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Much like the long-promised ‘paperless office,’ the
concept of true location-independent computing for
attorneys has dangled in front of expectant and
eager legal noses for years. Mobile computing has
always seemed like something that only legal
professionals at big firms can do or a task too
challenging for all but the most skilled computer
users. It has seemed just out of reach for
most.
Fortunately, the maturity of IT systems, the Internet, wireless networks and mobile devices have made it much more feasible for all attorneys and paralegals to work remotely. In this article readers will learn about the latest mobile technologies and techniques for practicing law anywhere, anytime. There are significant advantages to being able to
work remotely. First, it allows attorneys to never
have to cease tasks or stop practicing because they
are away from the office. This capability is
especially important during trial preparations and
other potentially tense periods. Second, the
enhanced responsiveness and flexibility will increase
a lawyer’s value to his or her clients dramatically.
Third, as more and more attorneys are able to
practice effectively from remote locations and on the
road, the costs associated with reliance upon
support staff and physical office space can be
reduced. Last, firms should expect an increase in
billing efficiency once attorneys are liberated from
having to be in front of their office computers in
order to access firm resources.
All law firms, even small ones, should have several basic elements in place. These are not only prerequisites to working remotely, but they also enable lawyers to function more efficiently in general. First, every law firm should have a network. An excellent solution for this is Microsoft’s Small Business Server 2003, which will accommodate up to 75 users and provides many of the remote access tools discussed below. Microsoft also licenses its standard server products for firms with more than 75 users. Next, attorneys should have recent, modern equipment running Windows XP Professional. The ideal situation is for an attorney to have a powerful desktop computer in the office and a lightweight laptop for travel. A decent computer at home with broadband internet access will also create more options for remote access. Third, lawyers |
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Richard L. Colbert, Member
Colbert & Winstead, P.C. Nashville, Tennessee visit website Q. Have you seen a noticeable difference in your and your firm’s productivity as a direct result of mobile technology? If so, in what ways? A. Mobile technology has certainly improved my productivity when I am traveling for business. Digital dictation has improved my productivity both in and out of the office. When I am in town, I don’t know that mobile technology has improved my productivity, but it has certainly helped to improve my lifestyle, because I am no longer tethered to the physical office. I can work effectively from home. That enables me to spend more time at home than I otherwise would spend, so that I am able to be just as productive as I was in the past without having to spend as many hours in the office. Mobile technology has also been extremely valuable in terms of communication between those of us within the office, since we are all on different schedules and would find communication difficult without the benefit of mobile email. Q. What advice would you give to attorneys
looking to use mobile technology in their profession?
A. Do not be afraid of the technology. However, recognize that it can be very expensive, so make an honest assessment of what you need and how it will benefit you before you buy. In a given firm, not every lawyer will need the same technology. Also, while you don’t want to spend money on technology that is out of date, you need not be a guinea pig for the newest technology on the market. Before you invest, research it carefully, read reviews, and find out if others you know have tried it and can provide feedback. |
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David L. Raybin, Member
Hollins, Wagster, Yarbrough, Weatherly & Raybin, P.C. Nashville, Tennessee visit website Q. Do you see mobile technology in the legal profession as just a fad or as bringing about a fundamental change in the way law is practiced? A. There is a fundamental change already occurring, but there is huge resistance to that change. It took forever to go from legal-size paper to letter-size paper. Again I think that being able to have total access to information is very important and it will allow me to practice law more efficiently. Q. What aspects of mobile technology do
you like
most?
A. Remote access to my office files. I don’t have to come downtown on weekends. I can spend more time with my family. The only negative is that you need to train yourself to “unhook” the connection. That will be the next human factor development: knowing when to quit. Q. What do you see as the obstacles, if any, to accepting mobile technology by the legal profession? A. The main problem is uniformity. There are several platforms out there, which are good for competition purposes, but the various phones (e.g., the Treo 650 [with Palm OS] versus the Treo 700w [with Windows Mobile 5.0]) keep a common standard from existing. Thus you may have to learn a new system later. However, in time you will have more uniformity, such as with MS Office. Also because mobile technology is changing very quickly all the time, there is a fear among attorneys of their technology and systems becoming obsolete and having to purchase new equipment all too frequently. |
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The Treo 700w is a new smart phone that
combines
the ease and functionality of a Palm with the
familiarity of Microsoft Windows products. On one
device you can read email, make phone calls, look up
contacts, browse the web, and in a pinch, even run
a remote session on your
computer at work.
The Palm Treo 700w incorporates Microsoft’s new Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. You can wirelessly download all of your email, calendar and contact information directly from your company’s Exchange 2003 server with Microsoft’s Active Sync Technology. The great thing about this is that third- party applications (e.g., BlackBerry or Goodlink) are no longer required. Not only do you get the look and functionality of
Outlook 2003 on your phone, with Microsoft Office
Mobile edition, you have the ease and functionality
of
Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint on your
phone. You can have files sent as attachments if
needed or you can store the files
directly on your phone so you can have them to
reference when needed.
The Treo 700w is a great smart phone for attorneys and proves to be an excellent alternative to the Blackberry, allowing legal professionals to receive email wirelessly through the use of existing technology, viz., Microsoft Exchange Server 2003.  |
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