Conscientious objectors in the technology revolution
Article Abstract:
Law partners who resist technology innovations are often either stubborn or afraid to change old habits. These same attorneys are also reluctant to admit their fear or reluctance and are proficient at developing arguments and excuses for not adopting technology. Common rationalizations for shunning computerized time and billing, word processing, electronic discovery management and laser printers are based on the inability to see technology's overwhelming benefits in daily work. Lawyers are prone to distinguishing their jobs of practicing law as separate from document production. Their fear of the unknown often leads them to project their technological ignorance on their clients whom they fear will not understand technologically-generated or executed information. Since many lawyers' fears are grounded in their respective aversions to change and ignorance, attorneys attempting to sway partner resistance should illustrate simple tasks that could be markedly improved using computers.
Publication Name: Law Office Computing
Subject: Law
ISSN: 1055-128X
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Legal forms on the net
Article Abstract:
The Internet provides users with hundreds of free model documents and forms. Most online forms lack commercial software's artificial intelligence and are not interactive. Publishers such as QuickForms and Legaldocs, however, provide users with interactive form sites which feature limited free forms that help familiarize users with their respective systems. Most online forms are collections of text that users can customize and formulate on pages. Government forms, however, are usually standardized to facilitate timely processing. Four types of downloadable file formats include Post Script (PS), Portable Document Format (PDF), Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) and Printer Control Language (PCL). Users that download free Internet files should consider using virus scan software frequently and they should download their files to floppy disks or empty directories to be scanned after the download.
Publication Name: Law Office Computing
Subject: Law
ISSN: 1055-128X
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
The future of law office computing
Article Abstract:
Seven experts in law office computing discuss the industry's future, as well as significant events of 1994. Of this latter issue, one insider touts WordPerfect 6.0a as the most substantial development. Others cite CD-ROM and voice control technology. Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system is reservedly endorsed, as are certain PIM packages. Networking, document imaging and communications are discussed as to their impact in the legal community. The panel is essentially split on the topic of WordPerfect's continued domination in the industry.
Publication Name: Law Office Computing
Subject: Law
ISSN: 1055-128X
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Corporate law departments eye technology. Creating a virtual Practice. Create a professional look with graphics
- Abstracts: Zealous civil lawyers now fear prosecution. Lawyers begin the post-vote exodus. New explorers hope for riches in India; U.S. lawyers see opportunity as the world's largest democracy modernizes
- Abstracts: 'Friends of Bill' shell out: lawyers contribute to Clinton legal fund for Paula Jones, Whitewater probes. Paula Jones appeal rides on 'how bad is bad.'?
- Abstracts: Firm commitments: lawyers cannot ignore duty to report ethics violations by colleagues. Separating customer and client: law-related services may not be exempt from ethics rules
- Abstracts: Showdown in Senate on tort reform. Back to the start for Senate tort bill. Did tort reform make general aviation take off? A limited products liability law, signed last year, is held up as a model in the debate