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Put Technology In Its Place ... and Deliver Results To The Bottom Line
When lawyers discuss the role of information technology in their practice, a phrase often heard is “it's a necessary evil.” Regardless of firm size or practice area, complaints regarding information technology (IT) are unfortunately all too common: large investments … disappointing results.
The underlying details vary and may involve equipment upgrades, case management system, document management system, or database software. Results are often the same: wasted resources, lost productivity, frustrated attorneys and staff, cost overruns, and few results to show for the effort. Many firms that invested heavily 3 to 4 years ago (remember Y2K?) continue to use outdated, poor performing technology, and as they realized marginal benefits, are now hesitant to invest again, fearing similar outcomes. Consequently, many law practices are experiencing depressed attorney and staff productivity, steadily rising operational costs, and a legacy of lease payments for technology that has fallen into disuse.
This real life scenario may sound all too familiar:
- Obsolete equipment and systems (Windows 98!);
- PCs freezing 4 to 5 times per day resulting in lost data and productivity;
- File server(s) on overload and delivering substandard performance;
- Sporadic backup ' causing the loss of months of historical data;
- 3 scanners on site and none in working order;
- Attorneys and staff struggling with inadequate technology tools at the expense of important client work;
- Case management system fallen into disuse … and there is still a full year remaining on the 4-year lease.
In this scenario, the impact of the frozen PCs is a minimum of one half hour daily in lost productivity per person. A conservative estimate of the annual financial impact on the firm in lost productivity is in the neighborhood of $5,000 per staff member and $10,000 per attorney.
Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws
This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.
The Article 8 Opt In
The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.
Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin
With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.
Removing Restrictive Covenants In New York
In Rockwell v. Despart, the New York Supreme Court, Third Department, recently revisited a recurring question: When may a landowner seek judicial removal of a covenant restricting use of her land?
Legal Possession: What Does It Mean?
Possession of real property is a matter of physical fact. Having the right or legal entitlement to possession is not "possession," possession is "the fact of having or holding property in one's power." That power means having physical dominion and control over the property.