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Last Entry: November 19, 2009 at 13:04:11

Free Case Research on Google Scholar

Posted on November 19, 2009
On November 17th, Google announced its latest offering: Google Scholar ? a place where one can find and read full text legal opinions from U.S. federal and state district, appellate and supreme courts, all for free.

Independent Contractors

Posted on November 17, 2009
A number of law firms choose to classify part-time employees as Independent Contractors because it?s easier than adding them to payroll, or dealing with tax deductions, workers compensation, and benefit decisions based on part-time or erratic hours of service...

Peace of Mind from Blackberry

Posted on November 12, 2009
BlackBerrys have a special security feature that will send out an emergency notification if you type in a password under duress.

Judge Rules FTC Cannot Make Lawyers Comply With Identity Theft Laws

Posted on November 12, 2009
The new Red Flags Rules which went into effect on November 1, 2009 were supposed to apply to lawyers, according to the FTC. Just two days ahead of the deadline, a federal judge at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted lawyers a reprieve.

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Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

Posted on November 04, 2009
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) goes into effect on November 21, 2009. You will need to replace your federal employment rights poster(s) at your office in order to remain in compliance.

Planning Your 2010 Budget for Postage

Posted on October 16, 2009
During these tight economic times, it seems everyone is going over their budget for 2010 with a magnifying glass. What should you plan for in postage increases?

Online Banking and the Next Generation of Trojans

Posted on October 01, 2009
Online banking is getting more dangerous as malicious code gets more advanced. A news report which posted on September 29, 2009 on CNet News revealed what security experts referred to as the "next generation" of banking Trojan. The bank Trojan, dubbed URLZone, has features designed to thwart fraud detection systems which are triggered by unusual transactions.

Clinging to Windows XP

Posted on June 29, 2009
Is your firm still hanging onto Windows XP? If so, you're not alone. Ninety-six percent of those who responded to a recent TechRepublic survey indicated they are still using XP.

Malicious Web Sites Increasing Your Security Risk Exposure

Posted on June 12, 2009
The recently published story by Susan Bradley entitled "Big-name Sites Spread Latest Malware Infections" on the Microsoft Secrets web site should be mandatory reading for anyone who uses Internet Explorer to surf the web.

Another Huge Security Breach

Posted on May 20, 2009
CNet News reported last Friday about a security breach at UC Berkeley which left 160,000 individuals at risk due to possible stolen information. At particular risk of identity theft are some 97,000 individuals whose Social Security numbers were accessed in the breach, but it's still unclear whether hackers were able to match up those SSNs with individual names.

Make the News: Help a Reporter Out

Posted on May 15, 2009
Do you ever read an article and wonder how the attorneys or other people quoted in it get found by the reporters? Are they friends with the reporter? Are they on some special database of experts? Maybe, but more likely they have responded to a reporter query from ?Help A Reporter Out? (HARO), or another free query list.

Ulanoff Prediction: Death of the Free Web

Posted on May 15, 2009
If you have a moment, read Lance Ulanoff's thought-provoking article "Is the Free Web About to Expire?" which appears in the May 13, 2009 issue of PCMag.com.

Vista Will Be Abandoned by Microsoft

Posted on May 12, 2009
There have been persistent rumors that Microsoft would abandon Vista once Windows 7 ships. Vista has not sold well since its release. Small wonder, since it's been possibly the most flawed operating system release in history. On Monday May 11th, Microsoft said users testing Vista should abandon that effort for the Windows 7 RC candidate.

PA Has Fourth Probable Case of Swine Flu

Posted on May 01, 2009
In a joint press release today, The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) and the Montgomery County Health Department reported the state's fourth probable case of swine influenza, this time in Montgomery County.

A New Employment Law Blog

Posted on April 29, 2009
A new employment law blog has dotted the landscape of the world wide web. Dubbed "HumanRacehorses," the tag line promises, "A look at the legal aspects of the employment relationship --- slightly irreverent but hopefully frequently helpful." I expect great things from this blog.

For Young Lawyers and Attorneys Opening Their First Law Office

Posted on April 28, 2009
The April issue of Law Practice Today focuses on topics of importance to young lawyers and attorneys opening their first law office.

Laptops for College Students

Posted on April 17, 2009
If you've got a college-bound student, or just one who needs a tech upgrade, I recommend you see how Ross weighs in on things. It may save you time, headaches, and money.

Going Paperless - One Firm’s Story

Posted on April 10, 2009
I found a very informative and well-produced podcast on the Divorce Discourse blog explaining precisely how their office went paperless, and why, step by step. If you can't figure out how to get there after listening to this podcast, you can contact them for additional information...

I’m All A-Twitter

Posted on April 09, 2009
I just returned from American Bar Association's TechSHOW 2009 where I presented two sessions, and attended a multitude. The vendor exhibit was amazing this year. I can't ever remember so many new products to enable one to convert virtually every otherwise "down" moment into productive, billable time...

Increase Your Mastery of Word

Posted on April 09, 2009
My colleague at the Wisconsin Bar, Nerino Petro, recently posted to his Compujurist blog about Madison criminal defense attorney Charles Kenyon's web resources, including FAQ, links and updated legal user's guide for using MS Word.

New COBRA Rules in Effect

Posted on March 26, 2009
The recent economic stimulus package signed into law includes significant changes to COBRA administration -- and provides a short deadline for employers, insurers and third-party administrators to comply. The changes are numerous and complicated.

Internet Explorer 8 Just Released Today

Posted on March 20, 2009
Hot off the newswire: Microsoft today announced the release of Internet Explorer version 8. It can be downloaded in 25 languages starting at noon EDT on March 19.

Older Workers Delaying Retirement

Posted on March 18, 2009
While the economic crisis is being felt by nearly every segment of the working population, one group of workers is faced with particularly tough decisions regarding their futures. Law firms need to be prepared to assist them in making a transition during challenging times.

Autonomy Corp Acquires Interwoven

Posted on March 18, 2009
It seems like just the other day when IManage was acquired by Interwoven. Not much happened to change things in the document management world when that acquisition happened. In an announcement today, Autonomy Corporation announced that is has sealed the deal to acquire Interwoven.

Selecting an Internet Fax Service

Posted on March 13, 2009
As we increasingly seek to receive our faxes electronically, solo and small firms turn to internet-based fax services. There are a plethora of offerings out there. How do we differentiate?

Copy and Paste from One Computer to Another

Posted on March 13, 2009
Most computer users have encountered the situation where they want to copy some text from one computer to another. Often this means having to create a text file and then transferring the file to the other computer using a USB flash drive or CD. Here's a simple alternative that works.

When Your Tech Makes You So Mad You Need to Smile

Posted on March 12, 2009
My colleague, Nerino Petro, at the State Bar of Wisconsin, has a post on his blog Nerino Petro’s Compujurist.com�which highlights the love - hate relationship lawyers have with their technology, by pointing to a very humorous blog post by David Cambria on Law...

Time to Buy Vista?

Posted on March 11, 2009
OK, I promised I would post to the blog when I thought enough time and software error corrections had been made to make it safe to move to Vista. I have been following comments in various legal technology listservs, and in the PC-related press for some time now, just waiting until I felt I could say all the turmoil had sufficiently died down...

New Laser Printers and Multi-functions Coming from Brother

Posted on March 11, 2009
Brother International Corporation is one of the premier providers of products for the home, home office and solo or small law firm office. They are also one of the favored brands which has stood the test of time with lawyers. And we know that isn't easy...

The Virtual Office and Remote Access Technology

Posted on February 19, 2009
One of the things I have found out over the years is that I can work from anywhere and at any time using reliable, proven technology.

Our New President Is Creating Work for Some Attorneys

Posted on February 13, 2009
Labor law has been relatively quiet for many years. Many lawyers saw the handwriting on the wall as labor unions started to wane in strength and influence. Many switched over to employment law, seeing it as the next looming area ahead. And they were not wrong...

The Virtual Office and Remote Access Technology

Posted on February 10, 2009
One of the things I have found out over the years is that I can work from anywhere and at any time using reliable, proven technology.

Identity Theft Prevention Program Required Under Red Flags Rules

Posted on January 17, 2009
Do you know you may need to develop and implement an identity theft prevention program for your firm? Yes, it?s not just something important to do. And it?s not just something important for you to inform some of your clients (Financial Institutions and Creditors) that they have to do...

Spam on your cell phone?

Posted on January 17, 2009
It's bad enough that our inboxes are bulging with new spam email day after day, despite our best efforts to filter them out. How bad is it? According to 2007 statistics aggregated by Postini, one of the world leaders in email virus and spam cleansing, 10 out of 12 messages (81%) are spam and 1 in 14 (7%) messages is virus infected...

Thin Client Technology, IBM, and a Computing World Without Microsoft

Posted on December 16, 2008
It's been quite a while since I've written about the possibilities offered by thin client technology. So long, in fact, that much of what I predicted is finally coming to pass.

MAC Lawyers and Other Zealots

Posted on December 16, 2008
Being a truly independent consultant means that one must often speak unpopular words. Words which may promote intellectual dialogue. That's the way it should be. Recently, though, my colleague and friend, Ross Kodner, has been under siege from the more extreme devotees of MAC use in the law firm.

Timekeeping on Your iPhone

Posted on December 04, 2008
On December 2nd Exparte Staffing announced a new timekeeping application designed for the iPhone. At a cost of under $4.00 it's worth a look.

Looking to Finally Go Paperless?

Posted on December 03, 2008
Lawyers are finally accepting the reality that they need to go digital. It's the only reasonable solution to the need to work smarter instead of harder. But progress is generally made in fits and starts.

FDIC Announces Inclusion of IOLTA in Unlimited Deposit Insurance

Posted on November 21, 2008
Admittedly my most recent post about FDIC insurance limits and IOLTA accounts was overdue. This one is as timely as it gets. In a statement posted to the ABA site today, President H. Thomas Wells Jr. announced and applauded the recent FDIC decision.

What Happens to Your IOLTA Account If Your Bank Fails?

Posted on November 21, 2008
Right now there are plenty of lawyers across the nation who are jittery about their client trust funds. With the banking industry looking for another bail-out, and a couple of failures dotting the national landscape, my peers from other state bars are receiving the same steady trickle of queries I am regarding what is insured and what is not.

A Quick Return to Sweet, Sweet Revenge

Posted on November 14, 2008
After dispensing advice for 10 years about how to gain psychological relief by exacting revenge on deadbeat clients, I retracted it as of yesterday. After some additional research, I can again offer up the same advice with a better explanation.

About Blogging More

Posted on November 13, 2008
I recently presented at the Maryland State Bar Solo & Small Firm Conference. As one attorney exited my session he stopped to compliment me on the seminar, and in departing he said, "Blog More"

Revenge Is Now a Lot Less Sweet

Posted on November 13, 2008
Many of you have heard me at least once present a seminar on how to increase the likelihood of getting paid. It concludes with a methodology to exact revenge when all the right moves on your part don't motivate clients to pay.

Remote Access and Rebooting

Posted on November 13, 2008
If you've ever tried to access your computer remotely only to find it frozen, powered off, or in a wait state following an automatic software update or power failure, you're going to like this news.

Don’t Drive and Cell in CA

Posted on November 13, 2008
California has become the fifth state in the nation to make it illegal to drive and hold a cell phone conversation while actually holding the cell phone. It's OK to do it hands free using a corded or Bluetooth wireless headset, but not holding the phone to the ear.

A New Listing on the BlogRoll

Posted on October 07, 2008
For those of you familiar with blogs -- most everyone by now -- you know that the BlogRoll is reserved for a listing of other recommended blogs from colleagues or competitors we admire. I'm late to the party on recommending this one.

Problems With the New iPhone

Posted on October 07, 2008
If you're about to buy an iPhone, you may want to hold off until the newest wrinkle is ironed out.

Finally — Smoke Free Workplaces in PA

Posted on September 25, 2008
It's about time the smoke free workplace became mandatory in PA. Is your office ready?

Do You Know the Difference Between AVAILABLE and CLEARED Funds?

Posted on July 07, 2008
Millions of dollars have been scammed from law firm trust accounts because of inadequate safeguards, but especially because many lawyers don't seem to understand the difference between funds which have been cleared, and funds which are merely made available.

GC Describes Characteristics of a Great Rainmaker

Posted on June 30, 2008
Want to know what makes for a great rainmaker? Hear what one general counsel has to say.

IRS Increases Mileage Rate

Posted on June 30, 2008
The IRS is increasing the mileage rate as of July 1, 2008.

First Blogging, Now Twittering

Posted on June 30, 2008
Many people just don't get it about blogs. Even fewer are picking up on the potential of Twitter. Is it even on your radar screen?

Surf the Web While Flying

Posted on June 25, 2008
Airlines are slowly exploring the possibility of permitting internet access during flights, albeit for a price.

Email: Plain Text or HTML?

Posted on June 10, 2008
It's hard to believe it's been so long since I've posted to the blog. Building a new home and then moving home and office takes a lot more time than you would think. But this topical debate drew me back into the fray.

Will Corporate Clients Force You to Go Paperless?

Posted on March 30, 2008
It's undeniable that corporate clients have led to the mass migration in law firms from WordPerfect to Word when they informed their law firms they refused to continue to convert documents back and forth. Will they now lead the way to a paperless practice?

Trojan Infection Found in Cell Phones

Posted on February 29, 2008
Anti-virus vendor McAfee issued a warning on the company?s blog that a new Windows Mobile Trojan has been detected in China. The Trojan apparently can disable the handset?s application installation security.

Yikes — A Major Microsoft Goof with Service Pack 3

Posted on February 11, 2008
Just when you thought that those Microsoft programmers -- you know, the ones all hopped up on caffeine and sugar from all those bottles of Pepsi consumed to wash down the Twinkies -- couldn't possibly top past blunders, we have the release of XP Service Pack 3.

Should You Discount Your Fees?

Posted on February 08, 2008
The question about whether to discount ones fees comes up frequently. It is especially significant to address for newly-minted lawyers, as well as struggling lawyers during hard economic times.

A Good Reason to Buy a New Cell Phone

Posted on February 05, 2008
This is a little off the beaten path of my blog, but it's worth mentioning. Instead of creating landfill when you buy a new toy, you can create good will for someone laying their life on the line for our country.

Microsoft’s Bid for Yahoo

Posted on February 04, 2008
In case you haven't heard, Microsoft has put in a bid to buy Yahoo. I admit when I read the news I was scratching my head in disbelief. What would be the point, I pondered.

Changes to I-9 Form

Posted on February 01, 2008
The I-9 Form has changed. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has provided a list of FAQs, along with a 48-page handbook for employers, to ease the shift to the new form.

Are You Ready for a $2,500 Car?

Posted on January 13, 2008
Tata Motors, based in Mumbai, makes cars, trucks, and buses for both the domestic market and for export, and has relationships with Italy's Fiat and Korea's Daewoo. They have just revealed their $2,500 Nano, which they have labeled The People's Car.

Are You Amused by the Annual Stella Awards?

Posted on January 04, 2008
For those unfamiliar with these awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and verdicts in the U.S., they are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald's where she purchased the coffee.

Small Business Computer Security

Posted on December 20, 2007
If you're looking for a simple checklist with easy to follow instructions, this link is a real plus.

Flying Through Airport Security

Posted on December 10, 2007
Not many people are aware of the growing ability to breeze through airport security -- a growing bottleneck all travelers dread.

Client Business Development — A New Marketplace

Posted on November 28, 2007
Just at a time when firms are fiercely competing for those highly desirable business clients, comes a whole new realm offering additional business development opportunities. Will you be on the radar screen for these prospects?

Confidentiality in the Reception Area

Posted on November 26, 2007
Law firms go to great lengths to maintain confidentiality of their client's identities. Examples include redacting names on receivable reports given to banks; shredding old client lists; training personnel not to discuss clients in public places or even firm hallways...

How to Avoid Dangerous Web Sites

Posted on November 26, 2007
We often receive emails with links to sites we don't know or trust. Visiting the wrong site can result in installation of spyware or other scumware on your computer.

Traveling With Luggage Is Getting Harder

Posted on November 21, 2007
Maybe a more accurate title would be that the odds of arriving at the same destination as your luggage is getting worse. The problem is further compounded by the fact that more bags must now be checked due to NTSA regulations.

Welcome to Black Friday!

Posted on November 21, 2007
Just in time for the official starter pistol shot to kick off holiday shopping comes the annual Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers from fellow blogger Reid Trautz.

Lessons for Managing Partners

Posted on November 20, 2007
How does a managing partner learn to be a great managing partner? How does he or she even know what makes a managing partner good at what they do? Is there a road map or book of directions to follow?