My journey
When I was seven years old, my parents’ divorce and bitter custody battle gave me early insight into how the legal system operates.
That experience, plus watching TV shows like Perry Mason and Matlock somehow made me want to become a lawyer.
Becoming a lawyer
I graduated law school in 1985, having done well enough to land a two year federal clerkship with a demanding judge who taught me many invaluable lessons.
Then I spent 20 years practicing commercial litigation in a fairly big New Orleans firm. I loved the people but not the bureaucracy.
Going Solo
So, I started my own firm and it turned out to be good decision. But the real key to success was deciding to embrace technology.
That’s what gave me confidence to give up the cushy big firm life. Here’s what that looked like.
Portable Confidence
One Friday afternoon I walked out of my 40th-floor partner’s office, taking client files that would have required a 15’ U-Haul truck to transport if they hadn’t been digitally stored in the 2 lb. laptop I had tucked under my arm.
I enjoyed my solo practice, working fewer hours for clients who truly appreciated my help. I felt financially secure and free.
Other lawyers noticed and asked for my help, which I was happy to give.
Helping other solo lawyers
Those lawyers needed tech guidance more than lawyers in big firms.
Big firm lawyers could afford to waste resources. But not them.
The key to success
The key to leveraging technology to use it wisely, which is to say selectively.
Becausee technology is complex, dynamic, and often disruptive.
So, you must reduce complexity and avoid disruption.
That’s why you have to use it selectively.
Focus on these tools
Based on my many years of helping hundreds of solo and small firm lawyers, I’ve come up with twelve key tech tools that meet the selective criteria.
Using these tools will enable you to completely transform your practice.
Just like the other lawyers I’ve helped.