Svenson Law Firm

Darwin observed that “it is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.” The legal system, long bound by tradition, now struggles to adapt to increasing societal change. Today, lawyers can use technology in novel ways to improve communication and increase efficiency in gathering information. We need to be more adept at handling digital information to fully represent our clients.

Clients increasingly seek lawyers who look at things in fresh ways, who can find efficiencies and hidden advantages, and who properly assess risk instead of reflexively avoiding it. “Zealous representation” is less about swash-buckling and more about thoughtfulness and strategic planning.

This week I’ll be in Chicago to speak at the ABA Techshow.  On Thursday I’ll be doing a session with Nerino Petro called Developing The Paperless Habit, which will cover practical approaches to scanning, digital file organization, digital workflow, and the elimination of unnecessary printing.  On Saturday I will do two sessions: one on Advanced Features of Adobe Acrobat (with Catherine Sanders Reach), followed by a panel presentation of 60 Sites in 60 Minutes.

My law practice has been completely paperless for at least five years now, and I can’t emphasize enough how beneficial it has been to break the surly bonds of paper. I began my journey about ten years ago, back when the technology issues involved with going paperless were much more challenging.  Now, the tech hurdles are fairly easy to surmount. The big challenge for lawyers today is mostly about shifting their paper-based workflow (which is a largely unconscious process) to a digital workflow (which, at first, requires much thought).

Nevertheless, many lawyers are now beginning to understand the huge benefits of becoming paperless.  I have witnessed this expanding interest over the past few years whenever I was invited to give a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) talk about becoming paperless.  There is huge demand for information on how to shift one’s law practice to a paperless one.  People quibble about whether one can be completely paperless, but that’s a silly debate.  I am completely paperless, and so it’s possible.  But, even if you don’t want to be completely paperless, it’s clear that you should strive to be largely paperless.

How do you start down this path?  First, go visit DigitalWorkflowCLE.com the site that Dane Ciolino and I started, which is focused precisely upon this question.  We have  a couple of introductory videos that are free to watch.  And, if you’re a Louisiana lawyer you can get CLE credit for watching the videos.  We’ll be posting more information at DigitalWorkflowCLE in the coming months, so check in there periodically for new information and tips about how to make your law practice less dependent upon paper.

On Thursday, September 3rd, I’ll be speaking at the Baton Rouge Bar Expo on The Road to A Paperless Office — a subject near to my heart.  I started becoming paperless in the year 2000, and it was quite a challenge.  Now it’s a lot easier and the tools are pretty inexpensive.  Of course, lawyers still need to know what steps to take and how to make a smooth transition.  Once they do, they can’t imagine going back to a world that is mostly dependent on paper.

On October 24th, Tom O’Connor and I will present a 2 hour seminar entitled: Electronic Discovery for Solo & Small Firms. The seminar will provide practical information about making electronic discovery work for you, rather than against you. Tom and I will show participants how to avoid pitfalls inherent in producing E-mails, and also discuss important new trends that you need to pay attention to.

For information about the seminar, including how to register, contact Lana Corll at (504) 861-5564 or click on this link.

The Louisiana State Bar Association has invited me to speak at an E-Discovery Seminar on a panel, with three other lawyers, entitled: Requesting Electronic Discovery; Forensics and E-Discovery Vendors Managing the Rule 26(f) Conference.  More information about the October 9th program can be obtained here, including registration information etc.