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10K Law Office

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Law Office Technology
Law Office Technology

The document discusses essential technology for a low-cost $10,000 law office, including recommendations for hardware, software, networking, security, training and pricing. It recommends a system with 4 PCs connected via a small business server with backup, a multifunction printer, scanner, firewall, switch, word processing and billing/accounting software like PCLaw which provides an integrated case management system and document management for around $10,000. It also discusses options for remote access, legal research, training resources and discounts.

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Low Cost Office Technology Essentials Tom OConnor: toconnor@legal-edocs.org Craig Bayer: cbayer@lawot.com Louisiana Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Conference New Orleans May 9, 2008
ESSENTIAL BOOKS How to Start and Build a Law Practice by Jay Foonberg Flying Solo C Bill Gibson 2008 Solo & Small Firm Legal Technology Guide CNelson, Simek & Maschke The Business of Law by Edward Poll Visit www.lawpractice.org for ordering information
THE $10,000 LAW OFFICE: 4 Users ? Computers ? Windows Small Business Server ? Scanner ? Network P rinter ? Gigabit Switch ? Firewall ? Backup System ? Electrical Protection Systems ? Practice Management and Accounting
Server Choose over Workstation 2GB to 4GB Ram Redundant Systems Raid 5 Configuration Affordable Harder to Setup Must have Warranty Server: $2000
Small Business Server Microsoft Exchange Microsoft SharePoint Automatic Patching (WSUS Fax Server SQL 2005 (Premium Edition) Backup Solution Outlook 2003 to all Users Monitoring Reports Access to Workstation And Data Remotely Cheaper then Server 2003
WIFI NETWORKING Configurations ? The most common type is now the faster 802.11g - many laptops come with it already ? 802.11n (now called Pre-N) is the system to buy when it becomes formally available ? Causes problems running client server applications Cost ? WAP - $10 to $750 ? WiFi PC Access - $5 to $100 ? Wireless Print Servers - $50 to 300
DESKTOP PC Speed RAM Sound Monitors DVD-ROM Hard Drive Operating System Must have Warranty Price Brand Dell OptiPlex: $1061
LASERJET PRINTERS Type RAM Speed Networkable Multiple Trays Brand / Model Color Price Paperless Office LaserJet 1720DN: $339
Scanner Type Speed Software OCR Considerations Brand Model Suggestions Price ScanSnap: $339
Firewall / Router VPN Monitoring Port Forwarding Antivirus / Spyware No Home Brands like DLink or Linksys Watchguard: $390
Switch Gigabit No Daisy Chains Cat 5 or 6 Most Critical Piece of Hardware Gigabyte Switch: $109
USB Hard Drive Tape vs USB Easy to Restore Rugged Used with Small Business Server Test Restore (2) Lacie 160GB: $250
HANDHELD DEVICES BlackBerry Smartphones (Palm) Smartphones (Windows Mobile) iPhone (Apple) Considerations BlackBerry syncs with Outlook and to check more than e-mail, you need the BlackBerry Enterprise Server software and Exchange Server! Palm Smartphones - 100% Palm devices - maximum sync ability with legal apps - real-time email with software like VersaMail Windows MobileSmartphones sync with Outlook and Microsoft apps primarily C Easiest to setup and has Push Synchronization BEWARE BLUETOOTH SECURITY Pricing : Anywhere from $200 to $600 depending on the cell service provider and available rebates
OTHER COMPONENTS Monitors Electrical Protection Systems Ergonomics Backup UPS: $220
The $10,000 LAW OFFICE: SOFTWARE ? Word Processing ? Adobe Acrobat or other PDF writer ? Billing/accounting software ? Case management system ? Do cument management system ? E-mail software ? Internet access for research ? Data backup, security and anti- virus software
BUNDLED SOFTWARE Microsoft Office Basic C Outlook, Excel, and Word, Adobe Standard (docx v doc) Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard Edition Upgrade to pro for Bates numbering Dell effectively includes it free with Office on Latitude and Optiplex systems Corel WordPerfect X3 Suite Less costly to buy OEM version separately with any new PC systems
BILLING & ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS Most packages are becoming integrated. Timeslips requires you to also have an accounting package like Quickbooks or Peachtree PCLaw, Tabs 3, Juris, and Billing Matters have billing and accounting functions. Legal specific accounting software makes it hard to commit malpractice PCLaw: $1630
CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Combines ? calendaring/docketing ? tickler functions ? case information tracking, ? address book functionality ? conflict of interest searching, ? document assembly capabilities ? Palm and laptop portability Turn wasted time looking for case info and documents into billable time Avoid malpractice Look at Amicus Attorney, TimeMatters, PracticeMaster, PCLaw and ProLaw Dont Practice Law Without One! PCLaw: $1630
DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Opened Ended vs. Close Ended SharePoint is a DMS Most Practice Management Software include an Open Ended DMS PCLaw: $1630
Dictation Dragon Natural Speaking ? Has a legal edition ($1200) ? Get Preferred ($199) or Pro ($899) Vista has Dictation Software Built into it. Tips ? Must Train Software ? Use a Quality USB Headset ? Learning Curve PCLaw: $1630
WINDOWS XP or VISTA? = = Windows XP Pro is the safe choice Windows Vista still has some incompatibility issues C June is the last month you can purchase XP
LEGAL RESEARCH Get it online! ? Dump the CD-ROMs ? Discontinue books Th ere is no single best legal research service ? Combine Lexis, Westlaw, LOIS and the Internet ? Look at the best small firm packages negotiated by your State or County Bar Resources ? LLRX.com ? Fact Finding On The Internet
ANTI-VIRUS Trend Micro Client Server Messaging ? www.trendmicro.com ? Includes anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spyware ? Available in small office and Corporate editions ZoneAlarm: www.zonealaram.com Norton Anti-Virus www.symantec.com Buy corporate not Internet Security McAfee VirusScan: www.mcafee.com CA eTrust and Trend PC-Cillin: www.ca.com www.trendmicro.com TrendMicro: $330
PRICING Leverage Web-based PC component pricing engines and save a fortune! Membership Discounts ABA, ATLA , ALA or other legal association member Prices change daily
TRAINING Top Training Tips TASK-ORIENTED not FEATURE-ORIENTED NO GENERIC TRAINING PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS TRAIN OFTEN, TRAIN GENTLY MAKE TRAINING MANDATORY LIVE IS ALWAYS BETTER, BUT IF NOT TRAIN ONLINE THE TRAINERS PHYSICAL LOCATION IS IRRELEVANT
Fifty or fewer employees. In business in the state for at least three years, contributing and in full compliance with state UI tax laws. Training costs cannot exceed $3,000 per trainee per state fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). http://www.laworks.net/WorkforceDev/IWTP/IWTP_Overview.asp FREE TRAINING
Microsoft Small Business Server $2000 PCs: $1000 each Multi Function Printer $350 Scanner $400 Router $350 1GB switch $150 USB hard drives $250 each Backup sware $200 PCLaw $1600 Adobe Word Processing sware Trend Micro Anti Virus $300 Watchguard Firebox $300 $9000 Training ONE CONFIGURATION
Thank You For Listening! Gulf Coast Technology Center www.gulfltc.org Tom OConner (toconnor@legal-edocs.org) Craig Bayer (Cbayer@lawot.com)

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10K Law Office

  • 1. Low Cost Office Technology Essentials Tom OConnor: toconnor@legal-edocs.org Craig Bayer: cbayer@lawot.com Louisiana Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Conference New Orleans May 9, 2008
  • 2. ESSENTIAL BOOKS How to Start and Build a Law Practice by Jay Foonberg Flying Solo C Bill Gibson 2008 Solo & Small Firm Legal Technology Guide CNelson, Simek & Maschke The Business of Law by Edward Poll Visit www.lawpractice.org for ordering information
  • 3. THE $10,000 LAW OFFICE: 4 Users ? Computers ? Windows Small Business Server ? Scanner ? Network P rinter ? Gigabit Switch ? Firewall ? Backup System ? Electrical Protection Systems ? Practice Management and Accounting
  • 4. Server Choose over Workstation 2GB to 4GB Ram Redundant Systems Raid 5 Configuration Affordable Harder to Setup Must have Warranty Server: $2000
  • 5. Small Business Server Microsoft Exchange Microsoft SharePoint Automatic Patching (WSUS Fax Server SQL 2005 (Premium Edition) Backup Solution Outlook 2003 to all Users Monitoring Reports Access to Workstation And Data Remotely Cheaper then Server 2003
  • 6. WIFI NETWORKING Configurations ? The most common type is now the faster 802.11g - many laptops come with it already ? 802.11n (now called Pre-N) is the system to buy when it becomes formally available ? Causes problems running client server applications Cost ? WAP - $10 to $750 ? WiFi PC Access - $5 to $100 ? Wireless Print Servers - $50 to 300
  • 7. DESKTOP PC Speed RAM Sound Monitors DVD-ROM Hard Drive Operating System Must have Warranty Price Brand Dell OptiPlex: $1061
  • 8. LASERJET PRINTERS Type RAM Speed Networkable Multiple Trays Brand / Model Color Price Paperless Office LaserJet 1720DN: $339
  • 9. Scanner Type Speed Software OCR Considerations Brand Model Suggestions Price ScanSnap: $339
  • 10. Firewall / Router VPN Monitoring Port Forwarding Antivirus / Spyware No Home Brands like DLink or Linksys Watchguard: $390
  • 11. Switch Gigabit No Daisy Chains Cat 5 or 6 Most Critical Piece of Hardware Gigabyte Switch: $109
  • 12. USB Hard Drive Tape vs USB Easy to Restore Rugged Used with Small Business Server Test Restore (2) Lacie 160GB: $250
  • 13. HANDHELD DEVICES BlackBerry Smartphones (Palm) Smartphones (Windows Mobile) iPhone (Apple) Considerations BlackBerry syncs with Outlook and to check more than e-mail, you need the BlackBerry Enterprise Server software and Exchange Server! Palm Smartphones - 100% Palm devices - maximum sync ability with legal apps - real-time email with software like VersaMail Windows MobileSmartphones sync with Outlook and Microsoft apps primarily C Easiest to setup and has Push Synchronization BEWARE BLUETOOTH SECURITY Pricing : Anywhere from $200 to $600 depending on the cell service provider and available rebates
  • 14. OTHER COMPONENTS Monitors Electrical Protection Systems Ergonomics Backup UPS: $220
  • 15. The $10,000 LAW OFFICE: SOFTWARE ? Word Processing ? Adobe Acrobat or other PDF writer ? Billing/accounting software ? Case management system ? Do cument management system ? E-mail software ? Internet access for research ? Data backup, security and anti- virus software
  • 16. BUNDLED SOFTWARE Microsoft Office Basic C Outlook, Excel, and Word, Adobe Standard (docx v doc) Adobe Acrobat 8 Standard Edition Upgrade to pro for Bates numbering Dell effectively includes it free with Office on Latitude and Optiplex systems Corel WordPerfect X3 Suite Less costly to buy OEM version separately with any new PC systems
  • 17. BILLING & ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS Most packages are becoming integrated. Timeslips requires you to also have an accounting package like Quickbooks or Peachtree PCLaw, Tabs 3, Juris, and Billing Matters have billing and accounting functions. Legal specific accounting software makes it hard to commit malpractice PCLaw: $1630
  • 18. CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Combines ? calendaring/docketing ? tickler functions ? case information tracking, ? address book functionality ? conflict of interest searching, ? document assembly capabilities ? Palm and laptop portability Turn wasted time looking for case info and documents into billable time Avoid malpractice Look at Amicus Attorney, TimeMatters, PracticeMaster, PCLaw and ProLaw Dont Practice Law Without One! PCLaw: $1630
  • 19. DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Opened Ended vs. Close Ended SharePoint is a DMS Most Practice Management Software include an Open Ended DMS PCLaw: $1630
  • 20. Dictation Dragon Natural Speaking ? Has a legal edition ($1200) ? Get Preferred ($199) or Pro ($899) Vista has Dictation Software Built into it. Tips ? Must Train Software ? Use a Quality USB Headset ? Learning Curve PCLaw: $1630
  • 21. WINDOWS XP or VISTA? = = Windows XP Pro is the safe choice Windows Vista still has some incompatibility issues C June is the last month you can purchase XP
  • 22. LEGAL RESEARCH Get it online! ? Dump the CD-ROMs ? Discontinue books Th ere is no single best legal research service ? Combine Lexis, Westlaw, LOIS and the Internet ? Look at the best small firm packages negotiated by your State or County Bar Resources ? LLRX.com ? Fact Finding On The Internet
  • 23. ANTI-VIRUS Trend Micro Client Server Messaging ? www.trendmicro.com ? Includes anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spyware ? Available in small office and Corporate editions ZoneAlarm: www.zonealaram.com Norton Anti-Virus www.symantec.com Buy corporate not Internet Security McAfee VirusScan: www.mcafee.com CA eTrust and Trend PC-Cillin: www.ca.com www.trendmicro.com TrendMicro: $330
  • 24. PRICING Leverage Web-based PC component pricing engines and save a fortune! Membership Discounts ABA, ATLA , ALA or other legal association member Prices change daily
  • 25. TRAINING Top Training Tips TASK-ORIENTED not FEATURE-ORIENTED NO GENERIC TRAINING PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS TRAIN OFTEN, TRAIN GENTLY MAKE TRAINING MANDATORY LIVE IS ALWAYS BETTER, BUT IF NOT TRAIN ONLINE THE TRAINERS PHYSICAL LOCATION IS IRRELEVANT
  • 26. Fifty or fewer employees. In business in the state for at least three years, contributing and in full compliance with state UI tax laws. Training costs cannot exceed $3,000 per trainee per state fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). http://www.laworks.net/WorkforceDev/IWTP/IWTP_Overview.asp FREE TRAINING
  • 27. Microsoft Small Business Server $2000 PCs: $1000 each Multi Function Printer $350 Scanner $400 Router $350 1GB switch $150 USB hard drives $250 each Backup sware $200 PCLaw $1600 Adobe Word Processing sware Trend Micro Anti Virus $300 Watchguard Firebox $300 $9000 Training ONE CONFIGURATION
  • 28. Thank You For Listening! Gulf Coast Technology Center www.gulfltc.org Tom OConner (toconnor@legal-edocs.org) Craig Bayer (Cbayer@lawot.com)