eGANGES…tech crash or tech boom

Just by putting an ‘e’ at the beginning of a word in the 21st century won’t make a system more or less successful…although ebay seems to be doing pretty well from it.After two very interesting lectures on the development and demonstration of eganges, I was amazed at the incomprehensible genius of the creators Pamela and Xenogene Gray and  the complexity and logic put into the system was quite extraordinary. I commend the Grays for what they have done in the field of expert system shells.But I am somewhat concerned of the commercial and legal liability of this operating system. Particularly with it being sold as an expert system shell, this does not to justice to the work that has been put into the system, as possible clients would need an expert to create the system. If they had an expert that would mean that the firm already has that knowledge and therefore would not need the system.My recommendation is, for the creators to contact QC’s in certain areas of expertise and create expert systems these different areas of law. They could then sell small systems on areas to firms which operate in them, such as a firm specialising in conveyancing or employment dispute et al. Smaller firms particularly would be most benefited as they are not likely to have an expert as knowledgeable as a QC.  Discounts can be given for multiple areas being ordered as well as more returns from future updates in the law.This I believe will be a better path.

Security of Email for Solicitors

Security of Email for Solicitors Gone is the telephone. Gone is one to one in person conversation. Email is THE form of communication, more so in the everyday business world. So to, is it now part of the legal firm; for communication between colleagues as well as to some extent communication to clients.

 Due to the nature of the information being sent, in these emails it is necessary for the data to be secured/encrypted/protected from others accessing these messages and coming into contact with confidential information.

In terms of intra-communication, most large firms have been relatively security conscious. However, some don’t realise the ease of accessing information from unsecured wireless networks. The confidentiality of clients via email messages need to be improved, especially in small firms. It is every person’s right to have their own private life remain private, and when it comes to legally sensitive matters, even more so. In this age of cyber culture, where almost anything is accessible, both large and small firms need to find methods of keeping the net a secure environment for both them as solicitors and the clients.

Has the computer really improved work at a legal practice?

Small Firms

I was having a conversation with my best friends dad who is a lawyer at his own small practice. You could classify the guy as a computer phobe. So I asked him what he does at work. First of all he told me that he does not have a computer in his personal office.

He takes the following steps to answer an email.

1. his secretary receives the email on her computer

2. she prints it

3. he reads it

4. he dictates a reply to the email

5. she types a reply up

6. she prints the reply

7. he checks the draft and approves it

8. she makes appropriate changes and finally sends the email off (Note this is quite similar to how letters were answered pre-computers in his firm)

What could have taken a short time has now been made a tedious exercise which is inefficient, takes more time and uses more paper, all of which computers are supposed to improve especially in business practice. What has gone wrong…I feel that the law society should be promoting technical training in order to ensure members can use technology to its full potential. Considering a large amount of their members are older and probably will be able to continue to work for some time it is still not too late. As technology comes more part of our daily lives, the lack of experience by these individuals such as my friends father will fall further behind.

Better to start later than never…

Large firms

One would think big firms must have embraced the use of computers in the office. I believe to some extent yes. There is much better collaboration and possibly better communication. With the use of such applications as lotus notes where colleagues can post meeting times for all without individually contacting each person is quite beneficial. My mother who works in I.T. says however that while applications like lotus are beneficial, people send way too many unnecessary emails, and their communication and writing skills are diminished considerably.

As Russell mentioned in class of how he sent a contract to the US to get checked, the other firm printed it out, scribbled notes, then re scanned it to send back to Australia. Here is a typical example of the misuse of technology.

Response to “The law by SMS” by Andrew Heathcote BRW Septemebr Issue

Was reading the BRW and found this mini article on legal advice by text message. Legal firm JDRLEGAL who has operations both in Melbourne and Los Angeles, provides client advising services to clients mainly busy executives via sms i.e. mobile-phone messaging services. This is truly ‘computerisation of the law’ (our course name in action) Clients can ask specific questions or general advice and have that info beamed through on to the persons mobile phone. I believe this application has far reaching benefits in many situations - clients can get advice throughout the world as long as they have phone reception…so their lawyer is “with” them in every decision they make whether that is in Nairobi or New York. it also saves the client money as they do not need to plan face to face meeting with their lawyers. A great idea i must add.