Legal Tweets

Tidbits from the Law Firm Leadership Conference #lflc

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: As lawyers we tend to romanticize our profession--idealize it. We can continue to uphold dignity of it, but accept reality

Rotenberg: #LFLC Susskind: traditional lawyers will always be needed for deep expertise and complex communication

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: If you an see ways you can work differently, you should do it bec if you don't, your competitors will

jordan_law21: Susskind: Five-stage progression of legal work: bespoke (customized), standardized, systematized, packaged, and commoditized (free): #lflc

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: The drive towards commoditization pre-dates the economic downturn

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: If non-lawyers controlled the delivery of legal services, things would (will) look much different

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Disruptive technology--new technologies may not help us as lawyers-they disrupt the way we work-but can't ignore them

ARotenberg: #LFLC: Susskind: need to look at multi sourcing, client facing technology, collaboration, and e-learning

jordan_law21: Susskind: Decomposing legal tasks into divisible blocks, ask: what's best way to execute each block? #lflc

jordan_law21: Susskind: Litigation is: doc review, research, project mgmt, lit. support, e-discovery, strategy, tactics, negotiation, advocacy... #lflc

ARotenberg: #LFLC: Susskind: project management lies at the heart of the legal industry of the future

ARotenberg: #LFLC: Susskind: Axion providing 'lease a lawyer' system. Experienced, cheaper lawyers providing expertise on a contract basis for less cost

ARotenberg: #LFLC Susskind: future of legal services lies in giving access to the firm's internal knowledge systems

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Most important business impact 4 lawyers-new ways of delivering legal services-virtual law office, turn knowledge into value

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Knowledge management used to be internal issue--now external--sharing knowledge with clients

ARotenberg: #LFLC: Susskind: Firms should take a cue from British Airways- investment in technology is on the client side, not internally

jordan_law21: Lamb: "This will be too hard" is lawyerly response. Ask instead: "How can I be 1st to change and profit therefrom?" #lflc

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: It's not about pricing differently--it's about working differently. (!!!)

ARotenberg: #LFLC Maclean: innovative law firm fee calculator: http://bit.ly/2h3RJ9

nikiblack: #lflc MacLean: Clients don't care about ur profit, cost--they only care about the cost/value to them

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Any lawyer who takes time to research tech agrees that it changes legal practice-those who disagree are reacting emotionally

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Lawyers should be responding to new challenges by embracing emerging technologies, not ignoring them

ARotenberg: #LFLC Susskind: new jobs for lawyers will emerge- eg. legal risk managers, legal process analysts, legal knowledge engineers

ARotenberg: #LFLC Susskind: Newbies don't need to do routine tasks hundreds of times in the name of education. Don't confuse exploitation with training

ARotenberg: #LFLC Lamb: Younger third of the firm is less attached to status quo. Give them the opportunity to lead the charge to change

nikiblack #lflc Susskind: e-learning. ... Why don't we use online learning as we should (I say--#SPU anyone?)

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Talking about Twitter and its value to lawyers because their clients are on it, if for no other reason.

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: The enemy who kills you doesn't look like you.

The utility of social media for lawyers

nikiblack: Thinking about today's Daily Record article re: lawyers engaging in social media. Social media is different for lawyers...

• nikiblack: Gen'ly, successful SM campaigns create a fan base--ppl passionate about ur product. Ppl are not passionate about law firms. So then what?

• nikiblack: Bec. ppl are not "passionate" about their law firm, Facebook fan pages make no sense to me as a SM tool for law firms

• VBalasubramani: @nikiblack everyone's passionate about criticizing lawyers :-) ..I would take this route..(seriously, poke fun at self/profession)

• nikiblack: SM for lawyers is a different focus than most businesses. It's about creating effective online presence, networking & establishing expertise

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack SM is about people, so not passionate about law firms...but can be very engaged with their lawyer. 1 lawyer is a 'firm', too.

• JohnFMoore: RT @nikiblack: It's about creating effective online presence, networking & establishing expertise | All biz should use this way, right?

• nikiblack: -->@JohnFMoore I agree. But other biz can create viral campaigns, create a tribe of followers that evangelize their product. Not law...

• nikiblack: Sm goals are different for lawyers. With specific goals in mind, you then choose appropriate SM platforms & levels of participation.

• amyderby: Me neither, unless it's just for other lawyers. RT @nikiblack: Facebook fan pages make no sense to me as a SM tool for law firms.

• jeffrey_brandt: @nikiblack Different then what? A widget/product company? yes.. but other service industries use social media, how r lawyers dif there?

• nikiblack: Closed legal platforms are useful for networking, getting info., but do very little to contribute to effective online presence

• mikemac29: @jeffrey_brandt @nikiblack Law isn't a service industry ppl rush to interact with, or feel passionate about, it's more like a utility co.

• nikiblack: -->@mikemac29 Exactly--I totally agree. Ppl reluctantly use/pay for lawyers. Hard to create a passionate following when starting w/ that!

• nikiblack: -->@jeffrey_brandt Lawyers' services aren't "sexy"--there's no hook. Can't create sweepstakes/contest 4 reduced services 2 increase interest

• nikiblack: Twitter=effective SM platform 2 increase business 4 some lawyers. Depends on potential clients are--individuals, companies, local, nat'l?

• nikiblack: Effective SM use for lawyers is a tough balance--is time participating ultimately worthwhile or wld local networking make more sense?

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack It's what you do with the platforms to push out compelling info about lawyer to create evangelists and interest. It's called PR

• nikiblack: SM *is* useful to lawyers. No doubt. Lawyers need to understand it & participate. It can help launch practices. It can showcase expertise.

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack don't want 2 limit creativity w/ SM ie:what 'can't' be done. It's 2new, untried. There R definite don'ts but undiscovered 'dos'.

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack They may just evangelize you differently based upon non-legal interests. This may be the key. I have numerous examples...

• jeffrey_brandt: @mikemac29 Tru a service whr many turn 2 in times of trouble, but is that fault of law or failure 2 properly partner w/clients?
  

• mypractice: @nikiblack To me, the intensity of effort to convince lawyers SM is useful is reflective that it really isn't that useful

• jeffrey_brandt: RT I know sex sells, but thats the cheap way out - not the only way 2 sell @nikiblack:Lawyers services arent 'sexy'--there's no hook.

• mikemac29: @jeffrey_brandt @nikiblack Partnering w/ clients would help, esp if firm keeps them out of litigation, but will client tell story on SM?

• FlemingMF: Hype of SM for lawyer is overblown; but to suggest it's all just smoke is also overstating @nikiblack @mypractice

• jeffrey_brandt: RT w/GenY I wouldnt B so sure @mikemac29 @nikiblack if firm got me out of trouble, gr8, but I wnt B going 2 firm FB page 2 share details

• lancegodard: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt If FB fan pages could be personalized, say with specific Firm RSS feeds, then they might be useful to clients

• Lemonlawyerinfo: @nikiblack one lawyer firm tweeting nationwide and having a statewide practice? hmm...Seem to be meeting people but that might be it

• LeighMonette: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt @mikemac29 Re: evangelizing attys. Vast maj. of online comments negative; few so happy they have to shout it (1)

• LeighMonette: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt @mikemac29 Re: evangalizing attys. I'm thinking of typical products/svces. Attys are a little different (2)

• JulianRCrump: @nikiblack No doubt online soc netwrkng has it's place; but where to find the time for it? I'm amazed how many tweets some post per day.

• DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack 1potential advantage of FaceBook fan pages R that clients R already there. I C them as means 4 communicating to current clien

• DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack I think of FaceBook Fan pages 4 attorneys as Newsletter of 2009. Less invasive than email & can B provided 2 others interested

• thetrialwarrior: @JulianRCrump @nikiblack Time management + scheduled tweets x creativity = 30+ tweets per day.
  

Virtual law offices, the economic downturn & the do-it-yourself mentaility.

@StephKimbro: RT @mhtweets: In downturn, more people acting as own lawyers: http://is.gd/rLTe so what can legal profession do to help? Me: VLO option.

• GrantGriffiths: My prediction - in “this economy” virtual offices/home offices and VA’s are going to become a key factor

• ageorgialawyer: @GrantGriffiths @StephKimbro: Legal Prof can help: Making web sites current, having site in plain english/giving folks a reason 2 call

• stephkimbro: @ageorgialawyer I agree. Using simplified language would be great start. It shouldn't be so hard for general public to help themselves.

• TMarieHilton: RT @GrantGriffiths: My prediction - in “this economy” virtual offices/home offices and VA’s are going to become a key factor. - I agree !

• JimmyVerner: @GrantGriffiths Unless cases are really simple, most people who do own divorces screw them up, so lawyers have to clean up mess afterward.

• SandraSingerEsq: @GrantGriffiths People act as own lawyer because they cant afford a lawyer. If legal prof wants to help they have to provide more pro bono

• GrantGriffiths: @SandraSingerEsq and @JimmyVerner - I agree with you both. And that is exactly where a VLO can come into help.@StephKimbro has great program

Richard Susskind's Keynote Speech at ABA #Techshow

ltrc: Waiting for Susskind keynote to start - big crowd. #techshow

• elizabeth627: Legal terrain will be radically different post current economic legal meltdown. Susskind #techshow

• stevematthews: #techshow Susskind: "Firms need to pay attention to KM. And not just pay lip service to the concept"

• jordan_law21: #techshow Susskind: clients want fence at top of cliff, not ambulance at bottom. Yup: preventive legal services is the future of lawyering.

• allisonshields: Susskind: What's exciting about tech is not automating what you were doing b4, but allowing you to do things you couldn't do b4 #techshow

• nikiblack: Keynote--Susskind: Be proactive-invent the future-make it happen. Very @garyvee-esque;) -#techshow

• edscanlan: "Innovation is when you use technology to do things that were previously not possible" Richard Susskind @totalattorneys agrees! #techshow

• nikiblack: Susskind--clients want more for less--challenge in next 10 yrs for lawyers--so true. IMO--tech. helps you provide that. #techshow

• @LexConf: Richard Susskind on technology: best when used to innovate, not automate. #techshow

• nikiblack: Susskind: SOme version of social networking will come to dominate the way prof. services are delivered. ABSOLUTELY.

• jordan_law21: #techshow Susskind branded heretic in '96 for saying lawyers would someday always use email (ironically,lawyers may end up last to use it)

• MarkRosch: Susskind sez "the lawyer's 1st port of call for information" is the Internet #techshow

• stevematthews: #techshow Susskind: "two competing online services, even between large firms, create a commodity - race to zero $$" Great stuff!

• @david_bilinsky: #TECHSHOW Susskind: Online legal services is the future.

• allisonshields: Susskind: "Bespoke" [customized] legal work dominates 'romantically' in minds of lawyers, but doesn't align with reality #techshow

• DavidWms: Not @ #techshow, but for Susskind, isn't virtually all litigation either "bespoke" services or, if not, likely malpractice?

• GabeAcevedo: Susskind: As we move from customization to commoditizationn quality goes up #techshow

• MarkRosch: Susskind: clients want more predictable costs for legal services #techshow

• goclio: Susskind's talk has been fantastic for sub-140 character sound bites. How long b4 this is done deliberately? #TECHSHOW

• debbiefoster: #techshow - susskind predicts...small firms be ready...lots of work now going to big firms coming your way!

• GabeAcevedo: Susskind: Project Management central to legal services #techshow.

• nikiblack: Susskind Basically just said lawyers are full of themselves--they're too "important" to use tech. So true! #techshow

• gregorybell: When 1desktop machine soon has proc. power of the brains of all humanity it MAY be time 4 lawyers 2 rethink approach. Susskind at #techshow

• edscanlan: Overheard "Susskind is the British Yoda of law" :) #techshow

• @nikiblack: Susskind: Tech is enjoying exponential growth. About to experience unimaginable growth and devlopment. #techshow

• allisonshields: Susskind: no reason to think legal world will be unaffected by changes, esp. accelerated technology changes #techshow

• awfirmblogger: Susskind: Social networking is the next generation of email. If you're not connected, your competition will be. #techshow

• stevematthews: #techshow Susskind: "Twitter is not a passing fad" -- Ok he is crazy. ;)

• nikiblack: Susskind: Suggests social network of solos could innovate and take over many areas law firms now handle #techshow

• stephkimbro: Thinking that the attorneys that really need to hear the ideas in Susskind's speech are not the ones attending #techshow.

• conradsaam: "Its the end of many or most lawyers as we know them" - Susskind #techshow

• stevematthews: #techshow Susskind: "online bidding tools for the sale of legal services will happen". Can see this, but not necessarily a good thing, IMO.

• nikiblack: Susskind: Over next decade--fundamental change in market. Legal services as we know them will be unrecognizable. #techshow

• denniskennedy: Hey, I actually liveblogged the Susskind keynote session. See what you think at http://bit.ly/jd6wN (expand) #techshow

• nerinopetro: Susskind sees an incremental revolution in the legal industry. He's wrapping things up - great session! #TECHSHOW

The "BigLaw Attitude"

carolynelefant: Had lunch w/biglaw associate yesterday. He's a go-getter but he attitudes of his colleagues are far, far worse than I ever imagined.

• internetcases: @carolynelefant - His colleagues' attitudes are worse in what way? Pessimistic? Incredulous? Too serious? Lazy?

• SanDiegoInjury: @carolynelefant What is BigLaw's "bad attitude"? Snootiness to solos or small firms?

• carolynelefant: @internetcases They don't realize importance of blogs or writing articles to build business. And passive - just not taking charge of future

• carolynelefant: @SanDiegoInjury Don't realize that solos use tech & are competent. Have emailed biglaw colleagues re: congrats on cases & not even a thanks

• SanDiegoInjury: @carolynelefant BigLaw tend to be snooty b/c $ or "prestige" of BigLaw club. Don't realize that there are other, better metrics for success

• allisonshields: @carolynelefant Sounds like a blog post -- or series of them (re: attitudes of biglaw)

• ronfox: @SCartierLiebel @charlesthomas @carolynelefant as disturbing to me is media's focus on BigLaw - almost defining it for all as law practice

• charlesthomas: @ronfox @SCartierLiebel @carolynelefant What few depictions small firm lawyers have in the media is either incompetent or unethical or both.

• carolynelefant: @SCartierLiebel The only reason I sometimes care is because biglaw is source of referrals & hard to get connected if they look down.