Technology for the Modern Lawyer

June 1, 2021

As a modern lawyer, it is vital that you have up-to-date software and understand how to utilize technology. Here are some technologies that make a significant impact in my work life.

iCalendar

I love using my iCalendar as my master calendar. I take it everywhere with me, because it's easily accessible on my phone. I have colored calendars for work, personal events, tasks, deadlines, and notices. 

Google Keep

Google Keep is something I use for my master to do lists and notes. It is accessible on my desktop and on a phone application. I am able to create multiple lists, color code them, and pin my favorites to the top of the page. I use these lists to keep track of my business and personal tasks. This allows me to quickly add to my to do lists whenever and wherever I am. I also use this product to keep track of my goals. 

Calendly

If you are an attorney, scheduling software is a must. There are a lot of options out there, but I personally love Calendly the best. It allows me to have one "home page" I can send out with multiple events, such as consultations, client meetings, mediations, or phone calls. I embedded the home page link into my email signature for easy access, and I use the individual event links as needed. The software syncs with my iCalendar, so it knows when I am and am not available. It adds new events straight to my work calendar, and I can adjust the settings as needed. For instance, events can only be scheduled 2 or more days in advance, I need an hour buffer time in between events, or I can only have a certain number of phone calls per day. 

Phone Scanner Application

Sometimes you need to scan a document in a pinch. How can I do this? I'm glad you asked. You can use one of several available phone applications. I personally love Adobe Scan, but there are plenty of free applications available. You can also use these applications to quickly scan business cards before you lose them in your purse or your car. 

Grammarly 

Grammarly is an awesome tool to spell check your work. You can add it as a Chrome extension, download it to your computer, and/or add the phone application. This adds spell check features when you are writing emails, drafting documents, and even texting your friends. I've been using this software for quite a while, and I have never been disappointed. 

HelloSign

HelloSign is a software that integrates with DropBox. It allows you to send documents out for completion (i.e., text boxes, dates, initials, signatures, etc.). You can even send the document to multiple people and receive a finalized document once everyone has signed it. No more having to send the document to one individual at a time, and no more having multiple signature pages. It's free to use for up to 3 signature requests per month, but if you need more then that you will have to purchase the product. 

Notarize

If you haven't heard of notarize.com, you definitely need to. It can be hard to find an easily-accessible notary, especially in the age of COVID-19. On notarize.com, you can notarize a document online via web chat. You can easily send a request for clients to notarize a document, and get the completed one when it is finished. The only down side is it costs $25 per transaction. It seems like a lot of money, but every time I have offered the software to my clients, they decided the payment was worth the accessibility. Rather than having my clients try to figure out how to scan in a document, a nice clean document is instead produced and delivered to me immediately. No more photos of a crooked illegible documents (this is unfortunately a common occurrence). You should, however, make sure that the legal documents you are signing allow for an electronic notary to be used (i.e., you can't use an online notary to sign a will). 

Date Calculator

It is vital to have a date calculator handy in order to determine deadlines. I use timeanddate.com for my calculation needs. It's free and easy to use. It can count days and add days. I have it saved as a bookmark for easy access. You can also download multiple free phone applications so that you can have the technology on the go. Or, if you use MyCase, there is a date calculator button on the bottom left-hand corner of your home page. 

Zoom (Desktop & Phone)

By now, almost everyone is using Zoom. I have it downloaded onto my desktop as well as my phone. In the event that I loose the connection on my computer, I can easily log back in on my phone application (yes, this has happened more than once due to spotty Wi-Fi). It is free to use Zoom, but you might consider upgrading if you are consistently hosting meetings. 

That's it folks. You just read my list of technologies for the modern lawyer. I hope that this list helps you become more productive and stay organized.