New Solo Legal Talk Network

In our previous episode, we talked about getting the most from the software you already pay for and use, especially those Microsoft tools. Now, we’re going deeper into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and how these tools help you be more productive and profitable. Don’t be scared, be ready. 
AI enhancements and tools are already incorporated into the latest versions of your current office software. Remember when some were wary of early word processors, later hard drives, and eventually cloud services and document sharing? We learned to overcome those fears and master the advances. AI is no different.
Look at your paid versions of Adobe Acrobat. If you have an online subscription, or the latest desktop version, you may already have an AI assistant. Learn to use it for contract and document review, document summaries, information consolidation for quick email distribution, and even reformatting. 
Zoom offers AI “note taking” and post-meeting summaries (even a takeaway “to do” list for each participant). So does Microsoft Teams. How about turning a Microsoft Word document into a PowerPoint? Hear how we learned to stop worrying and love the AI.
Questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  
Topics:

AI isn’t going anywhere. The technology is weaving its way into products you already pay for and use. Learn how to take advantage.

Computer software advances are nothing to be afraid of. Increase productivity, cut repetitive tasks, and free yourself.

 

But AI isn’t magic, and it isn’t as smart as you. Learn to build guardrails and know where you can’t fully trust it. A hammer is a great tool, but it won’t build a house. AI won’t run your practice, but it can help.

Resources:
Adobe Acrobat AI
Microsoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion”
Copilot for Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 AI Tools And Applications
Microsoft OneDrive
Zoom AI
PC Guide, “What Is ChatGPT And What Is It Used For?”  
Previously on New Solo, Adam Alexander, “AI And The Evolving Security Threats (And Protections)”

Is it time to review the tech tools you use every day? Are you getting the most out of your online services (or are you using the right ones?) 
A lot has changed in the way Microsoft tools interact with the world of legal tech in the past year or so. So, we’ve got a special episode on tech. A back-to-school session where host Adriana Linares offers some no nonsense tutoring to help you get the most out of your Microsoft subscriptions and tech and be more productive. 
Start with understanding your Microsoft account and the types of available add-ons and subscriptions. Take a deep dive into the types of Microsoft accounts: personal/family, work, and third-party accounts. Dig into available AI and how they apply to your business. And learn about security options, and why they are so important.
Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  
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Understand the array of Microsoft accounts and services. Business or personal? Security? Plus, add-ons and subscriptions.

Learn why you should never mingle your personal and private accounts.

Get the latest on AI add-ons such as Microsoft Copilot (and understand the security around these new tools). 

Mentioned in this Episode
Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 Pricing
Microsoft Office.com
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Loop
Microsoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion”
Copilot for Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Copilot
Create a Gmail account
Create an Outlook email account
Google Workspace
Godaddy.com
Previously on New Solo, Adam Alexander, “AI And The Evolving Security Threats (And Protections)”

AI, artificial intelligence, is super cool. But it’s not perfect, and it can get you into trouble. Start by reading the terms of service. Understand if you’re getting something for free, you get what you pay for. And finally, be careful.
ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and all the new, exciting versions of artificial intelligence, AI, are exciting. But have you read the “terms of service?” Guest Daniel Whitehouse is a lawyer who practices in the areas of IT and digital security. He says even lawyers forget to read (really read) the terms. And that’s a mistake.
Do you know who owns the data you input? Is it being absorbed into the AI’s own machine learning and shared with the public? Broadcasting your information into the world, for everyone to see, can be as easy as a checkbox you clicked on.
Not to make you paranoid, but … be a bit paranoid. Even if you’re using Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, do you know if you’re using the professional or personal version (hint: there is a difference).
Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com 
Topics:

AI is a miracle but remember, it’s a “continuous learning model.” What is it learning from you? What are you sharing with these products?

If you can’t find something you’re looking for in the terms of service, ask why that information is so hard to find. Be suspicious. Terms and service provisions should be clear and easy to read.

Understanding how AI uses information, and how accurate it is, is especially vital in the legal world. 


Mentioned in this Episode:
Previous appearance on New Solo: “Did You Really Read Those Terms of Service?” 
Previous appearance on New Solo: “Data Security and Florida Breach Notification Law”
Bob Ambrogi, LawNext.Com
Damien Riehl, LinkedIn 
Carolyn Elefant, My Shingle 
Microsoft 365
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion”
Copilot for Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Copilot
Windows Security Center
Microsoft Defender XDR

The world is changing, technology is changing, and the threats to your private files and security are changing. The evolution of AI is making it hard to keep up. 
But don’t lose hope. It’s been a while since we’ve had IT expert Adam Alexander with us, but he’s back with more tips for solo practitioners and small practices. Alexander and his firm, InterNetwork IT, help attorneys identify, deploy, and manage security solutions and keep firms running efficiently. 
AI is shaking up everything. We’ll talk about Microsoft AI “Copilots” and how Microsoft is integrating AI into your entire PC experience. You’ll be surprised at how this combination works for both Windows and Macs.
Learn how to check security settings. Breaches are real and can be costly. Hear why it’s so important (and easy) to back up your files offsite
We’ve seen some tremendous tools in both productivity and security. If you aren’t keeping up, you might be missing out on some time saving hacks (even a way to convert handwriting to text built into your Snipping tool). Get the scoop on this episode of New Solo. . 
Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  
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AI is changing a lot, including the simplest tasks. In our latest tech talk, dive into AI products that plug right into your web browsers.

Why file security is so important (and protecting your files is easier than you think … if you pay attention).

Some daily activities require specific security efforts, including Payment Card Industry (PCI) security and even, if you work with medical information, HIPAA security. But you can do it.  


 Mentioned in this Episode:
Previous appearance on New Solo, “The Microsoft 365 Special: Your Questions, Expert Answers”
Microsoft 365
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft Copilot, “Announcing Microsoft Copilot, Your Everyday AI Companion” 
Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot for Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Copilot for Windows
Windows Security Center
Microsoft Defender XDR
LawPay
Clio
Microsoft HIPAA products
Previous episode, “A Short Primer on Microsoft Accounts, OneDrive, and SharePoint”
Previous episode, “The All-Mac Edition: The Episode For Mac-Curious Attorneys” 
Previous episode, “HIPAA Happens, But Compliance Software Can Help

Personal injury attorney Joshua “Josh” Bonnici left his first job out of law school to launch his own firm. Starting from scratch, just nine months later he hired his first employee and has been growing ever since. Bonnici built on his own love of cycling to focus on bicycle accidents and injuries, helping bicyclists in the bustling city of San Diego.
Now he’s known as “The Bike Guy” and stands out in the crowded personal injury field by specializing in an area he’s passionate about. He’s an example of specializing in something you love, and he’s sharing his story with new lawyers just starting out.
Bonnici walks us through, step by step, how he took advantage of an available incubator system, learned on the job from a mentor, and built his practice and his reputation. Hear how he got started, networked, built a brand, made himself memorable, and hired an assistant to make himself more productive. Real lessons from real life. 
Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  
Topics:

“Follow your passion” is common advice. But in the case of guest Josua Bonnici, his passion for bicycling helped him stand out in the crowded personal injury field. 

Hiring your first employee. Why it’s scary and why it’s necessary.

How to develop a website and social media presence with a library of videos and testimonials. 

 
Resources:
California Lawyers Association
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
San Diego Bar Association
 
Joshua Bonnici previous appearance on Legal Talk Network’s “On The Road” podcast

This inspiring episode tells the true story of a gutsy dad who started his own legal practice from scratch with no clients, no office, and no partner. 
Guest Michael Mendoza is an Orlando solo practitioner specializing in family law. After graduating from law school with a growing family, Mendoza knew he wanted work/life balance instead of burying himself in a big firm with long hours. For Mendoza, the practice of family law is personal, having witnessed his parents’ contentious divorce. 
Hear how Mendoza started with nothing, rolled up his sleeves, and launched a practice from putting together his tech to building his client base. How did he find clients? Did he advertise? What about a website? Or office space? 
It’s been tough. But the combination of running his own practice and the satisfaction of helping families through a difficult period has proven rewarding. Mendoza’s story is a guide for young lawyers who want to hang out a shingle (he even has an employee now). 
Nothing is easy. Nothing is perfect. It’s scary. But you can do this.
Got questions or ideas about solo and small practices? Drop us a line at NewSolo@legaltalknetwork.com  
Topics:

Starting your own law firm is anything but easy. But it can be done. Hear first-hand from one attorney who did just that, from the ground up. 

Software? Office space? Clients? Employees? Financials? There are a lot of balls in the air once you start juggling. 

What are the best and worst decisions you can make starting out? (Hint: find a mentor).

Resources:
Florida Bar Association
Florida Bar Association, Legal Fuel assistance
Seminole County (Florida) Bar Association
San Diego County Bar
Nebraska State Bar Association
Clio legal software
Microsoft 365
Adobe PDF management
Text Expander
Mycase legal software
LawPay legal software
George C. Young American Inns of Court