December’s Best of the Blogs

• Five Ways to Reduce Your Outlook Mailbox Size from Software Pro
• Tech Jargon: Cheat Sheets for Lawyers from FindLaw
• Add a Watermark to a Document from Mission Critical
• For more tips, check out Reba’s Tips of the Week

• Sync Boogie Board — Never Buy A Legal Pad Again? from FutureLawyer
• Olala iDisk ID300 (USB and lightning flash drive) from iPhone J.D.
• The Best Stylus for Your iPad or Other Touchscreen Device from WireCutter
• Keynote and TrialPad for iPad from the York County Bar Association

Jeff Bennion, Above the Law
There’s been a big emphasis on software and legal apps, so people often miss the cool developments in hardware. Since Christmas is coming up, I thought I’d discuss some of the coolest hardware for law offices. Read more.

The Clio Team
According to the ABA’s 2015 Legal Technology Survey Report, nearly 40 percent of lawyers in the U.S. use public Wi-Fi to access client data, but only 22 percent are using an encrypted connection. Clearly, mobile security isn’t always front-of-mind for lawyers. Read more.

Jeffery L. Weeden, Solo in Colo
Speech recognition has long been a tantalizing staple of science fiction. Voice recognition technology in the past was hindered by being too slow and inaccurate. Computers continue to get faster and the software continues to get better. Read more.

Staff, Associates Mind

Considering that the majority of lawyers are solos or in small firms, it’s also likely that you’re going to be in charge of marketing your practice. Many lawyers are increasingly turning to alternative sources for marketing their practices than the usual website and newsletters. Read more.

Cari Twitchell, Lawyerist.com
The About page on your law firm website is probably the second-most visited page. Make sure you do it justice by writing a bio that engages your audience. Read more.

Paul Miller, The Docket
I re-entered the practice of law after an extended “sabbatical” in public education. I left the legal world 15 years ago and taught high school for 12 years. I started practicing again two years ago. In June 2015, I re-opened my firm. Read more.

Podcast, Legal Talk Network
In this episode, Lisa Solomon explains what freelance lawyering is, how to work with a freelance lawyer, and where to find one. She also points out that because you can bill a freelance lawyer’s time at more than you pay, a freelance lawyer can generate a profit for your firm. Listen.

Meranda Vieyra , Denver Legal Marketing LLC
Here are some ideas for small law firms and solo practitioners to consider when deciding what to give to their clients and referral sources this holiday season. Read more.

Shannon Achimalbe, Above the Law
While year-end planning is important, it does not have to be a multi-day ordeal. It should cover the basics: finances, profitability (or lack thereof), business development, and job satisfaction. Here are a few quick year-end planning ideas you can do while you wait for your lunch to be delivered to your office. Read more.