Posts

Improving Your Writing

Streamline your research by using apps powered by artificial intelligence. Improve your writing by using active voice, action verbs, present tense, singular nouns and other principles of clear writing . Get inspired by reading  an article about the importance of improving writing throughout your career. Then enhance your writing skills by using the articles, books, and websites listed below.  Apps Copyscape Grammarly Microsoft Edtor Scribbr WestLaw Edge Writing Tools Articles Apps for Writing Avoiding Dictation Mistakes Checking for Plagiarism Common Mistakes Grammar Goofs Misused Words Muddled Writing Learning to Write Well   Writing Tips   Using AI to Research and Write Books Better Business Writing Elements of Style   Guide to Legal Writing Grammar and Writing Judicial Perspectives on the Written Word Legal Writing Resources Strategies for Faster and Better Editing   Style Manuals AP Style Book Chicago Style Manual Harvard Citation Manual  USA Style Manual Websites Archive of Writi

Lessons from Mark Twain

Mark Twain learned about law from his father who was a Justice of the Peace. Twain's writings have several lessons for lawyers, including learning from mistakes, listening to your opponent, and pausing during presentations. Get inspired by reading Twain's  biography , his  tips for lawyers , and his  lessons for life . For deeper learning, read his  books and an anthology of his  humorous observations about life and lawyers . Get inspired by watching Hal Holbrook perform in Mark Twain Tonight.

Winning Trials

Win trials by anticipating issues, preparing to-do lists, creating demonstrative aids, and telling a compelling story. Use virtual preparation to improve witness performance. Keep conversations informal, make briefings short, and use playback as a teaching tool for witnesses. For more tips, see the resources listed below.   Articles Best Practices Ethical Rules Expert Witnesses Lessons from Cousin Vinny Preparing Visuals   Presenting Electronic Evidence Trial Tips   Using iPads Virtual Trials Witness Preparation Books Guide to Trials Preparing Witnesses Pre-Trial Strategies for Success Storytelling for Lawyers ,   Trial Manuals ,  Trial Tips What it Takes to Win Winning Jury Trials Websites ABA Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice Division ABA Litigation Section American Association for Justice American College of Trial Lawyers National Institute for Trial Advocacy

Adopting Legal Technologies

The Covid crisis has pushed technology to the forefront of the legal profession. Lawyers are increasingly use tech tools have to connect with clients, collaborate with colleagues, and improve efficiency. Below are some tips for using technology and resources for implementing them. Tips AI - use artificial intelligence for analysis, document preparation, and research. Benefits - technology increases profits and client satisfaction. Billing - use time a tracking app and digital invoicing to speed billing and payment. Cloud  - subscribe to cloud services to store documents and facilitate teamwork. Cybersecurity - adopt security apps and procedures to protect individuals and their devices. Management - automate client intake and improve client relations Marketing - alert clients and prospects to the benefits of your tech prowess. Articles Artificial Intelligence   Billing Budgeting Cloud  Computing Cybersecurity Digital Transformation Getting  Paid Litigation Management Marketing Tools Tr

Avoiding Ransomware

Hackers can  encrypt your files unless you protect them against ransomware attack s.  Protect your files and your clients by enabling   Controlled Folder Access   in Windows and using link protection in Outlook  a nd Gmail . Remember to continuously backing up files with an external hard drive or cloud service like Carbonite . Learn more by reading articles about   cybersecurity , hacking , and  ransomware . Also read the ABA's  Handbook on Cybersecurity  and  Survey of Best Practices . Also see  PC Magazine's Review of Cloud Backup Services  and visit security websites like   NoMoreRansom   and Krebs on Security .