Comments for Society of Legal Learning Professionals http://legallearning.net/blog identity :: insight Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:31:11 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on A Lawyer’s IT Pet Peeves, and My Response. by Tony Hartsfield http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67&cpage=1#comment-3257 Tony Hartsfield Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:31:11 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67#comment-3257 We appreciate you taking the time to interact with the post, Ted. We're bumping up the total grade to B+ for the extra insights. You're always welcome here, and that's no hyperbole. We appreciate you taking the time to interact with the post, Ted. We’re bumping up the total grade to B+ for the extra insights.

You’re always welcome here, and that’s no hyperbole.

]]> Comment on A Lawyer’s IT Pet Peeves, and My Response. by Ted Banks http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67&cpage=1#comment-3256 Ted Banks Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:15:20 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67#comment-3256 I realize that a long time has passed since the original post, but I just spotted it, and if you don't mind I'll throw in a few comments: 1) The purpose of the article (in Law Technology News) and the related panel presentation at Legal Tech New York 2009 ("What I Hate About Technology") was to stimulate discussion. So there was a little hyperbole in the article and on the panel. 2) I started in the Kraft law department in 1976, and was immediately given reponsibility for everything related to computers since I had taught myself how to use an IBM Mag-Card word processor while I was clerking at a law firm. So, for the next 32 years, for better or worse, I was responsible for how the lawyers at Kraft moved into the computer age. 3) I agree with Tony's first comment. Lawyers often don't know what they want, and they freqeuently combine that ignorance with arrogance and stubbornness, which makes it very hard for IT professionals (or anyone else) to work with them. Attorneys often find themselves "too busy" to bother with training, and then demand lots of hand-holding when they can't quite use a new piece of software or hardware. 4) I don't like SAAS or cloud computing even if there is "adequate" reliability and security (and I'm not sure what that is). A year after the original blog post, I'm not thrilled about using services like Google Docs or the latest incarnation of Microsoft Office with its on-line piece. I did not mean to minimize the importance of security for any sort of server, inside an enterprise or outside, and at the Legal Tech panel on this topic several people in the audience (representing various vendors in the cloud) lit into me for not jumping on the cloud bandwagon. 5) Speaking to you as training professionals, I would say my main pet peeve in the area of training is with lawyers who focus on the law or on themselves rather than focusing on the learner. I'm working in private practice and as a compliance consultant in my life after Kraft, and I find that many compliance training programs designed by law firms really do a poor job at education, although they enable the client to "check the box" that they have, for example, an antitrust compliance program in place. Ted I realize that a long time has passed since the original post, but I just spotted it, and if you don’t mind I’ll throw in a few comments:

1) The purpose of the article (in Law Technology News) and the related panel presentation at Legal Tech New York 2009 (“What I Hate About Technology”) was to stimulate discussion. So there was a little hyperbole in the article and on the panel.

2) I started in the Kraft law department in 1976, and was immediately given reponsibility for everything related to computers since I had taught myself how to use an IBM Mag-Card word processor while I was clerking at a law firm. So, for the next 32 years, for better or worse, I was responsible for how the lawyers at Kraft moved into the computer age.

3) I agree with Tony’s first comment. Lawyers often don’t know what they want, and they freqeuently combine that ignorance with arrogance and stubbornness, which makes it very hard for IT professionals (or anyone else) to work with them. Attorneys often find themselves “too busy” to bother with training, and then demand lots of hand-holding when they can’t quite use a new piece of software or hardware.

4) I don’t like SAAS or cloud computing even if there is “adequate” reliability and security (and I’m not sure what that is). A year after the original blog post, I’m not thrilled about using services like Google Docs or the latest incarnation of Microsoft Office with its on-line piece. I did not mean to minimize the importance of security for any sort of server, inside an enterprise or outside, and at the Legal Tech panel on this topic several people in the audience (representing various vendors in the cloud) lit into me for not jumping on the cloud bandwagon.

5) Speaking to you as training professionals, I would say my main pet peeve in the area of training is with lawyers who focus on the law or on themselves rather than focusing on the learner. I’m working in private practice and as a compliance consultant in my life after Kraft, and I find that many compliance training programs designed by law firms really do a poor job at education, although they enable the client to “check the box” that they have, for example, an antitrust compliance program in place.

Ted

]]> Comment on Jeffrey Roach – Unfiltered by Fred Quinones http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=37&cpage=1#comment-1470 Fred Quinones Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:25:24 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=37#comment-1470 Jeffrey, I attended your presentation @ the legalTech Event yesterday, I can candidly say I enjoyed your presentation, which was certainly done with a sense of humor. Addressing the difficult times we are living in. If I can ever be of assistence please do not hesitate in reaching out. Respectfully, Fred Quinones Jeffrey, I attended your presentation @ the legalTech Event yesterday, I can candidly say I enjoyed your presentation, which was certainly done with a sense of humor. Addressing the difficult times we are living in.
If I can ever be of assistence please do not hesitate in reaching out.
Respectfully,
Fred Quinones

]]> Comment on A Lawyer’s IT Pet Peeves, and My Response. by Social Media Law Student Microblog Posts and Links for 2009-01-10 | Social Media Law Student http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67&cpage=1#comment-1390 Social Media Law Student Microblog Posts and Links for 2009-01-10 | Social Media Law Student Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:05:24 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67#comment-1390 [...] A Lawyer’s IT Pet Peeves, and My Response - http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67 [...] [...] A Lawyer’s IT Pet Peeves, and My Response – http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67 [...]

]]> Comment on A Lawyer’s IT Pet Peeves, and My Response. by Jon DiPietro http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67&cpage=1#comment-1378 Jon DiPietro Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:42:59 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67#comment-1378 This is great discussion, and one that is certainly not limited to the lawyer-IT realm. So, the question for businesses is, "Do You Speak Geek?" http://www.domesticatingit.com/index.php/2008/03/27/do-you-speak-geek/ This is great discussion, and one that is certainly not limited to the lawyer-IT realm.

So, the question for businesses is, “Do You Speak Geek?”
http://www.domesticatingit.com/index.php/2008/03/27/do-you-speak-geek/

]]> Comment on A Lawyer’s IT Pet Peeves, and My Response. by Mike McBride http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67&cpage=1#comment-1376 Mike McBride Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:39:37 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67#comment-1376 I didn't really feel like he was dismissing the concerns about security and the cloud, as much as he was in agreement that there are concerns, but even if there weren't, he still hates the idea. His comparison to a mainframe was interesting, since most users see Web 2.0 as a way around the IT department, not as putting control in the hands of another company, like Google. (Meet the new boss, etc...) That being said, having the choice of what web 2.0 tools to utilize does put the user in control more than they probably are with current IT infrastructure/policy. I will agree with you though, that a lawyer complaining about tech fads is actually kind of funny. The "shiny new toy" syndrome is in full effect for many of his peers! :) I didn’t really feel like he was dismissing the concerns about security and the cloud, as much as he was in agreement that there are concerns, but even if there weren’t, he still hates the idea. His comparison to a mainframe was interesting, since most users see Web 2.0 as a way around the IT department, not as putting control in the hands of another company, like Google. (Meet the new boss, etc…)

That being said, having the choice of what web 2.0 tools to utilize does put the user in control more than they probably are with current IT infrastructure/policy.

I will agree with you though, that a lawyer complaining about tech fads is actually kind of funny. The “shiny new toy” syndrome is in full effect for many of his peers! :)

]]> Comment on A Lawyer’s IT Pet Peeves, and My Response. by Greg Lambert http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67&cpage=1#comment-1375 Greg Lambert Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:32:33 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=67#comment-1375 Tony, Excellent rebuttal. Over the years I have had to work as an intermediary between Tech Staff and Lawyers because apparently, they don't seem to speak the same language. Ted commented about IT not coming out of its cubicles, but attorneys rarely come to training sessions either. I heard a saying a long time ago that is still relevant today when it comes to creating IT resources for the end user: "Making it is easy; Making it easy is difficult." -Greg Tony,

Excellent rebuttal. Over the years I have had to work as an intermediary between Tech Staff and Lawyers because apparently, they don’t seem to speak the same language. Ted commented about IT not coming out of its cubicles, but attorneys rarely come to training sessions either.

I heard a saying a long time ago that is still relevant today when it comes to creating IT resources for the end user:

“Making it is easy; Making it easy is difficult.”

-Greg

]]> Comment on ILTA 08 Wrap Up: “That’s Right, You’re Not from Texas, but Texas Will Have You Anyway” by trpullen http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=50&cpage=1#comment-913 trpullen Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:32:26 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=50#comment-913 Whoa, steady there. Rolling "analog" dice is SO last century. Here is how we geeks do it these days. http://www.wizards.com/dnd/dice/dice.htm Whoa, steady there. Rolling “analog” dice is SO last century. Here is how we geeks do it these days.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/dice/dice.htm

]]> Comment on Are You Online? Your Lawyers Are by Jim Parrish http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=48&cpage=1#comment-877 Jim Parrish Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:59:09 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=48#comment-877 It is more than important-- it's absolutely unavoidable. It is shaping the web and the way people communicate (AKA learn from each other), so we must be knowledgeable. And as good learners, the easiest way is to become involved and do it ourselves. Yes, your point is well taken-- where am *I* on the net in Web 2.0? SecondLife, but my avitar has been pretty inactive. I take your challenge and raise you one! We definitely need to get the feel for this web 2.0 and "social computing." I found your SLLP site from you ILTA presentation. I'm here at DFW waiting for my plight home, reviewing presentations on the ILTA CD. Keep up the good work! Jim Parrish Training Manager Ogletree Deakins It is more than important– it’s absolutely unavoidable. It is shaping the web and the way people communicate (AKA learn from each other), so we must be knowledgeable. And as good learners, the easiest way is to become involved and do it ourselves.

Yes, your point is well taken– where am *I* on the net in Web 2.0? SecondLife, but my avitar has been pretty inactive. I take your challenge and raise you one! We definitely need to get the feel for this web 2.0 and “social computing.”

I found your SLLP site from you ILTA presentation. I’m here at DFW waiting for my plight home, reviewing presentations on the ILTA CD. Keep up the good work!

Jim Parrish
Training Manager
Ogletree Deakins

]]> Comment on Are You Online? Your Lawyers Are by Tony Hartsfield http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=48&cpage=1#comment-833 Tony Hartsfield Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:44:18 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=48#comment-833 Check out this post from Doug Cornelius http://kmspace.blogspot.com/2008/08/social-network-site-survey.html He surveyed summer associates at his firm, and their us of networking websites. Check out this post from Doug Cornelius
http://kmspace.blogspot.com/2008/08/social-network-site-survey.html

He surveyed summer associates at his firm, and their us of networking websites.

]]> Comment on Why Project Management Must Include Training by Ron Rosenhead http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=46&cpage=1#comment-790 Ron Rosenhead Sat, 28 Jun 2008 07:49:36 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=46#comment-790 This brief article is to the point; do not forget training. We have seen too many times projects fail to deliver simply because training was not seen as part of the scope. A key issue is the "up front" work with stakeholders i.e. users. In our project management training (training of project managers!) we lay great importance in the engagement of stakeholders and if you get them involved early in the project they will soon tell you they need training or you will soon realise this yourself. This brief article is to the point; do not forget training. We have seen too many times projects fail to deliver simply because training was not seen as part of the scope. A key issue is the “up front” work with stakeholders i.e. users. In our project management training (training of project managers!) we lay great importance in the engagement of stakeholders and if you get them involved early in the project they will soon tell you they need training or you will soon realise this yourself.

]]> Comment on Why Project Management Must Include Training by Tami Schiller http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=46&cpage=1#comment-783 Tami Schiller Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:32:56 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=46#comment-783 We have a great Project Manager that understands training. She has made a world of difference in our approach to projects. I have a seat at table early on in project development so that end-user perspective is being considered before the project gets too techie. The training not be being ready - whether that's instruction or documentation - is a valid reason to push out a project end date. Life is good! We have a great Project Manager that understands training. She has made a world of difference in our approach to projects. I have a seat at table early on in project development so that end-user perspective is being considered before the project gets too techie. The training not be being ready – whether that’s instruction or documentation – is a valid reason to push out a project end date. Life is good!

]]> Comment on This Is Not Your Father’s Acrobat: Adobe Acrobat 9 by PB Coleman http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=44&cpage=1#comment-740 PB Coleman Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:49:36 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=44#comment-740 Adobe continues to augment the options in Acrobat that benefit the legal work environment. In addition, Rick Borstein and Mike Middleton provide excellent information and solutions for their product components. Version 9 is worth exploring. PB Coleman BNS Group Adobe Solutions Provider Adobe continues to augment the options in Acrobat that benefit the legal work environment.

In addition, Rick Borstein and Mike Middleton provide excellent information and solutions for their product components.

Version 9 is worth exploring.

PB Coleman
BNS Group
Adobe Solutions Provider

]]> Comment on This Is Not Your Father’s Acrobat: Adobe Acrobat 9 by trpullen http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=44&cpage=1#comment-721 trpullen Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:25:52 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=44#comment-721 I have to agree with Tony. The presentation was unbelievable....literally. I saw the Acrobat 8 roadshow and promptly declared that it would be the last version of Acrobat we would ever see...it was just that good. How could they ever think up more stuff or improve on it? Well, I stand corrected! Here is the one and only time you will see a mea culpa from me on the web....anywhere. Great job Adobe! I have to agree with Tony. The presentation was unbelievable….literally. I saw the Acrobat 8 roadshow and promptly declared that it would be the last version of Acrobat we would ever see…it was just that good. How could they ever think up more stuff or improve on it? Well, I stand corrected! Here is the one and only time you will see a mea culpa from me on the web….anywhere.

Great job Adobe!

]]> Comment on The Firm Picnic: Go or No? by tami http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=42&cpage=1#comment-716 tami Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:37:47 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=42#comment-716 Thanks, now I feel the pressure and the guilt to go to the firm picnic in a few weeks when it's a 100 degrees already in Texas. : ) Thanks, now I feel the pressure and the guilt to go to the firm picnic in a few weeks when it’s a 100 degrees already in Texas. : )

]]> Comment on Jeffrey Roach – Unfiltered by tschiller http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=37&cpage=1#comment-660 tschiller Fri, 30 May 2008 11:57:48 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=37#comment-660 Thanks for sharing. Humor and practical advice in a single serving. : ) I'm taking a look at the Screen Steps app. Currently only two on my team (one of which is me and sometimes I get so busy, being busy, that only the content with a project deadline gets done) can edit our html step by steps with FrontPage. This handly utility would allow everyone to create content quickly without worrying about html. If anyone has experience, I'd love to hear it. Thanks for sharing. Humor and practical advice in a single serving. : )

I’m taking a look at the Screen Steps app. Currently only two on my team (one of which is me and sometimes I get so busy, being busy, that only the content with a project deadline gets done) can edit our html step by steps with FrontPage. This handly utility would allow everyone to create content quickly without worrying about html.

If anyone has experience, I’d love to hear it.

]]> Comment on Jeffrey Roach – Unfiltered by trpullen http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=37&cpage=1#comment-486 trpullen Thu, 15 May 2008 00:55:02 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=37#comment-486 Jeffrey has forgotten more about MS Office than most of us will ever know. I am a little concerned about an "unfiltered" Jeffrey but, hey, I will go with it. Jeffrey has forgotten more about MS Office than most of us will ever know. I am a little concerned about an “unfiltered” Jeffrey but, hey, I will go with it.

]]> Comment on Of Course, You Know This Means War by Tami Schiller http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=26&cpage=1#comment-49 Tami Schiller Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:00:08 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=26#comment-49 To get some idea of what it means for legal hop over to Tom Baldwin's blog site. http://kmpipeline.blogspot.com Baldwin recently went to work for Reed Smith whose professional development program makes me turn green with envy. To get some idea of what it means for legal hop over to Tom Baldwin’s blog site. http://kmpipeline.blogspot.com

Baldwin recently went to work for Reed Smith whose professional development program makes me turn green with envy.

]]> Comment on Podcast: Interview with Wayne “The Cranky Middle Manager” Turmel – Part 1 by Tony Hartsfield http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=20&cpage=1#comment-19 Tony Hartsfield Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:03:21 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=20#comment-19 I was just asking that very question, Tami. I'll post part 2 as soon as it's up. I was just asking that very question, Tami. I’ll post part 2 as soon as it’s up.

]]> Comment on Podcast: Interview with Wayne “The Cranky Middle Manager” Turmel – Part 1 by Tami http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=20&cpage=1#comment-18 Tami Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:47:50 +0000 http://legallearning.net/blog/?p=20#comment-18 Finally found a quiet day to stop and listen. Loved it and looking forward to the rest of the story. He appeals to me because I'm one of those subject matter experts that evolved into a manager. How long before we get to listen to part 2? Finally found a quiet day to stop and listen. Loved it and looking forward to the rest of the story. He appeals to me because I’m one of those subject matter experts that evolved into a manager. How long before we get to listen to part 2?

]]>