It's a question many law firm administrators face at some point, particularly when discussing workforce restructuring: Is it time to outsource our IT needs? It's not an easy decision to make and it's not the same answer for every firm. If your firm is currently having this discussion, let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of outsourcing, and what you need to consider … [Read more...] about Should you outsource your IT department?
Technology
No, legal practice management software is not a requirement
By Diane L. Camacho, CLM bio We all want to become more organized, and it would be great if there were some sort of magic software that would allow us to organize our work and thoughts simply. Practice management software claims to be that magic. There must be hundreds of software solutions on the market for law firms. Developers see that we have a definite need to … [Read more...] about No, legal practice management software is not a requirement
How to become a Microsoft Word ninja and boost your productivity
Legal professionals are under constant pressure to work more efficiently and effectively, and using technology can help them do both while lightening their workloads, according to Michelle Spencer, founder of the Legal Learning Development Network. "Microsoft Word is a tool that is used repeatedly each day, especially by those producing legal documents, which can be really … [Read more...] about How to become a Microsoft Word ninja and boost your productivity
Redesign the office to keep up with industry and technology changes
Take a look around your workplace. Does it reflect the traditional image of a law firm—a somber place of serious business with an abundant supply of mahogany furniture and thick, intimidating books? Is there a field of empty workstations once filled by staff members now long gone? Is it cluttered? Is it sterile? Is it pleasing to the eye? Is it time for a change? The … [Read more...] about Redesign the office to keep up with industry and technology changes
Ask the Expert: How to name documents in a document management system
Q: "I'm looking for a naming protocol guideline—a compilation of legal and non-legal abbreviations and acronyms for naming documents in our document management system." A: (Courtesy of Diane Camacho, CLM, SPHR, of DLC Consulting Service) Try not to abbreviate too many words in document titles. If there are too many abbreviations to remember, people make them up. And don't … [Read more...] about Ask the Expert: How to name documents in a document management system
What is a PDF? (And what ISN’T it?)
By Jay Stromberg bio Throughout my career in the legal industry, I've spoken with people who have the impression that PDF documents are "secure." When I ask them what they think this means, I often hear they believe it is difficult to change the document. Sadly, this isn't true. Worse: When attorneys believe this common myth, they can put sensitive client data at … [Read more...] about What is a PDF? (And what ISN’T it?)
Worried about a data breach? Here’s why you should be
Your greatest asset, your employees, can represent your greatest threat—a data breach— according to computer security experts John Simek and Michael Maschke. "If you are worried about a data breach, you should be," says Simek, who is vice-president of Sensei Enterprises Inc., a Fairfax, VA-based digital forensics, IT and cybersecurity company. "If somebody really wants to get … [Read more...] about Worried about a data breach? Here’s why you should be
Dear newly hired law firm: Here’s what I really want
By Robert Denney bio What would it be like to be on the receiving end of an engagement letter after accepting a new client? While they may not actually put any of this to you in writing, it is very likely your new client has a few of the expectations set out in this letter. LETTER FROM A CLIENT TO ITS NEW LAW FIRM Today's Date Responsible Partner Our New … [Read more...] about Dear newly hired law firm: Here’s what I really want
Six security tips for Cybersecurity Awareness Month
To help raise awareness in support of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Ivanti recently shared the following top cybersecurity tips and best practices. "October is Cybersecurity Awareness month, and while following security best practices are important every month of the year, it's a good time to remember that we should all take a collective role in organizational security and … [Read more...] about Six security tips for Cybersecurity Awareness Month
NotPetya: How you can prevent the next attack on your law firm
By Doug Striker bio Want to know the ugly (like, SUPER ugly) truth about how badly a dirty piece of malware could cripple your law firm? Check out the recently released spreadsheet shared by Michael Sampson. Michael calculated the impact of NotPetya on DLA Piper, including direct costs of the IT staff, and the numbers are startling. Even scarier, the numbers don't include the … [Read more...] about NotPetya: How you can prevent the next attack on your law firm