TechnoLawyer: TechnoFeature

Coming January 30, 2007 to TechnoFeature: A picture is worth a thousand words — so where better to use visuals than a courtroom?  In this article, graphics consultant Nicole Matthiesen discusses why, in our increasingly media-saturated world, the lawyer who utilizes visuals in court wields a powerful, persuasive tool — and has a distinct advantage over opposing counsel.  She shares her recent experience creating graphics for the Enron case, and how they impacted the jury and strengthened the prosecution's argument. Read on to see why you should consider adding visuals to your trial bag of tricks.

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Published on Tuesdays, TechnoFeature is a weekly newsletter that contains in-depth articles written by leading legal technology and practice management experts. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.

Coming January 23, 2007 to TechnoFeature: As the phrase goes, the latest must be the greatest, right? Well, not necessarily according to legal technology consultant John Heckman. As he sees it, with software vendors moving towards annual upgrades, the number of hot new features have diminished while the number of bugs have multiplied. So does it really make sense to remain on the treadmill of the upgrade rat race? In this article, John shares his contrarian view of software upgrades and why he thinks the more cost-effective and efficient approach entails discovering the full potential of the software you already have.

How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Tuesdays, TechnoFeature is a weekly newsletter that contains in-depth articles written by leading legal technology and practice management experts. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.

Coming January 9, 2007 and January 16, 2007 to TechnoFeature: What form of communication do you use most often with clients: telephone or postal mail? Most likely it's neither as many lawyers have shifted to the convenience of email.  Though it provides a record of communications and is lightening fast, email can become overwhelming. In this two-part article, attorney Dean Kirby shares his firm's best practices for handling a large volume of email. Part 1 covers filtering and filing. Part 2 tackles searching and archiving. Read this email newsletter to learn how to control your email before it controls you!

How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Tuesdays, TechnoFeature is a weekly newsletter that contains in-depth articles written by leading legal technology and practice management experts. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.

It happens to all of us all the time. You're just about to pay for an online purchase when you learn that adding $5 more will qualify you for free shipping (by pony express). You really don't need another copy of that R.E.M. album, but what the heck — the newly remastered version has bonus tracks and it sure beats spending your money on shipping fees. So did you just fall prey to a marketing gimmick or save yourself some money? It depends on your perspective. In this special holiday edition of TechnoFeature, reporter Jill Bauerle explores the big business behind free shipping offers. Her investigation takes her from the Wharton School of Business to two online retailers that buck the trend by offering "truly free shipping" with no strings attached.

Coming December 19, 2006 to TechnoFeature: Exhibits, witnesses, depositions ... a three-ring binder just won't cut it when it comes to organizing and preparing for trial. Luckily, we have technology at our fingertips. In this article, trial and technology consultant Ted Brooks takes a look under the hood of TrialDirector 5, the latest release from inData. Ted tells you what to expect from this robust program — pros, cons, and even some tips for maximizing the benefits. Whether you're new to litigation support software or a veteran TrialDirector user, you'll find something to like in Ted's comprehensive review.

How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Tuesdays, TechnoFeature is a weekly newsletter that contains in-depth articles written by leading legal technology and practice management experts. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.

Coming December 12, 2006 to TechnoFeature: Someone hacks into your network and destroys all your case files. A Katrina-like hurricane devastates your area. Your office building burns down. The chances may seem slim, but these things can and do happen. Will you be ready? In this article, legal coach and consultant Edward Poll shares his top ten tips for securing your law firm's network before disaster strikes. Learn how to prepare so that if something goes wrong, you won't miss a beat.

How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Tuesdays, TechnoFeature is a weekly newsletter that contains in-depth articles written by leading legal technology and practice management experts. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.

Coming December 5, 2006 to TechnoFeature: You wouldn't be caught dead using a cassette player instead of your iPod for listening to music these days, so why stay stuck in the dictation dark ages? That tape recorder has got to go. In this article, attorney Jeffrey Allen explores the realm of digital dictation and how it can benefit today's mobile lawyer. Learn how ultra-portable devices and digital media can make your dictation fast and flawless.

How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Tuesdays, TechnoFeature is a weekly newsletter that contains in-depth articles written by leading legal technology and practice management experts. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.

Coming November 28, 2006 to TechnoFeature: For many of us, preparing for a trip means buying a new bathing suit, selecting a good book, and stocking up on sunscreen. Unfortunately, preparing for a business trip requires a bit more planning and effort. In this article, legal technology consultants Pat Nemish and John "Tim" Mellitz share their top ten tips for business travel, leading to happier, more productive, and efficient executives in the field. Learn everything from how to pack your socks to where to find Wifi hotspots — and remember to always travel light and pack right!

How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Tuesdays, TechnoFeature is a weekly newsletter that contains in-depth articles written by leading legal technology and practice management experts. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.

Coming November 21, 2006 to TechnoFeature: Buying a new pair of shoes is fairly simple — you pick out styles you like, try them on, and go with the pair that fits and looks best. But picking out shoes and picking out a document assembly program are two entirely different animals. In this article, technology consultant and HotDocs expert Seth Rowland takes the guesswork out of your search and arms you with all you need to know about the newest edition of LexisNexis' popular document assembly software — HotDocs 2006. Seth gives you the lowdown on the pros and cons as well as his wish list for future editions. Whether you're new to document assembly or an experienced coder, we think you'll find Seth's exhaustive review helpful in your evaluation process.

How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Tuesdays, TechnoFeature is a weekly newsletter that contains in-depth articles written by leading legal technology and practice management experts. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.

Coming November 13, 2006 to TechnoFeature: When you hear the words "paperless office," do you think fact or fiction? If you have a more pessimistic view, you may want to listen up. In this article, legal technology expert Ross L. Kodner and attorney Dale W. Cottam discuss how optimizing your scanner's capabilities and using current document management software can free you from the mountains of paper and help institute a more efficient and productive workflow. Find out how Dale's firm implements Ross' Paper LESS methods — and how you can too.

How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Tuesdays, TechnoFeature is a weekly newsletter that contains in-depth articles written by leading legal technology and practice management experts. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.