Knowledge Base: How Tech-Competent Are You?

Almost every state bar association (including yours, by the way) has adopted a new comment (inspired by the American Bar Association Model rule) to Rule 1.1 respecting lawyer competence.  In essence, the comment indicates that a lawyer’s competency is, in part, based on her familiarity and understanding of technology.  This comment has recently been adopted, but it was probably long overdue. 

But, with real life stakes (potential discipline) on the table, the comment to the rule begs the question: How tech competent are you and your law firm?  Do you reach the reasonable level of competency that the comment requires?  If not, it’s time to get up to speed. 

If you’ve never paid much attention to your law office technology infrastructure, now is probably the time to start doing so.  If you need to build or rebuild your law firm technology suite, this would be a good time to look into doing so.  As a lawyer, your job, outside of the substantive work you do, is to oversee the work of others, or the operation of your law firm.  Most attorneys don’t take enough time or make enough effort to modernize the technology they use.  But, with an ethics rule comment in place, it’s a great time to reorganize how you and your staff utilize technology in your law firm. 

While many attorneys view this as another burden, it can (and should) be viewed as an opportunity to modernize your law practice. 

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If you need some help in getting your technology up to date, we can help. 

Through a unique partnership between the bar association and Jared Correia's Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, Vermont Bar Association members now have access to experienced law practice management consultants at a special discounted rate.  To get started, visit Red Cave's Vermont Bar Association landing page, and start running your law practice like a business.