In this first article in his series, noted business attorney K Todd
Wallace discusses the advancements and impact of technology upon the legal
profession, and how it is being utilized to enhance the client experience in
terms of satisfaction and customer service.
As technology reshapes all of modern personal and professional life, the
legal profession is no exception.
The complete articles will be published on the blog of K. Todd Wallace
at http://ktoddwallaceblog.blogspot.com/
Technology is advancing, and the legal profession must keep up with
these technological and societal changes. Many of us still remember when they
first saw a personal computer, when cell phones became widely available, and
when cell phones turned into smart phones that have become indispensable for many.
Incorporating technology into a law practice can make the practice more
efficient and increase client satisfaction. In fact, technology may enable the
practitioner to exceed client expectations. Here are a few, simple-to-implement options.
Case Management Software
Long gone are the days of paper routing slips,
desktop inboxes and consecutive reviews by paralegals and attorneys during
which papers and files are shuffled back and forth. With case management
software, incoming documents are reviewed in a pre-determined sequence or as
authorized, and files or documents are updated the same way. The staff has
real-time access to documents and status reports. Important dates are
automatically entered into a calendar. Case Management Software also enables
legal teams to focus on a pre-set process, thus saving time and energy, and
greatly reducing the stress in this deadline-driven profession. Case Management
Software can also greatly reduce costs for the law practice and the clients by
standardizing and accelerating document creation and maintenance.
There are many different kinds of Case Management
Software, some general ones such as:
And some tailored to a specific practice:
www.smokeball.com
– for probate practice
www.practicepanther.com
– for bankruptcy
www.inszoom.com
– for immigration law practice
These are just a few examples, and should not be
considered endorsements of any of these products. Each law practice should make
sure to test them carefully before buying, and take advantage of the free test
versions or consultations that many software providers offer as part of their
sales process. Find the right software
to fit your own needs and your client’s expectations
Research and Mobile Technology
Subscription research services such as LEXIS and
Westlaw have been available to attorneys online for decades, gradually
rendering hard copy law libraries obsolete. The internet has done for law what
it has for every other area of modern life, providing instant access to
information.
To be continued.
The complete article will be published on the blog of K. Todd Wallace at
http://ktoddwallaceblog.blogspot.com/
*NOTE: The inclusion of a technology or app in this article does not
mean an endorsement or approval. The listed technologies are just for
illustrative purposes. None of these particular technologies are endorsed or
recommended by this author.
About Kenneth Todd Wallace
Kenneth Todd Wallace is
an attorney and founding partner of the law firm Wallace Meyaski LLC. He has
nearly 20 years of experience in the legal and business professions with
established excellence in trial advocacy, negotiation, strategic and initiative
planning, employment law compliance, government relations, mergers and
acquisitions, and team building.
References
Facebook page of Kenneth Todd Wallace, Attorney
at Law:
Attorney Profile:
*** K. Todd Wallace is an attorney at Wallace Meyaski in New Orleans. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the legal and business professions with established excellence in trial advocacy, negotiation, strategic and initiative planning, government relations, mergers and acquisitions, and team building. See http://www.walmey.com/our-attorneys/k-todd-wallace/