Articles
Don has authored scores of legal technology articles for both professional and private publications including the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), International Legal Technology Association (LawNet), Bar Associations and others.
Voice Activated Computing – Does it Really Work?
Increasingly computers are talking to us, and now we getting to talk to the computer. While the ability to talk to a computer has been around for decades it is taking on incredible new abilities and dimensions. Computers now come with voice recognition as part of the operating system – from Mac to Windows to the new iPad voice capabilities. Voice control will change how we interact with computers. Practice Innovations, Thomson-Reuters, To be published January 2013
The Internet of Things
The Internet of Things refers to uniquely identifiable objects (things) and their connection to the Internet. If all objects of daily life were equipped with Internet connectivity, they could be identified and interact by computers. This would be similar to barcodes, but more interactive. It changes how any physical object (from cars to refrigerators to books) can be used — Mislaid items and physical theft would be affected by the fact that the location of an item would be known at all times. The real power of such connectivity would be the ability to “mashup” this technology with other technologies (e.g. your car contacts your cell phone and makes a call to your auto mechanic for service). Your alarm clock could alert you to any traffic or subway delays as you wake up. Practice Innovations, Thomson-Reuters, To be published March 2012
How the iPad is Changing How We Use Computers
Touch-based tablets such as Apple’s iPad threaten to profoundly change how we use computers. As demand for personal computers falter, users are spending more time with their tablets. Professionals are beginning to recognize unique advantages and applications to this new way of working. Practice Innovations, Thomson-Reuters, July 2011
The Hybridized Book – How eBooks are Changing Books
Electronic books are revolutionizing both the publishing industry and the way we read. In addition to duplicating the features of paper books, ebooks are incorporating a number of interactive technologies to enhance the reading experience. Practice Innovations, Thomson-Reuters, October 2010
The Mobile iPhone Attorney
Apple’s iPhone® gives the mobile attorney a whole new dimension of functionality that not only mixes personal and business use, but also provides a wide array of applications that can be tailored to each specific attorney’s mobile needs. Practice Innovations, Thomson-Reuters, July 2010
The Emergence of Electronic Book Readers
Electronic book readers provide access to books in a new and advantageous format. This article explains the technology behind e-book readers and discusses potential enhancements and uses for this new medium. Practice Innovations, Thomson-Reuters, July 2009
Law Firm Technology of 2012
What will law firm technology be like in 2012? American poet Mark Strand said: “The future is always beginning now.” This article examines current law firm technologies that are no doubt harbingers of law firm technology in 2012. Practice Innovations, Thomson-Reuters, January 2009
Managing Client Matters as Projects: Using Project Management as a Competitive Advantage
Today’s clients are more demanding and discerning about the legal services they are purchasing and are looking for ways to control costs while still achieving their legal objectives. Most law firms use formal project management to manage technology rollouts. However, these same tried and true methods can also be successfully applied to the management of law firm client projects. Progressive firms are now recognizing this as an unexplored competitive advantage. Practice Innovations, Thomson-Reuters, March 2008
Law Firm Technology Trends for 2008
Where will law firm technology be in 2008? This article discusses eight leading trends summarized from interviews of leaders from large to mid-sized firms and legal vendors. Practice Innovations, Thomson-Reuters, January 2008
ITIL: Taming Technology in the Law Firm
ITIL is the Information Technology Infrastructure Library, a set of best practices that are changing the way technology is managed and delivered. ITIL sounds like a new miracle cure, but it is a quiet revolution that is delivering technology that truly supports the practice of law. Practice Innovations, Thomson-Reuters, October 2007
Enterprise Search: Moving from Application to Architecture
A discussion about current and leading enterprise search technologies and how they will positively effect large law firms. Practice Innovations, Thomson-Reuters, July 2007
Do You Know Where Your Data Is?
Confidential documents and data are among a firm’s most valuable assets. This was a discussion of how to prioritize security needs, assess your vulnerabilities, and ensure that what gets locked up stays that way. Trial Magazine, a monthly magazine of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, May 2006 (and available on Amazon).
10 Steps to a Successful Security Audit
This article discussed securing networks from both a technology and process point of view. ALA Legal Management Encyclopedia (ALAME), June 2005.
Taming Your Email with Document Management
Discussion of how document management can be used to stem the tide of and organize the flood of incoming email in a law firm. FYI a National Legal Newsletter, Feb. 2006.