There are many services out there which will provide blog posts, but does this fit within the Model Rules of Professional Conduct? According to lawyer and blogger Kevin O’Keefe, ghost blogging defeats the purpose of blogging and, with no disclosure, is unethical.

Kevin O’Keefe is the founder and CEO of Lexblog, a leading provider of social media and blogging to law firms. After working as an attorney for 17 years, successfully marketing his firm online, he redirected his energies to educating lawyers about the use of social media and blogging. He also writes Real Lawyers Have Blogs.

On this edition of The Digital Edge, hosts Sharon D. Nelson, Esq. and Jim Calloway are joined by O'Keefe to discuss the purpose of blogging and the ethical dilemmas of ghost blogging.

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How People Search for Lawyers: The Consumer Law Revolution

Tue, 30 Jul 2013 14:40:50 -0000

On this edition of The Digital Edge, co-hosts Sharon D. Nelson, Esq. and Jim Calloway chat with Stephanie Kimbro about her new book, The Consumer Law Revolution: The Lawyer’s Guide to the Online Legal Marketplace. The book focuses on how to join a branded-legal network to acquire leads and create an online marketing strategy. She stresses the importance of small and solo firms benefiting from having a large-branded network behind them to market their presence.

Kimbro is a practicing attorney at Burton LLC and a member of the North Carolina State Bar. Burton LLC is a virtual law firm that delivers legal services in North Carolina, D.C., and Ohio. In addition to her practice, she writes a blog, www.virtuallawfirm.com, covering the ethics and technology issues of delivering legal services online.

Tune in to learn more about branded networks for lawyers, why you want to join one, how to choose the right one for your practice, and more.

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