Shout Out to Previous Podcast Guest Nichole (Niki) Black and her Article about the Apple Vision Pro.

The Apple vision pro has potential for lawyers to use them at work. 👩🏻‍💻

I recently read previous podcast guest Niki Black's editorial for the Apple Vision Pro. In light of several of my respective blog postings on the product, I found her perspective interesting and consistent with my thoughts on it.

Niki and I both recognize the steep price of the Apple Vision Pro and that alone may keep lawyers from purchasing one. But we believe it is an amazing device. We agree it has the potential to transform the mundane aspects of travel for lawyers into a more bearable experience. She, too, was impressed by the immersive experience of watching movies (in 3-D), which she deemed unparalleled compared to traditional methods (2-D). Niki highlights the device's innovative interface, which does away with hand controllers, offering a more intuitive interaction through hand movements and gazes.

I can see how the apple vision pro could one day be used for work while traveling on a Plane. 🛫

We agree that most lawyers should hold off on purchasing the device immediately. The current lack of productivity-focused applications and the anticipation of future improvements make it less essential for immediate adoption. Despite its high cost and initial limitations, Niki sees the Apple Vision Pro as a harbinger of the next computing era, particularly for tech-savvy lawyers willing to explore new technologies. I also think it could be a welcome addition to an attorney's toolbox, but I have a more wait-and-see attitude.

Meanwhile, I think you can better spend your money elsewhere. This is why I opted to buy two Samsung 27 Viewfinity S9 Series monitors over the Apple Vision Pro. I strongly believe that the Vision Pro's current lack of productivity capabilities for legal work and its novelty do not justify the investment for professional use today. My path to this conclusion (which may change over time with more productivity features and hardware improvements) parallels my personal journey with the iPad.

And yes, one day lawyers might use an Apple Vision Pro on the beach while on vacation—just beware of the awkward tan lines! 🏖️

The iPad was a significant innovation at the time of its release. But it never entirely replaced laptops for productivity needs. I think Niki and I both agree to take a cautious approach if you are contemplating it more for work than pleasure. This may change with future iterations of its applications, the device itself, and its operating system, and then it may offer more compelling reasons for adoption.

Despite its current lack of productivity features, I believe Niki and I both recognize it as a phenomenal device that could innovate the legal profession!

My Two Cents: The First Apple Macintosh Computer Turns 40! 🥳 A Reminder For Lawyers On The Technological Shift In Legal Practice.

The first mac was release on Jan 24, 1984.

The introduction of the Macintosh computer in 1984 marked a significant turning point in the legal profession, revolutionizing how lawyers practiced law. As we commemorate 40 years since its inception, lawyers should reflect on how this technological shift transformed their work and understand its lasting impact on legal practice.

Before the advent of personal computers, legal professionals primarily relied on typewriters, handwritten documents, and physical libraries for research. This laborious process often consumed significant time and resources. However, with the introduction of Macintosh and its Graphical User Interface (GUI), lawyers were empowered with tools that, over time, would streamline their workflow and enhance efficiency. The GUI provided lawyers with a user-friendly experience through icons, windows, and menus instead of complex command lines.

today’s lawyers have much to celebrate today given apple’s gui Operating system!

I am sure there are some early Windows users screaming that "everyone" was using Windows well before Macintosh computers. And they are half right. No one could have been using Windows OS before Mac OS because Mac OS came out nearly two years before Microsoft's GUI-based Windows. So, Mac wins, right? Kind of.

Although Mac's GUI was released before Windows OS, Windows was more widely used than Macs. The public's perception was that Macs were geared toward a more creative audience. In contrast, Windows computers were geared toward those in the business world, especially since Windows machines were networked before Macs were. Plus, Mac's first GUI word processing program, MacWrite, had some serious limitations when first introduced.

The first Mac cost about $2,495 ($7,500 in today's dollars) - the first Mac had a built-in screen and mouse and 128kb of memory - think about it, 1,000,000 kb equals 1 GB!

So, let's be clear: the initial release of the Macintosh Computer was not the immediate answer for how lawyers work today. Instead, its GUI-based operating system initiated the journey toward modern computing, incorporating word processing, file and case management, and web-based research. This evolution continues to shape lawyers' digital landscape today.

Happy Birthday, Macintosh!

SHOUT OUT! Discover The Future Of Lawyering: Join The Tech Savvy Lawyer At The 2024 ABA Techshow In Chicago

Come out to the ABA Techshow 2024  in Chicago, IL from February 14-19.  Here, you'll learn new technology being utilized in the practice of law.  As the legal profession has witnessed a remarkable evolution for the marriage of law and technology, lawyers need to keep up to date on these rapid advancements in technology. The ABA TECHSHOW 2024 offers a comprehensive schedule that spans several days, focusing on the intersection of technology and the legal profession both from a functional and ethical perspective.

Please say hello if you see me at the conference!

From the "Start-Up Pitch Competition" of 15 startups who " ... will face off in a pitch competition – judged by TECHSHOW attendees – to pick the most innovative startup for the year," to previous podcast guests talking about subjects near and dear to them including - Brett Burney (Winning Trial with TrialPad), Daniel Siegle (Using PDFs and Adobe Acrobat in Your Law Office), Judge (retired) Herbert B. Dixon, Jr. (Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered Large Language Model (LLM) technology - Disruption of the Legal Profession Has Just Begun), Nicole Black (Small Firms, Big Impact: Tech-Inspired Marketing Strategies for Modern Law Practices), Tom Martin (.AI, Legal Tech Investment and Regulation) and more, there will be much to learn!  There will be plenty of discussions on the on the ethical application of AI in legal practices. Additionally, the vendor floor will be bustling with numerous legal-tech companies, eager to engage in conversations and showcase their latest innovations.

I hope to see you at the TECHSHOW!

😀

Be sure to say "Hi"!

😀

I hope to see you at the TECHSHOW! 😀 Be sure to say "Hi"! 😀

My Two Cents: The Future Of Lawyering: Exploring The Impact Of Apple's Vision Pro On Legal Professionals!

Has Apple's new Vision Pro created a breakthrough in augmented reality for the legal profession in the business world?

As legal professionals strive to enhance efficiency, improve client service, and streamline workflows, we increasingly turn to innovative technological solutions. One such solution that has generated significant interest within the legal community is Apple's Vision Pro.

Apple's Vision Pro is an augmented reality (AR) device developed by the tech giant, specifically focusing on aiding professionals in various fields. This cutting-edge device combines advanced optics, powerful processing capabilities, and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem to deliver an immersive AR experience. While initially targeted at creative industries such as design and architecture, legal professionals are now exploring its potential applications within their own domain.

Apple’s new vision Pro
© Apple

I can see how this kind of technology holds the potential to revolutionize courtroom presentations, transitioning from static displays to engaging, interactive 3D visualizations. Attorneys could employ this AR prowess to project dynamic reconstructions of crime scenes or accidents, offering juries and judges an unparalleled perspective into complex evidence. Beyond the courtroom, the Vision Pro can help and possibly improve the day-to-day work (especially for people with certain health conditions or impairments[1]). 

For example, Vision Pro's potential to redefine legal research and document review is significant. It should enable attorneys to overlay case law, statutes, or annotations onto physical documents, thereby integrating digital information into the tangible world and expediting the research process. Augmented related can help improve collaboration amongst staff or when conducting depositions – giving parties the “feeling” they are all in the same room despite being miles away from each other. 

Will apple’s vision pro take lawyers in a new direction for their trial work?

Apple’s Vision Pro should provide lawyers with file management similar to any other technological device.  It should give an attorney the ability to access ?all? of the web-based tools they need – research, law practice management platform, file storage, etc. (I put the "all" in question marks as we will have to see if the devices OS has any compatibility issues.) Apple’s Vision Pro OS provides similar security as it does for its other products.  So, maintaining privilege and confidentiality should not be an issue for lawyers. Does that mean you should run out to buy one? 🧐

The Vision Pro starts at $3,499.  And it only provides 256 GB hard drive.  The battery lasts two hours.  And it is brand new.  While Apple is known for making great products, sometimes it’s not always best to be first in line to buy a new Apple product -- just like Apple is known for not being the first to create a new type of product -- just a good product after it has had some time to review the competition.

I remember how excited I was to get my first ipad - but it was no laptop killer!🙄

I remember when the iPad came first out.  It was nice, but at the time, I could not afford one.  At the time, my mother was astonished I did not have one (as I explained, I had to prioritize my spending) and was gifted one soon after (thanks, Grandma Harriet!).  Are you ready to go out and buy more than a baker’s dozen for a jury, the judge, and court staff?

The iPad is a great device, but it never became the laptop killer some were hoping it would be.  Given the cost and newness of the device, I’ll wait for a few versions before I go out and get one.

(Unfortunately, Grandma Harriet is no longer with us. 🙁 But if anyone wants to buy me one, I won’t complain! 🥳)

[1] Editor’s note: This aspect of Vision Pro (and other augmented reality devices) is beyond this editorial's scope.

My Two Cents: Happy New Year! AI Is Going To Be The Biggest Game Changer For Lawyers In 2024!

Lawyers celebrating 2024 with AI - at least according to DALL*E!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making significant strides in various industries, and the legal profession is no exception. As technology continues to evolve, I believe that AI will become the biggest game changer for lawyers in 2024. Law practice management platforms are already integrating AI into their software, allowing attorneys to streamline their workflows and enhance their overall efficiency. While some concerns have been raised regarding AI's potential to replace attorneys entirely, Chief John Roberts, in his 2023 report, believes that AI will not replace lawyers (or at least judges). 🤗 However, legal professionals must remain cautious of the limitations of AI technology, as highlighted by former Trump attorney fixer Michael Cohen.

AI has the potential to automate repetitive tasks and streamline complex legal processes, allowing attorneys to focus more on strategic and high-value work. Law practice management platforms are incorporating AI-powered features that assist with various aspects of legal practice, from research document analysis to contract review and client communication.

Traditionally, lawyers spend countless hours sifting through vast amounts of information to find relevant cases, statutes, and regulations. However, with AI-powered research tools integrated into law practice management and legal research platforms, attorneys can now conduct comprehensive searches in a fraction of the time. These tools utilize machine learning algorithms that continuously learn from past searches and user interactions to deliver highly accurate results tailored to specific legal queries.

CJ Roberts has an opinion about AI’s Place in the practice of law.

In addition to research assistance, AI is also transforming how lawyers manage documents. Document analysis tasks that were once tedious and time-consuming can now be automated using advanced natural language processing techniques. Law practice management platforms equipped with AI capabilities can quickly analyze contracts, identify key provisions or clauses, and generate summaries or comparisons. This not only saves valuable time but also reduces the risk of human error inherent in manual document review processes.

Client communication is another crucial aspect of legal practice that benefits from AI integration. Law firms often handle large volumes of client inquiries via emails or phone calls. By utilizing AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants embedded within law practice management software, attorneys can provide prompt responses while managing multiple client interactions simultaneously. These intelligent assistants can understand natural language queries, offer basic legal advice based on predefined parameters set by attorneys themselves, or redirect clients to appropriate resources within the platform.

AI is not going to be replacing lawyers but lawyers who do not use AI will be replaced.

But will AI replace lawyers?  A recent federal case in a U.S. District Court in Illinois dismissed a case against the "robot lawyer" DoNotPay, Inc.  The defendant "...offers an online, subscription-based service that it claims will help consumers “[f]ight corporations, beat bureaucracy and sue anyone at the press of a button.” It offers services related to marriage annulment, speeding ticket appeals, timeshare cancellation, breach of contract, defamation, copyright, child support, restraining order"  This non-lawyer is currently free to operate.  But since it was dismissed on standing issues, I won't be surprised if this case (and others similar to it) won't find its way to the courthouse.

Despite this news, Chief John Roberts asserts that AI will not replace attorneys entirely.  He argues that while AI can assist lawyers by handling repetitive tasks or providing legal insights, the human element of legal practice, such as critical thinking and empathy, remains irreplaceable. AI's limitations in understanding nuance and complex emotions make it unlikely to replace the nuanced advice and strategic thinking that lawyers provide their clients.

But caution must still be exercised when relying on AI technology. Michael Cohen, former Trump attorney fixer, serves as a reminder that AI is not infallible. Cohen's experience with using AI-powered software for document review revealed its limitations: He provided in a "sworn declaration in federal court in Manhattan that he did not realize the citations generated by Google Bard [that he provided his attorney] were fictitious.[1] (Why his attorney, i.e., the party who signed the legal pleading, did not check the citations before submitting the pleading to the court is something I have warned about in the past.) This emphasizes the importance of lawyers remaining vigilant and thoroughly reviewing AI-generated results to ensure their accuracy.

Lawyers should be celebrating 2024 with AI as it will likely be part of the practice of law!

I predict AI to be the biggest game changer for lawyers in 2024. As technology continues to advance rapidly, embracing AI as a valuable tool while acknowledging its limitations will be essential for legal professionals in navigating the ever-changing landscape of the legal profession.

MTC

Happy New Year and Happy Lawyering!

[1] https://www.reuters.com/legal/ex-trump-fixer-michael-cohen-says-ai-created-fake-cases-court-filing-2023-12-29/

My Two Cents: How President Biden’s Executive Order on AI Impacts the Practice of Law - it does and doesn't.

President Biden's recent Executive Order (Order) on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence marks a significant milestone in the governance of AI technologies. This comprehensive directive aims to establish robust standards for AI safety and security. Its goals include protecting privacy and civil rights while promoting innovation and protecting intellectual property rights. For attorneys, this announcement is of paramount importance as it directly impacts the practice of law, introducing new dimensions to legal compliance, ethical considerations, and the overall legal landscape. Legal innovators and industrialists like Jack Newton, CEO of CLIO, see this Order as an important step taken by the government: I am hopeful that the newly introduced AI legislation will not only uphold the highest standards of security and privacy but also ensure equitable access and unbiased application within legal frameworks.

Here is a summary of the impact it will have on lawyers:

AI Safety and Security:

The Order mandates developers of powerful AI systems to share safety test results and critical information with the U.S. government. For attorneys, this introduces a new layer of compliance and due diligence. Legal professionals will need to guide their clients through these requirements, ensuring that AI systems adhere to the mandated safety and security standards. This is particularly crucial for companies dealing with AI technologies that pose serious risks to national security or public health. Likewise, lawyers representing parties who have been harmed by a company's use of AI will need to know the latest in AI technology in order to advocate the best strategy for their clients.

Privacy and Data Protection:

With AI’s capability to extract and exploit personal data, the Order calls for heightened privacy protections. The directive’s emphasis on privacy-preserving techniques and evaluation of data collection practices necessitates an attorney’s thorough understanding of AI technologies and their implications on privacy. Attorneys will play a crucial role in advising clients on data protection strategies, ensuring compliance with privacy laws, and navigating the legal complexities of AI-driven data processing. Attorneys must also ensure their use of AI in their practice protects their client’s Personal Identifiable Information (PII).

Equity and Civil Rights:

The Order addresses the potential of AI to perpetuate discrimination and bias, particularly in sectors like housing, healthcare, and criminal justice. Legal professionals will need to stay vigilant, ensuring that AI systems employed by their clients do not result in discriminatory outcomes or violate civil rights. Likewise, Attorneys who are prosecuting parties using AI to discriminate against members of the public will need to have a solid understanding of how AI works in these matters.

Consumer Protection:

the president’s order will likley set forth new regulations and policies that will affect most practicing lawyers.

AI technologies can potentially transform consumer experiences but also raise concerns about potential harms and deceptive practices. The Executive Order calls for standards and best practices to detect AI-generated content and authenticate official communications. Attorneys working in consumer protection will need to familiarize themselves with these standards, advising clients on compliance, advising clients who are victims, and addressing potential legal challenges arising from AI-driven consumer interactions.

Immigration Law

Although the Order is not directly focused on immigration law, it could indirectly affect the field. One specific aspect of the Order calls for using existing authorities to expand the ability of highly skilled immigrants and nonimmigrants with expertise in critical areas, including AI, to study, stay, and work in the United States. This could lead to changes in visa criteria and processes, potentially affecting how immigration attorneys advise clients in the tech sector. The emphasis on AI could lead to a higher demand for skilled workers in this field, possibly influencing the landscape of employment-based immigration. Immigration lawyers may need to stay updated on any new policies or procedural changes resulting from this Order to guide their clients through the visa application process.

Supporting Workers:

The impact of AI on the workforce is a critical aspect of the Order. Attorneys specializing in labor law will find this directive particularly pertinent, as it addresses issues related to job displacement, workplace equity, and labor standards. Legal professionals will play a vital role in navigating the legal complexities of AI in the workplace, ensuring that workers’ rights are protected, and advising employer-clients on best practices to mitigate potential harms.

Promoting Innovation and Competition and Protecting Intellectual Property:

The Order emphasizes the need to maintain America’s leadership in AI innovation and competition. For attorneys working in intellectual property, technology, and antitrust law, this directive underscores the importance of fostering a competitive AI ecosystem while protecting intellectual property rights. Legal professionals will need to stay abreast of developments in AI technologies, advising clients on innovation strategies, and ensuring compliance with copyright, intellectual property, and antitrust laws.

Attorneys Working for the Government:

The Order will affect government attorneys twofold -

First, government attorneys must be abreast of the same issues discussed in this post, like any private attorney. Government attorneys basically have the same legal and ethical duties as private attorneys. They, too, have the same security, bias, privacy, civil rights, and intellectual property concerns private practitioners have with this Order.

Second, government attorneys will be tasked with ensuring that government agencies comply with enhanced AI safety and security protocols, protect privacy, advance equity, defend civil rights, and promote innovation while protecting intellectual property rights. They will also play a critical role in developing and enforcing guidelines for the ethical use of AI within federal operations, potentially influencing procurement processes and the deployment of AI in public services. Moreover, as the government seeks to lead by example in the responsible use of AI, these attorneys will be instrumental in setting precedents that could shape future AI governance across all sectors.

Conclusion:

Lawyers already have an ethical duty to stay abreast of technology advancements including ai.

It is not surprising that as AI continues to evolve, legal professionals will play a crucial role in guiding their clients through this complex terrain. But, the Order does not bring anything new to an attorney’s quiver of responsibilities. With or without the Order, attorneys already have the Model Rules of Professional Conduct to guide them on their duties around technology (including AI). The Rules require us to stay current on AI, its constant changes, and how it may impact their clients—whether attorneys are using AI to assist their clients or if their clients or those whom attorneys are advocating against are using AI in their business.  Reference Model Rules 1.1, 1.1[8], 1.3, 1.4 & 1.6.  So, don't let the Order serve as a starting point.  Let it serve as a reminder that we must stay competent in our use and understanding of technology as it applies to our work in the legal arena.

Monday Morning Humor: From the back of your truck to the palm of our hands...

technology has truly advance over the past eight decades!

From IBM’s 1956 fridge-sized, 5MB hard drive to today’s handheld 1TB microSD cards, data storage has undergone an amazing transformation. We’ve shrunk from needing a forklift for data transport to fitting vast digital universes in our pockets, proving technology’s journey is not just innovative, but also incredibly remarkable!

Happy Lawyering!!!

#74: Empowering Lawyers with Legal Tech: Interview with Eda Rosa

My guest today, Eda Rosa, is the driving force behind Eda Rosa LLC. She is a highly accomplished professional in the legal field. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in training individuals who are not lawyers, offering expert consulting services to law firms nationwide. Eda's primary mission is to empower legal professionals and equip them for career advancement through various platforms. She strongly emphasizes continuous learning and professional development, recognizing its critical role in the legal industry. During our interview, we discuss the most up-to-date tools and industry best practices that bridge the technological gaps, ultimately facilitating a more streamlined and efficient legal practice.

Enjoy!

Join Eda and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

Eda and i discuss the most up-to-date tools and industry best practices that bridge the technological gaps, ultimately facilitating a more streamlined and efficient legal practice!

1. What are the top three ways attorneys can use technology to onboard new staff easily and consistently?

2. What are the top three areas in tech that lawyers, paralegals, law clerks, and office staff still lack in their use of technology?

3. What are the top three ways paralegals, law clerks, office staff, etc., can use technology to make their lawyers' work easier?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:03] Current tech setup

[11:02] Using technology for legal staff onboarding

[13:34] Video conferencing and communication tools for legal professionals

[16:37] Password management and security for law firms.

[22:48] Addressing knowledge gaps among legal professionals

[25:10] Software hacks for paralegals and lawyers.

[28:31] Writing tools for legal documents.

[31:55] Using technology to make lawyer work easier.

[37:36] Virtual hearings, meetings, and case preparation.

[39:10] Legal technology and process optimization.

Resources:

Connect with Eda:

Website: edarosallc.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eda-rosa-law

Hardware mentioned in our conversation:

Google Password Manager: passwords.google.com/

Google Pixel smartphone: store.google.com/category/phones

Google Pixel smartwatch: google.com/product/pixel_watch_2?hl=en-US

HP Envy laptop: hp.com/us-en/shop/mlp/laptops/envy-344503--1

HyperX podcasting microphone: hyperx.com/collections/microphones

Logitech Presentation clicker: logitech.com/en-us/products/presenters

StreamYard: streamyard.com/

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

Adobe Cloud: adobe.com/creativecloud

Asana: asana.com/

Clio: clio.com/

Google Cloud: cloud.google.com/

Hazel: noodlesoft.com/

LexisNexis: lexisnexis.com/en-us/home

Microsoft Office 365: office.com/

MyCase: mycase.com/

Nextiva: nextiva.com/

PackBack: packback.co/

Speechify: speechify.com/

TextExpander: textexpander.com/

Trello: trello.com/

TrialPad: litsoftware.com/trialpad

Wise Hire: wise-hire.com/

WordRake: wordrake.com/