December 2004 Issue

Cover Story

The Top Ten in Tech

Technologies like e-filing have been hyped for a while, but not ev­ery­one knows all of the ways it can be used. And while handhelds are com­mon tools in the legal field, new applications can make those devices more useful. Overall, the big trend we see is lawyers learning to use current technology to better communicate with clients, themselves and opposing counsel.

Dennis Kennedy, a lawyer who helps put together the ABA Legal Tech­nolo­gy Show, thinks a lot of this is “client-driven.” By that he means clients will increasingly pressure lawyers and their firms to use technology to be more re­spon­sive.

“Lawyers aren’t always early adopt­ers of technology, but increasingly you see clients demanding that their lawyers use technology that isn’t yet widespread in the legal environment,” he says. “The firms that can respond and use technology well will always stand out.”

Still, there are a few new things under the sun. Some fresh software, hardware and services can help make everything from rainmaking to brief-filing to billing a little easier, quicker, better. This is our look at the top 10 in technology for 2004.

A correction has been made to this story.

Feature Section

The Subtle Art of the Party

Houston plaintiffs lawyer Mark Lanier doesn’t mince words: He throws a Christmas party every year. Call it a holiday party if you wish to be more inclusive, but it’s his Christmas party. And mindful of those old jokes about Texas braggadocio, he does it up real big.