Vol. 9, No. 154
BOL: Communication – Ying and Yang
This is an interesting discussion of the ying and yang of face-to-face communication and the desire (or lack thereof) to return to the office. The article points out that – as the pandemic drags on – fewer folks desire to return to the office full-time. But the need for face-to-face communication remains. Is the answer Zoom? Phone check-ins (more privacy)? … this article will have you mulling over your options.
Vol. 20, No. 152
Here is a twofer on alternative legal service providers (ALSPs). If I were to summarize, it might be to say that they are either your enemy or your ENEMY and that you need to collaborate with them to survive. Some of the more interesting quotes are: “I think in the short term, I don’t see how it’s not going to erode law firm business.”; “However, the real game changer may be growing consumer confidence that ALSPs are not only the more affordable outlet for this kind of work, but actually more skillful at it than law firms.”; “In-house people don’t want to manage all of it-we want law firms to be the ones to take on a general contractor role and maintain the relationship.”; and “The traditional law firm culture operates under a lot of urban myths which have been slow to die. Start with the idea that all work is bespoke. Of course it isn’t. Some is, but a prohibitively large percentage is not.” If you don’t know that much about ALSPs, then read more at Legaltech news:
Law Firms Must Learn How to Collaborate With ALSPs-Clients Are Waiting
ALSPs Are Still More Threat Than Partner to Law Firms
Vol. 20, No. 152
I’m sorry to report that Bill English, co-creator of the computer mouse, passed away in California at the age of 91. The photo of the blocky wooden mouse, red button atop and twin wheels is a far cry from today’s modern ergonomic, optical mouse. I remember my old law firm moving from Wang to Windows and everyone’s very first introduction to a mouse. We had training classes on its use. Secretaries tried to use two hands to maneuver it. Consider the evolution of the ubiquitous mouse as we remember one of its creators today. Read more at Silicon UK: Co-Creator Of Computer Mouse, Bill English, Dies
Vol. 20, No. 152
Monday, a week ago, I highlighted Bruce MacEwen’s first part on this subject. I think part two is even more interesting. In his post today, Bruce says that the partner corner offices should be given over to IT folks. Ok so what he actually said was “People (probably not too many in a law firm, perhaps IT specialists) who need to be physically present with critical in-office equipment or technology, are obviously not going to be WFH much or at all.” But given that WFH wouldn’t have been possible without the skills, talent and hard work of IT, it’s a logical inference, right? Read more at Adam Smith, Esq.: Build Back Better: Whither the Office? (Part 2)
Vol. 9, No. 152
Building the Post-Pandemic Law Library
Jean O’Grady takes a look at the long-time coming of the future of law libraries. The era of remote work created by the global pandemic has shone the light on the differences between print and digital content. O’Grady offers 12 Tips for Building Your Digital Law Library in the Age of COVID-19.
Vol. 9, No. 152
Inside Look at Diversity in the Workplace
Statistics speak for themselves and the business case for diversity in the workplace is written. Recruiting is the first hurdle. Once you are in place, building team relations and finding confidence in being yourself can be challenging. Being Yourself at Work: Notes on Equality and Diversity in Tech by Marianne Kay breaks out the facts and experiences with personal touches that uncover the complexities surrounding diversity in the workplace.
Vol. 20, No. 151
If you want to see what the immediate and near future will be like in the courts, then read this post. Texas is leading the way in virtual hearings. The quote to share with all your attorneys is, “If the train is rolling, we have to get on board, or we get left behind.” Read more at Legaltech news: Far and Binding: How Texas Courts Are Gearing for Fully Remote Jury Trials
Vol. 20, No. 151
Endless meetings can be tough. And we are all finding that endless virtual meetings are tougher still! Sabina Nawaz and Roberta Cordano write, “We can create some of our best meetings by harnessing lessons from communities that rely on visual communication every day – particularly, those who are Deaf or hard of hearing.” These are tips that you’re going to want to pass along to everyone. Read more at Harvard Business Review: What Deaf People Can Teach Others About Virtual Communication
Vol. 20, No. 151
In keeping with the times and hot topics of the day, innovation is everybody’s business. But I remember being told that marketing was everyone’s job. And that being green was everyone’s job. And that safety was everyone’s job. And of course I might argue that cybersecurity is everyone’s job. I’m getting a little over saturated on the subject of innovation. I agree, innovation IS everyone’s job. But I think for the most part people have been innovating for ages, without dedicated innovation leaders and more. But that being said, I found the nine triggers and distinct styles of innovation described in this post interesting. Read more at Leading BLOG: Innovation is Everybody’s Business
Vol. 20, No. 150
It is Monday morning and I feel this post requires some sort of warning for fear it could cause your brain to think too much or too rapidly before getting back into your work week groove. Perhaps coffee, soda or whatever your morning jump start might be would be a good first step. Joshua Rozenberg got to question former Supreme Court Justice, Lord Jonathan Sumption at a live webinar arranged by Prospect magazine and the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law. The weighty, brainy issue this brings forth is the idea that “people were not necessarily under a moral obligation to obey the law.” How’s that for an early Monday morning thought provoker? Very carefully step into the maze and read more at The Law Society Gazette: Lockdown: navigating the moral maze
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