New Solo

Get the most out of today’s tech products that are specifically created to save you time on the mundane stuff so you can focus on getting results for your clients. Guest Ernie “The Attorney” Svenson’s biz tech consulting firm helps small and solo firms apply tech solutions without being overwhelmed and learn the “80/20 Rule,” getting more output with less input.  When it comes to efficiencies, automation plays a big role. In a solo or small firm, resources come at a premium. Learn to reduce wasted input through standardized, repeatable operating procedures and automation. (There are even tech products that help you create written standard processes learning from and organizing the work you’re already doing). Imagine speaking into an app as you “brain dump” and having those thoughts come out organized and notated for later use. Imagine dictating legal work into an app and having AI organize your dictation, even correct it. You don’t need to type everything in today’s tech world. Maximize downtime.   It’s all about training yourself to think “automation first.” Even when a virtual assistant (VA) located in another country can fill gaps in your practice, learn your preferences, match your brand, and help you be your most efficient you without hiring a full-tie employee. Today’s most successful law firms are high-tech hubs. Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  Topics: There’s no reason for a solo practitioner or small firm not to engage in today’s tech. Leverage technology to get a lot of results without a lot of effort. Learn how the “80/20 Rule” helps you get more done with less effort.  If you’re a lawyer, time spent marketing is time spent not lawyering. Automation can perform repeatable marketing tasks (even social media, newsletters, and referral marketing) to help you bring in new business while you focus on results for your clients.  Virtual assistants, or VAs, are remote workers, often in another country, who can perform the routine tasks that are eating up your time while you focus on practicing law. Mentioned in This Episode:ABA TechshowLoomZoom ClipsOtter.aiFireflies.aiLetterlyCleft Windows dictationText Expander “8 Great TextExpander Alternatives” FancyHands Lawclerk legal assistantsPerplexity.ai

Clio, the longtime, long-trusted software tech provider for lawyers, has plunged into the accounting game. Time and case management, billing, payments, and simply keeping track of your bottom line all take up time when you could be doing something else, like, you know, serving your clients’ needs. Now Clio has baked that accounting service directly into its practice management software package. Frankly, attorneys – especially new solo practitioners – may have been taught very little about running a business. Being a good lawyer is only part of the game. Lawyers also need to know how to manage money and accounting. That’s where software and money management programs can help, including tax prep, accounting for ongoing work in anticipation of payment, capital distributions, and handling funds your clients have entrusted you with.  Hear why legal-specific accounting is so important (hint, legal accounting is not like any other accounting, and mistakes can truly hurt your practice). Plus, the top five features that must be part of any legal accounting platform. Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  Topics: Law schools and legal training may overlook the importance of accounting for a new law firm. It’s not intuitive. Hear how legal practice management firm Clio is incorporating legal-specific accounting functions into its platform Practicing law is what you signed up for, but managing money is what will keep your firm running. Never forget, your firm is a business that depends on accounting. Tax management, income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow management are not only crucial, but very weirdly specific in the world of legal accounting. Mentioned in This Episode:Clio Clio Accounting and Demo2024 Legal Trends for Solo and Small Law FirmsNew Solo, “Oh, The Messes We See” New Solo, “Money Management 101 for Solo and Small Firm Professionals” New Solo, “Winning The Battle: When It’s Time To ‘Modernize’ But There’s One Holdout” cpnLEGALAffinity ConsultingJoshua’s Previous Appearances on Legal Talk Network: New Solo, “HIPAA Happens, But Compliance Software Can Help” On Balance: “Insights on Clio’s 2023 Legal Trends Report with Joshua Lenon”

In this engaging discussion, Debbie Foster, the CEO at Affinity Consulting, shares her expertise on modernizing legal practices. She highlights the common roadblocks to adopting new technology, often stemming from deep-seated fears and resistance within teams. By emphasizing the importance of clearly defining problems and ensuring everyone understands potential solutions, she promotes a collaborative approach to overcoming internal obstacles. With actionable insights on navigating staff dynamics and focusing on firm-wide benefits, Debbie inspires legal teams to embrace innovation.

Accomplished mediators Renee Thompson and Liz McCausland discuss AI in law, ethical guidelines, client consent, and judge perception. They highlight the Florida Bar's initiatives, benefits of joining the Solo & Small Firms Section, legal tech tools, and expertise in AI. The podcast explores the use of AI in legal research, practice management, and mentoring for young lawyers.

Dan Lear, a legal tech expert, discusses the importance of tech skills for attorneys based on a new survey. He explores advancements in legal tech tools, opportunities for law grads in the tech field, and how lawyers can meet client expectations with the latest tools. The discussion emphasizes the need for efficient case management, online filing, and embracing digital advancements for client satisfaction.

Guest Joanne Martin, founder and lawyer at Align Family Law, shares tips on growing a solo law practice. Topics include hiring, tech, marketing, networking, and expanding services. Advice on being bold, spending when needed, and seeking professional help. Learn from others' experiences and take your practice to the next level.

Discover how AI is seamlessly integrated into everyday software like Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Teams to enhance productivity. Learn how AI assistants can revolutionize document review, meeting summaries, and more. Embrace the benefits of AI in your workflow and see how technologies like Microsoft Co-pilot can transform tasks like creating PowerPoint presentations from Word documents.

Learn about the different Microsoft account types, AI add-ons like Microsoft Copilot, and the importance of keeping personal and work accounts separate. Explore Microsoft 365 subscription options, security features, and enhancements like Lists and Power Automate. Join the Unbillable Hours Community Roundtable for valuable discussions with other lawyers.

AI, artificial intelligence, is super cool. But it’s not perfect, and it can get you into trouble. Start by reading the terms of service. Understand if you’re getting something for free, you get what you pay for. And finally, be careful.ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and all the new, exciting versions of artificial intelligence, AI, are exciting. But have you read the “terms of service?” Guest Daniel Whitehouse is a lawyer who practices in the areas of IT and digital security. He says even lawyers forget to read (really read) the terms. And that’s a mistake.Do you know who owns the data you input? Is it being absorbed into the AI’s own machine learning and shared with the public? Broadcasting your information into the world, for everyone to see, can be as easy as a checkbox you clicked on.Not to make you paranoid, but … be a bit paranoid. Even if you’re using Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, do you know if you’re using the professional or personal version (hint: there is a difference).Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com Topics: AI is a miracle but remember, it’s a “continuous learning model.” What is it learning from you? What are you sharing with these products? If you can’t find something you’re looking for in the terms of service, ask why that information is so hard to find. Be suspicious. Terms and service provisions should be clear and easy to read. Understanding how AI uses information, and how accurate it is, is especially vital in the legal world.  Mentioned in this Episode:Previous appearance on New Solo: “Did You Really Read Those Terms of Service?” Previous appearance on New Solo: “Data Security and Florida Breach Notification Law” Bob Ambrogi, LawNext.ComDamien Riehl, LinkedIn Carolyn Elefant, My Shingle Microsoft 365Microsoft OneDriveMicrosoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion”Copilot for Microsoft EdgeMicrosoft CopilotWindows Security CenterMicrosoft Defender XDR

The world is changing, technology is changing, and the threats to your private files and security are changing. The evolution of AI is making it hard to keep up. But don’t lose hope. It’s been a while since we’ve had IT expert Adam Alexander with us, but he’s back with more tips for solo practitioners and small practices. Alexander and his firm, InterNetwork IT, help attorneys identify, deploy, and manage security solutions and keep firms running efficiently. AI is shaking up everything. We’ll talk about Microsoft AI “Copilots” and how Microsoft is integrating AI into your entire PC experience. You’ll be surprised at how this combination works for both Windows and Macs.Learn how to check security settings. Breaches are real and can be costly. Hear why it’s so important (and easy) to back up your files offsiteWe’ve seen some tremendous tools in both productivity and security. If you aren’t keeping up, you might be missing out on some time saving hacks (even a way to convert handwriting to text built into your Snipping tool). Get the scoop on this episode of New Solo. . Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  Topics: AI is changing a lot, including the simplest tasks. In our latest tech talk, dive into AI products that plug right into your web browsers. Why file security is so important (and protecting your files is easier than you think … if you pay attention). Some daily activities require specific security efforts, including Payment Card Industry (PCI) security and even, if you work with medical information, HIPAA security. But you can do it.    Mentioned in this Episode:Previous appearance on New Solo, “The Microsoft 365 Special: Your Questions, Expert Answers”Microsoft 365Microsoft OneDriveMicrosoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion” Copilot for Microsoft 365Copilot for Microsoft EdgeMicrosoft Copilot for WindowsWindows Security CenterMicrosoft Defender XDRLawPayClioMicrosoft HIPAA productsPrevious episode, “A Short Primer on Microsoft Accounts, OneDrive, and SharePoint”Previous episode, “The All-Mac Edition: The Episode For Mac-Curious Attorneys” Previous episode, “HIPAA Happens, But Compliance Software Can Help