ABA Site-tation

3/14/2012

How to Create Appointments in Microsoft Outlook

Do you use yellow sticky notes to remind yourself of medical appointments, section luncheons, or monthly meetings? If so, why not consider using Microsoft's Outlook reminder alerts to help clear the clutter and better organize your workspace? This month’s featured Family Law eNewsletter tip is Creating Outlook Appointments (page 3). This quick review explains how to set appointments and reminders along with definitions of common terms to get you up and running in no time.

Posted at 12:13 PM by Tonya L Johnson | Category: Law Office Technology | Email this Post | Permalink

3/8/2012

Countdown to ABA TECHSHOW 2012

It's Not Too Late to Be Part of ABA TECHSHOW 2012. This year’s ABA TECHSHOW takes place March 29-31, 2011 at the Chicago Hilton & Towers. Among the things to look forward to and enjoy:

13 Educational tracks with sessions suited for every legal professional at every skill level – View the complete online schedule!

Keynote speaker Ben Stein – attorney, actor and writer

A unique plenary session on The Future of Law Practice by Jim Calloway

Easy access to legal technology vendors in the ABA TECHSHOW EXPO

Multiple networking events and the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful city of Chicago

Just in time for ABA TECHSHOW 2012 technology lifestyle blog Lifehacker has published a Geek-Friendly Travel Checklist tailor-made for the ABA TECHSHOW crowd.

Don’t leave home without this dead simple, two page PDF file. Print it double-sided and you’ll only have to keep up with a single sheet of paper. Additionally, the article includes a link to a great checklist to help you Get Through the Airport in Record Time.

Posted at 10:06 AM by Tonya L Johnson | Category: Law Office Technology | Email this Post | Permalink

2/29/2012

ABA Commission on Ethics 20/20: Revised Drafts

The ABA Commission on Ethics 20/20 was established nearly three years ago to address the ethical and regulatory issues relating to new technology and the evolution of the legal profession. On February 21^st, the Commission released the final revised drafts of several of the Commission's proposals. These include:

Technology and Confidentiality (PDF)
Addresses lawyers' obligations and responsibilities in handling the storage and security of clients' confidential data.
Technology and Client Development (PDF)
Addresses lawyers' use of web-based technology, including social networking, to market their practices and attract new clients.
Outsourcing (PDF)
Addresses the ethical responsibilities associated with the outsourcing of legal and law-related work, both domestically and offshore.
Model Rule 1.1 (Duty of Confidentiality) (PDF)
Addresses disclosure of confidential information particularly in the context of detecting conflicts of interest.
Practice Pending Admission (PDF)
Addresses issues relating to the establishment of a practice in a new jurisdiction in the context of an increasingly mobile, multi-jurisdictional profession.
Admission by Motion (PDF)
Addresses the number of years required for admission by motion, again addressing movement towards multi-jurisdictional practices and mobile lawyers.

A description of the changes made to the final proposals can be found in the cover memo (PDF) published by the Committee. Considerably more information, including comments and news, can be found on the Commission's official website.

The deadline for submitting comments on these proposals is April 2, 2012. Comments should be directed to Senior Research Paralegal Natalia Vera at natalia.vera@americanbar.org.

Posted at 11:01 AM by Poje, Joshua | Category: Technology News | Email this Post | Permalink

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Released

The next iteration of Microsoft Windows – Windows 8 – isn't due until late this year, but you can get a sneak preview of it starting today. A "Consumer Preview" version of the operating system is now available for download at http://preview.windows.com.

Windows 8 is a significant update to the venerable operating system, featuring a new interface (dubbed "Metro") and the flexibility to be used on traditional PCs, tablet devices, and smartphones.

It should go without saying that pre-release, beta, preview, and "test" versions of operating systems are not appropriate for business critical computers. These previews usually still have bugs and flaws which could put your data--not to mention your productivity--at risk. If you'd like to test the new operating system, do it on a personal computer or a dedicated test machine at the office.

Or simply take advantage of the numerous hands-on reviews and blog posts already emerging. Here's a sampling:

Windows 8 Consumer Preview hands-on, The Verge
Windows 8 Consumer Preview Hands On: No Going Back, Gizmodo
Windows 8 Consumer Preview: Initial Impressions, PCWorld
Windows 8: The Road Ahead, TechCrunch

While the actual release of Windows 8 is months away, and for many firms, adoption may be years away, it's worth understanding the direction the platform is headed as it may significantly impact your technology budgeting and planning over the next few years.

Posted at 10:20 AM by Poje, Joshua | Category: Technology News | Email this Post | Permalink

2/10/2012

Privacy Data Systems Joins ABA TechEZ

We're pleased to announce the latest addition to the ABA TechEZ program: Privacy Data Systems.

Privacy Data Systems offers a secure platform for electronic communication. Email messages and attachments are encrypted both in motion and at rest in Privacy Data Systems' secure vault, and users can track exactly when messages are received and attachments are downloaded.

Other features include:

Upload/transfer large files, eliminating the need for complicated FTP setups or expensive couriering of discs/flash drives;
Collect signatures electronically to keep your practice paperless;
Store files in a secure, web-based Private Vault so you can access them anywhere.

ABA members receive a 15% annual discount on Privacy Data Systems – just enter code "ABA".

Visit ABA TechEZ to learn more about the discounts, savings and training opportunities available exclusively to ABA members.

Posted at 10:33 AM by Poje, Joshua | Category: Technology News | Email this Post | Permalink

2/3/2012

Email Tips for Busy Lawyers

· When sending a news story to a group of members or colleagues, send the e-mail to yourself and bcc everyone else to avoid sharing the e-mail addresses of everyone in the group.

· Create e-mail distribution lists (referred to as Contact Groups in MS Outlook 2010) when emailing multiple contacts. This enables you to quickly and easily contact the members of any particular group (e.g. Bar Association committee members) without having to type in individual e-mail addresses.

· Create, review and enforce an Internet and e-mail usage policy.

· Check your e-mail junk folder periodically. While no one is interested in spam even the best junk-mail filters catch legitimate messages you’d like to read. Make a point of looking in this folder on a regular basis to make sure you don’t miss something or someone important and whitelist them if necessary.

· Proof your e-mails before sending them. For Microsoft Outlook 2007: click Tools, Options, go to the Spelling Tab and enable Always Check Spelling before Sending.
For Microsoft Outlook 2010: click File, Options, Mail, Editor Options. Under the section ‘When correcting spelling in outlook’ click the Check spelling as you type and the Check grammar as you type check boxes, Ok.

For additional email tips and tricks, check out the blog post Mastering Microsoft Outlook in 2012 and the newly released book, The Lawyer's Guide to Microsoft Outlook 2010 to regain precious time while getting the most out of Microsoft Outlook.

Posted at 4:30 PM by Tonya L Johnson | Category: Law Office Technology | Email this Post | Permalink

1/31/2012

Strong Password Refresher

Passwords are the first, and sometimes last, line of defense when it comes to data security. It's vital to use strong passwords for all of your devices and accounts. What constitutes a strong password? Here's a quick refresher:

The length should be at least 8 characters, with some security experts now recommending 15+ characters.
The password should include upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special symbols if possible.
Your password should not be a single dictionary word. One of the most basic hacker attacks involves cycling through dictionary words in an attempt to break a password.
That said, pass phrases, which combine multiple common but unrelated words into a lengthier phrase can be extremely secure. For example, you might take the last four street names you've lived on and add some punctuation: "Oak 12th Franklin Main!" That pass phrase includes upper and lower case characters, numbers and special characters (both the spaces and the exclamation point), but it's considerably easier to remember than a gibberish password like fe@3d?!ERc1#.
You should use different passwords for different services/devices. One popular hacker strategy is to hack small, minimally secured sites to obtain a list of email addresses and passwords. The hacker then takes those combinations over to more secure websites, like web mail or a banking site, and tries to use them to access more valuable data. Using different passwords insulates you from that type of exploit.
Never write down your password in an unsecure location. The classic mistake is the sticky note on the monitor with the user's passwords written on it, or nearly as bad, an unencrypted text document on the computer filled with the user's passwords. If you need help keeping track of your passwords, use a tool designed for that purpose like LastPass or KeePass.

Posted at 1:02 PM by Poje, Joshua | Category: Law Office Technology | Email this Post | Permalink

1/30/2012

Lost Your Smartphone? Time to Remote Wipe

If you're going to use a Smartphone, having the ability to remotely wipe it is essential. With remote wiping, if your device goes missing--whether via theft or simply by losing it--you can quickly take steps to erase all data from that device. Remote wiping requires that the device be connected to the service provider's network, so it's important to do the remote wipe immediately after you realize you've lost your device.

If you're working in an enterprise environment where email accounts and especially mobile devices are managed centrally, either by the firm or a third party, work with the administrators to determine the best remote wiping solution. Chances are good they already have a policy/strategy in place that you should be taking advantage. If not, consider one of these methods:

Android

Starting with Android 2.2, remote wiping became available as a feature of the OS. In group settings, remote wipe has to be initiated via the Exchange server or the central Google Apps account. If you're a solo or small firm practitioner, or you're simply using the device independently of the office, you'll probably need to install a third party app to enable remote wipe.

Two popular apps for this function are:

Android Lost (Free)
Allows users to remotely control an Android phone via the Internet or SMS. Can use it to read SMS inbox/sent, wipe the phone, lock the phone, locate the device, and more.

Where's My Droid Pro ($3.99)
Allows user to locate phone by GPS or by ringing, remotely wipe device or inserted SD card, and enable a special ringtone when the device is lost. App can be activated via a landline phone.

BlackBerry

Again, remote wiping on most BlackBerry devices would be handled by your firm or organization's Exchange administrator. If you're using a personal BlackBerry or don't have a central administrator in your practice, one solution is to install an app available from RIM: BlackBerry Protect. The app is downloaded through the BlackBerry AppWorld, but once installed you'll be able to backup your device wirelessly, lock or wipe its contents, locate the device via GPS, and quickly restore your settings and data to a new device.

iPhone

To set up remote wiping on your iPhone, you'll need to enable Find My iPhone. On iOS 5, you access that by navigating to Settings à iCloud and clicking to enable "Find My iPhone." Once enabled, all you need to do to locate, lock, or wipe your iPhone is to visit www.icloud.com, log in, and click "Find My iPhone."

Windows Phone

To remotely wipe a Windows Phone device, start by logging into www.windowsphone.com using the Windows Live ID you used to sign up. Click the "My Phone" link and then click the link to "Find My Phone." The first time you do this you'll be given specific instructions to follow to properly set up the process. From there, you'll be able to lock the device, make the phone ring, or erase the contents of the device.

Posted at 3:16 PM by Poje, Joshua | Category: Mobile Lawyers | Email this Post | Permalink

1/27/2012

ABA TECHSHOW 2012 is Just Around the Corner

It's almost time for this year's ABA TECHSHOW. TECHSHOW is a great opportunity to catch up on the latest advances in technology. Knowing what's available and how to utilize it properly can help make your practice more secure and more efficient. This year's lineup includes 13 educational tracks on a wide range of topics.

As an example, here are the sessions included in this year's Litigation track:

Preparing to Litigate: The Latest Smart Litigation Management Tools
Lawyers and their staff can be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of materials in even the smallest of litigation matters. Are you using the latest technology to help you prepare a case for litigation? This session will discuss the different technology tools including jury selection Apps for voir dire, document cameras, remote witness technology, iPads, to help prepare a case for trial, mediation or settlement, efficiently and at a reasonable cost.
Speakers: Dan Siegel, Martin Tully

Effective E-Discovery in Small Cases
How to effectively conduct E-Discovery in a small case within a reasonable budget? Is E-Discovery necessary when you are on a limited budget in a small case? Our presenters believe so. Ignoring E-Discovery on a small case could be negligence. Come and learn what options are available for small cases at lower cost designed for the "little guy."
Speakers: Sharon Nelson, Bruce Olson

Courtroom Technology: Evidence and Persuasion
This panel discussion will focus on persuasion and admissibility of technological evidence as plaintiff's counsel, defense counsel and trial judge give viewpoints on the persuasion, presentation and admissibility of the proposed evidence.
Speakers: Hon. Thomas Hogan, David Sparks, Paul Unger

iWin: iPads for Litigators
Lawyers continue to find innovative ways to use the iPad in their practices, with many turning to tablets in the courtroom. Our expert faculty will take you through an entire lawsuit, from filing through verdict, to show you how an iPad can help every step of the way. Whether it's document review, depositions, jury selection, legal research or document presentation, you'll learn why the iPad has the potential to become your trial technology of choice.
Speakers: Tom Mighell, Paul Unger

ABA TECHSHOW 2012 will also include 60 Tips in 60 Minutes, 60 Sites in 60 Minutes, a large expo hall, and a keynote address by lawyer, writer, economist, actor and TV personality Ben Stein.

The conference and expo will take place on March 29-31, 2012 at the Hilton Chicago. Early bird registration runs through February 17^th. Learn more at the ABA TECHSHOW website.

Posted at 12:32 PM by Poje, Joshua | Category: Technology News | Email this Post | Permalink

1/24/2012

New Training Videos: Project Management Tools

We've added two new Tech Training videos to our training library. These videos introduce a pair of leading web-based project management tools: Basecamp and Remember the Milk.

Introduction to Basecamp
With Basecamp, you can organize and manage time-sensitive and deadline-driven projects. Basecamp aids lawyers in breaking down complicated projects into milestones and discrete tasks. It also offers a shared document space and whiteboards for brainstorming.

Introduction to Remember the Milk
Remember the Milk offers a simple, intuitive tool for managing your to do list. Organize tasks by client or matter, tie them to specific geographic locations, and share and collaborate on tasks with colleagues.

The LTRC's Tech Training Library is available exclusively to ABA members and currently holds more than 50 brief, focused training videos on topics ranging from general productivity software to legal-specific case management tools.

Have a topic you'd like us to explore? Send us an email.

Posted at 9:22 AM by Poje, Joshua | Category: Technology News | Email this Post | Permalink

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