Techshow 2018It’s tempting to think of email as a necessary evil. It can be an effective communications tool, but getting control over it is often an exercise in frustration. Why not make Microsoft Outlook work for you? In this session, you’ll learn strategies and techniques for powering through your email, as well as the features, security settings, and add-ins that will bring you closer to that elusive state of email nirvana.

 

Join me at Techshow 2018 as we discuss Microsoft Outlook.

Date: March 8, 2018
Time: 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Event: Improving Your Outlook
Venue: Hyatt Regency Chicago
Registration: Click here to register.

Tech I Use: Microsoft Surface Pro 4

For more than a decade, my computer has a been a Dell laptop. I never had any complaints about them and they always did a great job for me. Regardless, this last summer, when I knew that I had to replace my laptop, I turned to Microsoft instead of Dell. Why?

Microsoft Surface Pro 4This decision had nothing to do with Dell. I would not hesitate to get another Dell. However, I really wanted the options offered in the Surface form factor. I liked the pen and its ability to write on the screen. This works great for taking notes during a deposition. Also, I like the size of the machine. The screen is slightly smaller than the laptop that I had before, however, the device is much slimmer and lighter. I really like the size of the machine and have no desire to go back to a regular laptop.

I tend to buy computers with good specs with the idea that they will last me for years. I did the same thing here. I got the i7 processor with 16GB of RAM and 512 GB hard drive.

I have had the computer for just over 6 months and I have not once regretted the decision to go with the Surface. If you regularly work with your computer sitting on your lap, then the Surface is not for you. It is definitely a portable computer. However, it is not a laptop. The detachable keyboard and the kickstand do not make a stable based to try to work from on your lap. If this is your situation, then you should definitely shop elsewhere. If, however, you work with your computer on a solid, flat surface, then you may want to consider the Surface when you buy your next computer.

Handling and Digitizing Original Documents

On May 19, 2016, I will be presenting at a seminar hosted by NBI. The seminar is titled Handling and Digitizing Original Documents. I am speaking on (i) What to Do with the Backstock of Paper; (ii) Tackling Paper as it Enters the Office; and (iii) Investing in Digitization Equipment and Processes. The last session I am presenting with my good friend Aaron Brooks, who is also presenting other sessions. Joining us to speak about ethics is Dean Dietrich.

NBIIf you are considering moving your office to the digital world, I recommend that you sign up for this presentation.

You can register for the presentation at this link.

iPad Keyboard Shortcuts

One of the things that I do is serve on the Illinois State Bar Association Standing Committee on Legal Technology. One of the things we do as a committee is to try and help attorneys use technology in their legal practice. To that end, the committee has created a series of short videos that detail some technology tips for attorneys. I recently shot one of these videos on the use of iPad keyboard shortcuts. This is one of the most used features on my iPad and I am constantly amazed at the number of people who do not even know that it exists. One key thing to remember is that this tip works only if you are using iPad keyboard.

Other Tech Tips can be found on the ISBA Lawyer’s You Tube Page. I urge you to watch them all.

What’s the best way to wind-up your Tech Track at WSSFC? Buckle up and get ready for a fun, exciting, and fast-paced presentation. You’ll hear about dozens of practical tips and tricks for getting things done better, faster, and maybe even cheaper. Our expert panelists will share their knowledge and give tips that you can put into practice in your office!

With Jeffrey Krause, Jeff Lantz, Nerino Petro, and Tison Rhine

Date: October 24, 2015
Time: 09:50-10:40 a.m. CT
Event: 50 Tips in 50 Minutes
Sponsor: Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference
Venue: Kalahari Resort & Convention Center
Location: 1305 Kalahari Dr.
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Registration: Click here to register.
More Info: Click here for more information.

Microsoft has a hit or miss record when it comes to its namesake operating system. Windows 7 was a huge success while Windows 8 wasn’t. Microsoft is rolling out Windows 10 as the replacement for Windows 8.1 in 2015. What does this mean for you? Should you upgrade?

What you will learn:

  • The new features in Windows 10
  • What hardware you need to upgrade
  • The costs/benefits of upgrading

With Nerino Petro.

Date: October 23, 2013
Time: 01:30-02:20 p.m. CT
Event: Windows 10: Is It the Best Windows Yet?
Sponsor: Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference
Venue: Kalahari Resort & Convention Center
Location: 1305 Kalahari Dr.
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Registration: Click here to register.
More Info: Click here for more information.

Your conference favorite is back! Nerino Petro and Bryan Sims will give you a fast-paced look at the lighter side of technology, including tips and overviews of the gizmos, gadgets, and widgets that are useful or just downright fun for your practice and your life! You need to have breakfast anyways since we all know it is the most important meal of the day!

Date: October 24, 2015
Time: 07:30-08:20 a.m. CT
Event: Gizmos, Gadgets, & Widgets
Sponsor: Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference
Venue: Kalahari Resort & Convention Center
Location: 1305 Kalahari Dr.
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Registration: Click here to register.
More Info: Click here for more information.

30 Tips in 30 Minutes

Speakers: Bryan Sims, Diane Ebersole, and Chelsey Lambert.

Come to this fast paced, fun session to learn how you can be more productive and efficient, provide better client service, and keep on top of your to-do list!

Date: October 16, 2015
Time: 12:30-01:00 p.m. CT
Event: 30 Tips in 30 Minutes
Sponsor: The Chicago Bar Association
Venue: The Chicago Bar Association
Location: 321 South Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL 60604
Registration: Click here to register.
More Info: Click here for more information.

Setting up a paperless office only requires buying some hardware and software, but successfully maintaining a paperless office requires re-defining your everyday workflows. Our paperless faculty will show you how to streamline the logistics around your digital documents after the scanner — when you need to manage them, store them, and most importantly, find them later. This session will help you truly become victorious in your paperless quest!

Date: October 16, 2015
Time: 09:00-10:00 a.m. CT
Event: Paperless Workflows That Work
Sponsor: Chicago Bar Association
Venue: The Chicago Bar Association
Location: 321 South Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL 60604
Registration: Click here to register.
More Info: Click here for more information.

Paper…files filled with paper…cabinets filled with files….all of these things takes up space around the office and makes it difficult to find what you need when you need it. This informative presentation explains what “going paperless” means and shows you how to get started – from choosing the proper electronic file format to knowing which type of equipment and software you need.

 

Date: September 24, 2015
Time: 03:15-04:15 p.m. CT
Event: Your Paperless Office
Sponsor: Illinois State Bar Association Committee on Legal Technology
Venue: Illinois State Bar Association Chicago Regional Office
Location: 20 S. Clark St., Suite 900
Chicago, IL
Registration: Click here to register.
More Info: Click here for more information.