The Legal Tech-To-English Dictionary: Law Practice Management Consulting
Ed. note: This is the latest installment of The Legal Tech-to-English Dictionary, part of our Non-Event for Tech-Perplexed Lawyers. Jared Correia is the host of the Non-Eventcast.
There’s a term for when attorneys use Latin and other arcane languages to describe legal processes to consumers: “legalese.”
But there’s no similar term for when vendors use technical and other arcane languages to describe their legal software operations to lawyers.
True, this dynamic may seem unfair. But now we have The Legal Tech-to-English Dictionary to help us cope.
Read on for the latest installment, where we translate change management-related topics to plain English. And for an upgrade to your workflow, download our free eDiscovery Buyers Guide at the bottom of this form, or visit the Non-Event for more!
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Consulting Client: I feel like I should maybe try to start using some marketing videos.
Consultant: Okay. Here’s what I think you should do — create a marketing plan incorporating video content and post it on YouTube on a recurring basis.
Consulting Client: I thought that was what I just . . .
Consultant: You can thank me later.
Consultant: I take cash.
Cf. An unregulated, low overhead profession. In other words, the opposite of law practice.
Change Management
Lawyer 1: I called this meeting, everyone, because I am ready to embrace change.
Lawyer 1: So, I wanted to announce that I’m upgrading our server, and that we will be printing and sending out an annual newsletter.
Lawyer 1: I’ve taken a vote within my family, and we’ve decided on ‘Courier New’ as a font for the newsletter.
Lawyer 1: This is gonna be hard, but, we’ll get through it together.
. . .
Lawyer 1: While I wait for your comments, would anyone like a Werther’s Original from this glass dish I’m holding.
Cf. Those guys who come in to lay everybody off as part of said process.
Software Implementation
Lawyer 1: Jim, I think we need to talk about our word processing software.
(Typewriter dings.)
Lawyer 2: Why, what’s the problem?
Lawyer 2: Ah, shit. Can you hand me the Liquid Paper?
Inertia
Lawyer 1: Who the fuck put peanut M&Ms in this jar??
Lawyer 1: Who???
Lawyer 1: This jar is for *regular* M&Ms!!!
Lawyer 1: Dammit, my paper time sheet blew off the desk again. Hold on, I’ll be right back.
Cf. Implementation consultants, who assist law firms in software installations, versus strategic consultants, who advise law firms on general strategy.
Cf. Without the principle of inertia, there would be no Pinewood Derby. Just think about that shit.
Workflows
Lawyer 1: Samantha, I finished that ‘work flow’ you asked me to complete.
Lawyer 2: Ronan, this says ‘Start > Finish.’
Lawyer 1: Yes, exactly.
Cf. Law firms may establish various types of workflows, including for administrative and substantive tasks, including for specific case types.
Cf. There are multiple systems by which law firms may manage tasks, including standalone task management tools, law practice management software and productivity software.
Jared Correia, a consultant and legal technology expert, is the host of the Non-Eventcast, the featured podcast of the Above the Law Non-Event for Tech-Perplexed Lawyers.
TopicsATL Non-Event, Biglaw, Jared Correia, Legal Operations, Legal Tech-to-English Dictionary, Legal Technology, Non-Event, Non-Eventcast, Small Law Firms, Technology
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Originally posted on: https://abovethelaw.com/2021/12/the-legal-tech-to-english-dictionary-law-practice-management-consulting/