Book review: Tech guide for solos, small firms

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The American Bar Association recently released “The 2010 Solo and Small Firm Legal Technology Guide: Critical Decisions Made Simple.”

Authored by tech gurus Sharon D. Nelson, John W. Simek and Michael C. Maschke, the third edition of the guide urges solos and small-firm lawyers to find the best value for their money – not the fanciest, most expensive items on the market, but professional products with a good reputation.

Each chapter addresses a different type of technology, from computers (top picks for PCs and laptops: the Dell OptiPlex and the Dell Latitude series, respectively) to printers, scanners and servers. Various software programs are also included, from billing to case management to document assembly.

The authors use clear, jargon-free language to explain the various types of technology, even managing to clarify the pros and cons for different types of computer monitors, including flat-panel LCD, HD, CRT and widescreen. (For the truly uninitiated, the book contains a helpful glossary of common terms.)

A chapter on peripherals – keyboards and mice – reminds attorneys that these often overlooked items can make the computer experience faster and better.

For Mac fans, the authors include a special chapter covering hardware, accessories and software for Apple products. While the book notes that an increasing number of lawyers are choosing Macs, they do not recommend attorneys use an iPhone, due to security concerns.

The book also covers remote access issues, including security, for virtual practices and the traveling lawyer.

A fun chapter includes utilities of particular value to solos and small firms – the authors define “utility” as a software application that takes data and manipulates it for a specific purpose. Recommendations include MonetaMail (a program that tracks and records the time you spend on e-mail); TweetDeck and TinyURL (must-haves for lawyers on Twitter); and Metadata Assistant (a metadata analysis and removal tool).

After exhausting their product knowledge, the authors turn to issues of social networking. This chapter examines how courts are wrestling with issues arising from social networking sites, including using information from such sites as evidence, privacy and copyright concerns, and the potential for defamation suits.

Ross L. Kodner, an attorney and founder of the legal technology consultancy company Microlaw, Inc., in Milwaukee, also authored the introduction to the book. He contributes a chapter on the “paperless” office versus the “paper LESS” office, coming down in support of the latter.

For solos and small firm lawyers in need of technological guidance, look no further – the book is a well-written, practical guide for both the novice and the tech-savvy.

For more information or to order the book, go to the ABA bookstore.