Over the next few articles, I will share some thoughts on setting your devices up for a “palm practice” (practicing law from the palm of your hand). Most lawyers now have smartphones or devices with us every day. But, with great power comes great responsibility. While these tools are helpful, they can also increase the sense that we should always be working on something.
Apple recently updated its operating systems for Mac and iOS (iPhone and iPad). Apple also announced a new line of computers built with its own processors. While this development is largely under the hood, these new chips represent some new potential for computing.
For a long time, I’ve wanted a legal pad app for my iPad that could reliably turn my handwriting into text. The iPad and Apple Pencil should do this well, but there was too much friction in getting the text to be recognized and usable. That’s all changed with the latest iPad OS update. Apple gives users Scribble — the ability to hand-write in any field on the iPad and the iPad will turn handwriting into text, almost instantly. This is a serious tool.
Personal and work lives have changed drastically in 2020, and we are only halfway through the year! If nothing else, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how flexible and resilient we need to and can be. It has also reminded us of how “essential” legal services are. What do you do when you are deemed “essential” during a global pandemic? You get creative.
It’s become known as the virus. With all of the precautions, shutdowns, quarantines, etc., it would be a wise move to have a contingency plan in place if your work or life becomes affected by the virus. Here are some ideas to consider if you will need to be away from the office for an extended period of time.
Many lawyers are already familiar with Outlook on their desktop computer and have it set up to help them manage their emails. The problem is that emails come in at all times of the day (and night), and having a device that is connected outside of the office means you are constantly connected to email. There are times when that is a good and necessary thing, but there are other times when it interferes with what you are trying to get done. So, what do you do to keep email under control? Change your perspective by using a different version of Outlook.
Legal professionals often turn to technology for help. The key is to use tech wisely and avoid it becoming like the new toy given at Christmas that is fun for a while, but quickly loses its appeal.
Recently, Apple released the latest version of its iPhone operating system, iOS 13 (iPad software is coming soon). Each year, the software gets better when it comes to entering text, which is the key to getting stuff done on your phone. Apple does not disappoint with iOS 13, offering two features that have been around for a while, but continue to get better: Voice Control and swipe keyboard (QuickPath).
This article will focus on using the iPad to manage, review and annotate PDF files using your iPad and Apple Pencil.
Recent iPad software developments represent an opportunity for doing “real” work on the iPad, making it an integral part of a lawyer’s workflow.
Who among us has not opened our favorite social media application, only to find that 20 (or more) minutes later, we are wondering where the time went? There’s an app for that.
Text expansion tools can help with speed and accuracy of text entry, especially in those moments when you don’t want to or can’t voice dictate.
The key to achieving an outcome, in technology and other matters, is consistent micro efforts over time that will lead to macro results. Starting a new habit is daunting. What if, instead, you replaced an existing habit?
Christmas is just around the corner. You finally have a couple of days off to binge watch that Netflix show you’ve been hearing about, only to be asked to enter your password. You fiddle with the remote to type in the password in vain. So much for goodwill toward men. Thankfully, there’s a solution to this challenge: a software-based password manager.
Why is there so much talk about automation in the practice of law these days? Almost every legal technology source extols the benefits of automation. There must be a reason, right? Yes. Automation of routine tasks can benefit your practice in multiple ways.
If you have ever tried talking to your computer, it feels a little strange (and may get you a few strange looks from colleagues).
You can use a voice recorder or iPhone to capture your thoughts and plan future actions. Over the next few articles, I want to share some thoughts on modern dictation — turning your thoughts into text using technology.
Here are some reminders to help you avoid taking the bait and getting hooked by an email phishing attempt.
In the book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” Stephen Covey talks about the principle of beginning with the end of your life in mind. I suggest a smaller version of the concept. Ask yourself each week, “what do I want/need to accomplish this week?” Write down the items. As you look at the list, think of how you would bill your client for accomplishing that task.
This article will provide an overview of the issues surrounding this current Facebook faux pas, with a focus on what questions lawyers should be asking themselves.