I'll have my secretary send you that document...

I don't know if it's my imagination or what - but it seems to me that there are an alarming number of attorneys (status doesn't seem to matter) that still have their secretaries do simple things like email a document to a client, print a document (you know, the old "ppfm") or enter contact info into their address books.

Yes, I expect lawyers to use their knowledge and experience to practice law. I also expect them to have some basic tech skills. I'm not talking creating TOA's or chronologies here. What I'm talking about are simple and basic technology achievements - no, wait - what I'm describing are general BUSINESS functions that even my mother can perform today (she has no college degree, English is her second language and she's still not sure what the Internet is). As far as I'm concerned these are the things that every single attorney should know how to do these days and let me tell you, your clients expect the same.

1. Look up contact information
2. Add, edit or delete contact information (including crappy email addresses)
3. Use said contact info to address an email
4. Open, find, add attachments
5. Convert things to PDF (and understand why)
6. Make minor edits to documents (a 3 year old can cut, copy and paste these days)
7. Save as new version, new document then send or print documents
8. Create a simple letter or memo
9. Add digital signatures (then #5, #3)
10. Manage a calendar without a pencil and red diary (I could CRY about this one)

Let me know if you see anything unreasonable in that list. Also, let me know what you think I missed. It's almost sad that I list these basic skills as massive deficiencies in the legal profession. If you don't agree with me, take it up with my attorney. He is certainly one that appreciates how technology can and has enhanced the way he  practices law while helping him better serve his clients.

Comments

[Paul]

I think this is one of the unforeseen blessings of being a solo lawyer. I have to do all of that stuff. I don't have a secretary to pass all that work on to. Not that I am complaining, mind you, I feel much happier knowing that I can do everything I need to do to keep my clients happy and properly serviced.