Technology + Law

The Future of Practice

 

In the future, there will be robots. But right now a surprising number of lawyers still rely on fax machines. Understanding how and why technology intersects with the law (and the practice of law) is essential to be a good lawyer in the 21st century.

But there is a lot of marketing puffery surrounding much of legal technology. What’s hype and what’s real? Let me show you.

Confused about where to begin?

How To Know Who (And What) To Trust

The first skill you need to develop in regards to legal technology is the ability to spot bullshit. And there’s lots of it.

Companies will promise you the Moon, but you’ll be lucky to get free tacos. You need to approach legal technology with a hefty dose of skepticism. 

You also need to be skeptical of people. One of my favorite comic panels from the past few years explains why better than a 1000 words. 

 

 

A few years ago I swung by a legaltech company that had a large, professional online presence…but was actually operated out of an old, beat-up strip-mall.

People like to make themselves seem like more than they are online, and you need to be wary of it. 

But technology is such a fundamental part of the world, an increasing number of State Bars are adopting a “technological competence” requirement. You can’t ignore this stuff any more. So who to listen to and where to start? 

The best place to begin online is my resources page.

Next you should follow me on Twitter, and in particular, look at who I follow (not many people). 

 

But Which _____ Software Should I Use?

 

Whichever software that lets you get started the fastest. Don’t spend hours agonizing over it. It’s more important to make a decision and just start.

I don’t review or compare software, I don’t find it particularly interesting. I do like to go on deep, technical dives into the intersection of technology and law.

If you want to read about a topic and really learn something, you’re in the right place. 

Deep Dives On Technology + Law

Assault With A Deadly Twitter

This is an on-going, 7-part series, spanning 10,000 words following a case that offers this question: Can you assault someone with a Tweet?

Could Your Social Media Posts Prevent You From Becoming A Lawyer?

Spoiler: Yes. State Bars are now reviewing your social media profile when you apply to take the Bar. Here is a case study of such an action.

Bitcoin Case Law Update (Late 2017)

Cryptomania is sweeping the world? But what are courts saying about it? How about administrative agencies? Is it actually a currency? Updated bi-annually.

Why Lawyers Doubt Technology

Legal work is almost always about high thoroughness and low efficiency. It’s what makes legal work different than other business matters.

Is Wikipedia A Reliable Legal Authority? (2017 Update)

Encyclopedias and other reference materials are dead. Wikipedia reigns supreme. Everyone relies on it. But what about courts?

Why Lawyers Should NEVER Use Consumer-Grade Apps

Can you use consumer-facing free apps as a lawyer? Sure, but it’s not a good idea for a variety of reasons. Here’s why.

How to Conceal Your Digital Wake

Think you’re anonymous online because you’re in incognito mode? Think again. This is a guide outlining how people really cover their tracks online.

Why You Should Lawyer Up Before You Startup

This post sank an angel-backed startup. When you’re starting a tech company, make sure you’re complying with the law.

Latest Technology Posts

Is Wikipedia A Reliable Legal Authority? (2018 Update)

Is Wikipedia A Reliable Legal Authority? (2018 Update)

Back in 2014, a Twitter exchange with Judge Dillard prompted an article on AboveTheLaw discussing the reliability of Wikipedia as a resource.[ref]I would be remiss not to mention that in a bit of I-see-what-you-did-there, shortly after our Twitter exchange and my...

Assault With A Deadly Twitter Part IX: Battery by GIF

Assault With A Deadly Twitter Part IX: Battery by GIF

This is Part IX of the ongoing coverage of Assault With A Deadly Twitter. Previous entries: Can You Sue Someone For A Tweet That Induces Epilepsy? (Part I) Can Kurt Eichenwald Get Pre-suit Discovery From Twitter? (Part II) Can You Assault With A Tweet? (Part III)...

Are You Lonely?

Are You Lonely?

I’m sitting in another airport. They blur together after a while. Glass and steel and advertisements. Windswept arcologies of a future that never was. Nashville, Chicago, Atlanta. I’m currently somewhere over the East Coast on my way to Boston. Sitting outside a gate,...