In the speech, entitled “Code is Law: Does Anyone Get This Yet?“, Lessig discusses some of the problems with copyright law’s application to regulate the digital world. I can’t adequately summarize the speech; it needs to be experienced. Here is a link. Lessig makes effective use of Keynote as the presentation platform and sprinkles the speech with video clips that demonstrate the Remix culture.

I was particularly struck by his evocation of John Philip Sousa‘s concern that recorded music would stifle culture. Sousa was worried that the youth would no longer gather and sing the old songs, or the songs of the day. Lessig proposes that Sousa would approve of the Remix culture as a modern day example of what he wanted to preserve.

At the end of the speech, Lessig tied these concerns about copyright law and internet regulation into a call to action to support the grassroots organization he helped start, Rootstrikers. Lessig proposes that many of the problems with current copyright law come from issues with how our politicians are funded. I personally doubt this by itself will bring the desired change, but it can’t hurt.

The rest of Techshow was also remarkable. I enjoyed the Macintosh and e-discovery sessions. I also learned some good workflows for integrating my new iPad into my practice. All in all, it was another remarkable conference. I am looking forward to Techshow 2012, which will be from March 29-31. Perhaps I will see you there.

Reactions to Lessig’s Keynote Speech at ABA Techshow 2011 is a post from: Cyberlaw Central

©2012 Cyberlaw Central.

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Scanning and Paper Reduction in the Law Office 101

The first session, with speakers Nancy Duhon and Michael Morse, was a great introduction to how to implement a paperless system in a real law practice. Michael has a thriving PI practice in Michigan, and his firm does not accept paper copies of accident reports, medical records, etc., if they can help it. Those they have to accept are scanned and shredded, or in certain cases the originals are returned to the client. Lots of good tips and tricks came from this session. You need a good way to get paper into your system, a good backup system, and a good way to get what you need back out of the system.

Document Management Software: The Electronic File Butler

This was the weakest session for me, but not due to the speakers. Steve Best and Richard Serpe did a great job keeping our interest, but I thought the topic could have been condensed down to about 6 minutes. Yes – “DMS software really works to help you search, and you need to force compliance with using it.” Enough said. One great thing about Techshow is the openness of the speakers and the exhibitors – I met the President of Worldox, Ray Zweifelhofer, at a reception and we had a nice chat about his company’s software. I know it’s a popular package, and with good people like that at the helm it’s bound to stay popular.

Digital Workflow – Developing the Paperless Habit

This was easily the best session of the track. Nerino Petro and Ernie Svenson (Ernie the Attorney) did a fantastic job expanding on the insights from the first session with more practical tips and real-life examples. I forgot which one of them said it, but I still remember the line “Friends don’t let friends print emails.” If it’s digital, keep it digital. If it’s not digital, get it digital and get rid of the paper. I’ve gotten to know Nerino over the years attending Techshow, and his sessions are always interesting and informative. Ernie is also quite down to earth and a very good speaker. If you don’t already follow his separate “PDF For Lawyers” blog, I strongly suggest you subscribe.

Paperless Law Office Library: Research and Forms

Donna Neff and Paul Unger finished the day with another strong session. Good tips on creating and storing usable forms and research libraries were shared. Donna has developed a system for the storage of electronic files without the use of a document management software package that was introduced in this session but expanded on in another session on Friday. With a good system in place to scan incoming paper, and a way to get what you need out of the system again, a lawyer has little need to keep lots of paper.

I always enjoy Techshow, which is why I’ve gone more years than not since 2006. I think last year (2009) was the only year since then I haven’t gone through the CLE sessions. I am looking forward to Techshow 2011!

ABA Techshow 2010 – Roundup of Paperless Office Sessions is a post from: Cyberlaw Central

©2012 Cyberlaw Central.

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The last one was fun, Craig Ball was looking for a volunteer for someone to give him a USB drive that he would forensically analyze. I gave him one of mine that I was pretty sure was uninteresting, and was relieved to see that was the case after Craig was done. Overall, a good session.

I also enjoyed Tom Mighell and Dennis Kennedy‘s talk on the collaboration tools. They’ve written a book on it, which I encourage you to check out.

Up now – 60 Tips in 60 Minutes!

[Originally posted by Kevin Thompson at Cyberlaw Central]

Techshow 2008 – Day 2 – In Progress update is a post from: Cyberlaw Central

©2012 Cyberlaw Central.

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Other sessions I have attended include records management, document management, and law firm data breaches. The last one is a personal favorite of mine, Dave Ries and John Simek always do a great job putting this one together. In past years they’ve had live demos of intrusions in process, but the hypos this year were esoteric enough to make real examples unwieldy.

I’m back off now to the expo hall, looking forward to the afternoon and evening sessions.

[Originally posted by Kevin Thompson at Cyberlaw Central]

Techshow 2008 – In Progress report is a post from: Cyberlaw Central

©2012 Cyberlaw Central.

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I have enjoyed coming to Techshow as I always learn new things to implement in my practice, as well as to hang out with fellow “geeky lawyers” as my wife would say. It truly is a good event, and it is so nice that it is held here in Chicago.

That aside, I want to point out a must-read post from Dennis Crouch at Patently-O about the blogger formerly known as the Troll Tracker, who has been sued for defamation. Here’s a link to my prior article, which admittedly was written before he unveiled his identity. Dennis provides links to the complaints in his post for those who are so inclined.

[Originally posted by Kevin Thompson at Cyberlaw Central]

Looking forward to Techshow 2008! is a post from: Cyberlaw Central

©2012 Cyberlaw Central.

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