TechnoLawyer: TechnoFeature

Coming April 18, 2006 to TechnoFeature: Still using version 1.0? How quaint. If you have not yet upgraded to the latest version of your trial presentation software (or still use posterboard and a pointer at trial), listen up! In this two-part series, veteran trial presentation consultant Timothy Piganelli discusses the latest and most innovative features of today's trial presentation software. In Part 1, Tim explores Sanction and TrialDirector. In Part 2, he explores TimeMap and Visionary.

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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 April 11, 2006 to TechnoFeature: Face it — technology is not just for work. The more comfortable you become with technology, the higher your productivity level, right? So why not have some fun? In this article, technology consultant Seth Rowland reviews today's best gadgets, toys, and entertainment software designed to appeal to the kid in us all. Be warned — you may soon have to record some unbillable time!

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 April 4, 2006 to TechnoFeature: Think you know everything about starting a new practice? Notwithstanding your legal talent, you also need business talent — a key ingredient in the launch of a successful law firm. In this article, legal coach and consultant Edward Poll differentiates business from law and explains how to create an environment in which both can thrive. In doing so, Ed lays down ten Do's and Don'ts.

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 March 28, 2006 to TechnoFeature: Do you hate calling tech support? Do you find yourself fighting with computer programs just to prove you can figure it out yourself? Even if you enjoy grappling with technology, it may not be a smart business decision. Remember, your time is money — and the more time you spend troubleshooting a computer problem, the less time you're billing. In this article, attorney and legal writer Jeffrey S. Lisson discusses the economics of the do-it-yourself mentality often found in law firms, and why it's often cheaper for such firms to hire professionals. Find out why spending money on technology services can boost your capacity to provide legal services.

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 March 21, 2006 to TechnoFeature: If the Smithsonian exhibited a typical deposition of the 1920's, it would not look much different from a typical deposition in 2006: A deponent answers questions, looking down at paper documents, while a court reporter taps out strange symbols on a primitive-looking machine. In this article, trial consultant Lynn Packer introduces a new patent-pending concept designed to revolutionize the antiquated deposition process. See how your next deposition can go from paper and steno to paperless and video in a flash.

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.

TechnoFeature: Review: The SmartDraw Legal Solution
By Jill Bauerle

TechnoScore: 4.8 (Rated by 4 Users)
1 = Lowest Possible Score; 5 = Highest Possible Score
www.smartdrawlegal.com

Introduction

SmartDraw.com's SmartDraw Legal Solution enables legal professionals without any design expertise to create professional-looking graphics to persuade clients, judges, juries and even opposing counsel. The SmartDraw Legal Solution includes more than 1,000 templates and 50,000 images for accident reconstructions, crime scenes, maps, medical diagrams, Gantt charts, organizational charts, timelines, and more.

Though just a year old, the SmartDraw Legal Solution has the feel of more mature software thanks to the fact that it was built atop SmartDraw, a business graphics program launched in 1994 and now at version 7. According to the company, more than half of the Fortune 500 use SmartDraw.

Pricing for the SmartDraw Legal Solution starts at $449 with discounts and volume licensing available. You can also find it bundled with other legal software from time to time. It comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

For this review, we interviewed four SmartDraw Legal Solution users who rated it and discussed its use in their practice as well as its pros and cons. What did they think? Read on to find out.

SmartDraw.com's SmartDraw Legal Solution enables legal professionals without any design expertise to create professional-looking illustrations to persuade clients, judges, juries and even opposing counsel. The SmartDraw Legal Solution comes with more than 1,000 templates and 50,000 images for accident reconstructions, crime scenes, maps, medical diagrams, Gantt charts, organizational charts, timelines, and more. For this review, we interviewed four SmartDraw Legal Solution users who rated it and discussed its use in their practice as well as its pros and cons. What did they think? Read this TechnoFeature to find out.

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 March 7, 2006 to TechnoFeature: Is your client too chatty? Over confident? These traits and others can often lead to a devastating deposition unless addressed beforehand. In this article, lawyer and technology writer David Hirsch discusses why a client's deposition is the most neglected aspect of litigation, and emphasizes the importance of early preparation. Find out how to minimize damage and maximize good results.

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 February 28, 2006 to TechnoFeature: Once you've decided to adopt a document management system, how do you ensure a successful implementation? In this article, technology consultant John Heckman offers ten priceless tips to help you focus on what you really need and how you want your document management system to function. See the difference a little planning and forethought can make.

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 February 21, 2006 to TechnoFeature: Lawyers who bill by the hour can find it difficult to justify investments in labor-saving technology. Why spend money to get work done faster when you charge for your time? In this article, attorney and technology consultant Marc Lauritsen describes twelve ways lawyers can profit from greater speed and efficiency. Learn how to work smarter — and better serve both your clients and yourself.

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.