My journey
When I was seven years old, my parents’ divorce and bitter custody battle gave me a brief glimpse into into courtroom drama, which fascinated me.
Law School
After seeing Professor Kingsfield grill students in The Paper Chase, I obsessed with the idea of going to law school. So that’s what I did.
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
Starting my own firm turned out to be wise decision. The key to my success was technology.
That’s what gave me confidence to give up the cushy big firm practice.
Paperless Rebellion
One Friday afternoon I walked out of my 40th-floor partner’s office, with client files that would have needed a large truck to haul away if they hadn’t been digitally stored in the 2 lb. laptop I had tucked under my arm.
I enjoyed my solo practice immensely. I worked fewer hours for clients who truly appreciated my help. I was financially secure and totally free.
Other lawyers noticed and asked for my help, which I was happy to provide.
Helping other solos
Solo lawyers needed tech guidance way more than those in big firms.
Big firm lawyers can afford to waste resources. But not them.
I learned this firsthand.
The key to success
The key to harnessing technology to act strategically, which is to say selectively.
Because technology is complex, dynamic, and disruptive.
So, you must eliminate complexity and minimize disruption.
That’s why you have to use it selectively.
Focus on these tools
After many years of helping hundreds of solo and small firm lawyers, I’ve come up with twelve key tech tools that I know are both essential and powerful.
These are tools that enable you to transform your practice.
