For years I have argued that lawyers who read paper transcripts are “wasting” time. I don’t mean they aren’t working. I mean they could be working better faster, with improved results, merely by using transcript/deposition review software. In my case, I haven’t read a paper transcript since 2001 and my staff is forbidden from doing so.
The problem, however, is that many lawyers were leery of putting down the paper.… Read the rest
It’s everywhere – not quite Chicken Man (for those old enough to remember) – but Microsoft Outlook is used, it seems, in virtually every law office — and the 2007 Version is excellent. The small tweaks Microsoft made really helped improve the product overall (even though some actions remain counterintuitive). I recommend clients upgrade to it, especially any clients who are using Outlook 2000 or (yes) earlier versions.… Read the rest
The Federal Rules Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States is considering rule changes that would make it easier for defendants to have summary judgment granted. Plaintiff attorneys have opposed the proposed Rule because it would require the moving party to identify purportedly non-contested facts, and require the non-moving party to demonstrate, by citation to the record, that those facts are contested.… Read the rest
It was with sadness that I read the latest issue of PC Magazine. One of the oldest technology magazine, PC Mag had been reinventing itself for some time. From now on, the magazine announced, it will only be available online/electronically, with no more printed issues.
Surprisingly, despite my love of “less paper,” I will miss the paper magazine, and am not an afficianado of electronic-only publications.… Read the rest
My son is scouting for engineering schools, and came across www.engineeringedu.com. He also discovered its jokes page. Apropos my earlier blog today, the site (http://www.engineeringedu.com/jokes.html) features, among others, this little ditty:
New Lyrics to Beatles Song – “Yesterday”
Yesterday,
All those backups seemed a waste of pay.
Now my database has gone away.
Oh I believe in yesterday.… Read the rest
I always say, “Never train on live data” because if something happens, it’s a “problem,” to say the least. Today I failed to abide by my own words. Guess what, something happened. The database with 98,542 records shrunk a bit — to 6 records. So did my stomach.
Having never seen this before, I called Tech Support. The rep hadn’t seen it either.… Read the rest
I recently traveled to Los Angeles to give my presentation, “How to Do 90 Minutes of Work in 60,” in conjunction with the meeting of the National Association of Bar Executives and the American Bar Association Midyear Meeting. The presentation went well, but I learned some lessons on my way to LA. Among them: Bring a paper clip and a book.… Read the rest
My father was a gentle man who understood people. He had an ability to immediately sense who was good, who was trouble, and who to “be careful” with. And he always encouraged me to follow my instincts. He was right, and I only wish I had followed his advice a little more closely recently. I’ve instead learned two lessons, both people- and business-related.… Read the rest
Remember, it’s not if, but when in terms of hard drive crashes. My new Dell computer is an ideal example – new, high tech, etc. And the hard drive died in less than 2 months. Dell immediately shipped a replacement. Fortunately, I use Retrospect for daily complete backups. Once the replacement hard drive was in place, I merely re-installed Retrospect and restored my entire system.… Read the rest
It’s hard to believe, but the 2nd What You Didn’t Learn in Law School seminar (from the Managing Partner Development Institute) is just a month away. Ellen Freedman, David Sorin, MaryBeth Pratt and I have revamped the popular program to make it even more informative, with breakout sessions, etc. The program will be held on January 11 and 12, 2008 at the Pittsburgh Marriott.… Read the rest
