Information processing is something that all knowledge workers do. Lawyers are classic knowledge workers. Doctors are too, but they sometimes have to have good hand-eye coordination. We pretty much rely on our wits and what we know and can find out quickly.\n
Information processing is something that all knowledge workers do. Lawyers are classic knowledge workers. Doctors are too, but they sometimes have to have good hand-eye coordination. We pretty much rely on our wits and what we know and can find out quickly.\n
In old days (e.g. when I started practicing law.) Grad = 1985. Commercial litigation. Certain things a given:\n
Most firms (commercial lit) had to have lots of equipment + lots of space. Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they...\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
Many of these firms were in large buildings. What did they have? BLAH BLAH, BLAH.. If you walked into these firms a few years later\n
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But then the Internet came along, and changed everything in a fundamental way. The Internet change is happening a lot faster than people expected. Is still happening.\n
With Internet, firms sped up adoption of Westlaw/Lexis (less law books, and maybe none). Files are starting to be more in electronic form (due to word processing)\n
With Internet, firms sped up adoption of Westlaw/Lexis (less law books, and maybe none). Files are starting to be more in electronic form (due to word processing)\n
With Internet, firms sped up adoption of Westlaw/Lexis (less law books, and maybe none). Files are starting to be more in electronic form (due to word processing)\n
With Internet, firms sped up adoption of Westlaw/Lexis (less law books, and maybe none). Files are starting to be more in electronic form (due to word processing)\n
With Internet, firms sped up adoption of Westlaw/Lexis (less law books, and maybe none). Files are starting to be more in electronic form (due to word processing)\n
With Internet, firms sped up adoption of Westlaw/Lexis (less law books, and maybe none). Files are starting to be more in electronic form (due to word processing)\n
With Internet, firms sped up adoption of Westlaw/Lexis (less law books, and maybe none). Files are starting to be more in electronic form (due to word processing)\n
With Internet, firms sped up adoption of Westlaw/Lexis (less law books, and maybe none). Files are starting to be more in electronic form (due to word processing)\n
With Internet, firms sped up adoption of Westlaw/Lexis (less law books, and maybe none). Files are starting to be more in electronic form (due to word processing)\n
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Adoption of email took off and reduced paper correspondence, and increased electronic file storage needs. At this point some firms are starting to scan things and store those electronically.\n
Adoption of email took off and reduced paper correspondence, and increased electronic file storage needs. At this point some firms are starting to scan things and store those electronically.\n
Adoption of email took off and reduced paper correspondence, and increased electronic file storage needs. At this point some firms are starting to scan things and store those electronically.\n
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Once firms get to the point of storing most of the files electronically that changes the dynamic and = “don’t need large bldg”\n
Once firms get to the point of storing most of the files electronically that changes the dynamic and = “don’t need large bldg”\n
Once firms get to the point of storing most of the files electronically that changes the dynamic and = “don’t need large bldg”\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Today, firm needs room for attorneys and staff to work, and can have little space. Can even store e-files in ‘the cloud.’ (INTERNET). Then attys can access all information from home with computer + internet (high speed, of course)\n
Smaller buildings = less cost. Fine, but so what? What else? Can we do a better job for our clients with digital information? Remember attys use ‘complex info.’ But other realms use complex info. Let’s see how digital tech helps them.\n
Not because of what we have to do; but how we can do it.\n
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Office is next\n
Office is next\n
Office is next\n
Office is next\n
Office is next\n
Office is next\n
Office is next\n
You can, theoretically, work from home and have a good reputation.\n
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This is a typical big firm website. Message: we’re huge and we blew a wad of cash on this convoluted website\n\n
Small firm website. Message: Intimate concern for your legal issues. Sub-text “we’re human and we’re like you.”\nPicture of lawyer right up front. Quote delivers the core philosophy or niche speciality.\n
We’re in a big building so when you drive around just look for the tallest and most expensive structure. We pay big bucks in rent, so we must be good.\n
Here’s how you actually find my office (it’s in a pretty big building, but what do you care about that?)\n
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Does your fax machine look like this?\n
Does your fax machine look like this?\n
Does your fax machine look like this?\n
Does your fax machine look like this?\n
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But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
But how do you fax a letter that’s a PDF and was never printed out?\n
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You shouldn’t rely on other people to backup your data\n
My Practice 20 yrs at Traditional Law Firm After Katrina: Solo Lawyer I don’t work by myself Use technology strategically1985 1995 2005 2010
Goals todayLeverage informationBest result for clientsLowest possible costAppear professional
Road MapWhy large was betterHow shifted & whyHow small can winReview best tools
Road Map1. Why large was better
Smallused to meanWeak
Office space Letterhead Stationery Metered mail Package delivery Time & billing Collaboration IT supportWord Processing Email Online research Secretaries Receptionist SoftwareDocument preparation Phone systems Trial graphics Computers Package delivery Paralegals Document assembly
Expensive Office Space
Well-paid Receptionist
Complex PBX system
State-of-Art Copiers
Postal Meters & Fax
Fancy Stationery
Large library
Dewey, Cheatum& Howe–Attorneys at large– Building – Books – Phones – Equipment – Files
Overhead
ProfitabilityCollections $100,000 Overhead $50,000
Road MapWhy large was betterHow shifted & why
Road Map2. How shifted & why
A changing world
Informationprocessing
The Internet
Office space Letterhead Stationery Metered mail Package delivery Time & billing Collaboration IT supportWord Processing Email Online research Secretaries Receptionist SoftwareDocument preparation Phone systems Trial graphics Computers Package delivery Paralegals Document assembly
Smaller BuildingDewey, Cheatum& Howe–Attorneys at large– – Files
The ‘Cloud’ Tiny OfficeDewey, CheatumDewey & Howe& Howe–Attorneys at large– Home .Dewey
Overhead
Road MapWhy large was betterHow shifted & whyHow small can win
Road Map3. How small can win
BigLaw lost10,000 lawyer jobsin last three years
Twitter Account Followers 1,270 1,720 73,256
rta nt poIm Reputation Work product & successful outcomes Office address & phone number Receptionist - answers your phone Letterhead/stationery - your documents Website - your online resume/contact info Email address - lawyer@aol.com?
Road MapWhy large was betterHow shifted & whyHow small can winReview best tools
Road Map4. Review best tools
Office SpacePaperless lessens need for office spaceBesides storage, what? – dedicated work space (distraction free) – conference room for mtgs & depos – collaboration – place to keep equipment
Co-workingProvides: – dedicated work space (distraction free) – conference rooms for mtgs & depos – internet, phones & color printers – collaboration opportunities – TV displays in conference rooms – month-to-month contract ($125)
ReceptionistVirtual receptionists – Always available (no sick days) – Intelligent handling of calls – Well trained in phone etiquette – Presents strong first impression – Month-to-month plan ($219)
Word ProcessingSecretarial help – Dictate using your phone – Pay per word, usually about 1.5 cents – Only pay when you use service – Available 24 hours a day (on weekends) – Your format; your templatesDragon Dictate – $100 or less; reliable (but req’s training)
DocumentsTypography for Lawyers – Matthew Butterick – Website: www.typographyforlawyers.com – Book: $25 on Amazon – Principles of design for legal documents – How to create a proper caption – Effective letterhead design
WebsiteCommunication & Contact information – Home page should be simple & direct – Contact page important – Have a picture of yourself - Recent one - Professional $5/month
BigLaw Contact Page Rambo, Dirty Harry & Karate Kid
Simpler Contact Page
ComputersLaptop - mobility is criticalDesktop - always on (backup device)Assistance - CRITICAL! Set-up - someone to set up computers Training - teach software
Email addressProfessionalism v. Ethics – Keep personal email separate from work – Ethically okay to use attorney@aol.com – Professional? Probably not – Personal domain (e.g. @svensonlaw.com) – Not that expensive – included with a basic website
Google AppsBusiness class service – Custom domain(e.g. @svensonlaw.com) – $50/user per year – Centralized management – Best spam filter – Easy web access – Guaranteed 99.9% uptime – Email migration tools
What’s wrong with this picture?
Service Cost/monthRingCentral $9MyFax $10eFax $17
Receive web faxEmail From Subject Date jbac Crosby case 03/01/08 rsamson Miller matter 03/01/08 pbjelly Toasty bread issue 02/28/08 jgotti Criminal case 02/27/08 jford Auto case 02/26/08
New Message To: 15043240453@myfax.com Cc:Subject:Attach: name of file
PDFsDigital Paper (req’d by Fed Cts) – learn to view & navigate – how to manipulate (insert pages, rotate) – how to process documents (bates- stamp, redact) – PDFforLawyers.com
Cloud based BillingTwo choices for lawyersClio – $49/atty & $25/staff – Free trial periodRocketmatter – $59/atty or $19 if 20+ users – Free trial period
Monthly Cost of my “Little Big Firm” Office $125 Receptionist $219 Email, website $5 Web-fax $9 Cloud sync/backup $8 Web-billing $49 Video conferencing $49
Total Monthly Cost?$464 + time
AssumeRevenue / yr $100,000 Costs / yr $8,000 $5,520 Cost % = .08
Overhead 8% 60%Small firm Large firm
Law Books
Law Books– La. Rev. Stat. $783– La Civil Cod $194– La Evid Code $172 TOTAL = $1,149
iTunes Store– Apple iPad $499.00– La. Rev. Stat. $29.99– La Civil Cod $5.99– La Evid Code $5.99 TOTAL = $541
Savings?$608
Okay, so....
Small + Tech + Strategy= Advantage
Where to start?1. Review what’s possible2. Pick one thing to implement3. Refine & improve / training4. Go back to step #1
Email me:esvenson@gmail.com Web sites:pdfforlawyers.comdigitalworkflowcle.com
