This week’s episode features Ruby Powers, a board-certified immigration attorney, author, speaker, small business owner, law practice management consultant, and podcaster. She is the founder of Powers Law Group, a Houston-based, full-service immigration law firm. She provides comprehensive services such as family immigration, employment-based immigration, consular processing, asylum, deportation, and waivers of inadmissibility. She joined us today from Salt Lake City, Utah just after the 2024 Lex Summit to talk about her current tech setup and share some suggestions for those transitioning to a new LPM.

In addition to her current tech setup and suggestions for new LPM transitions, she explains what security measures she’s taken while traveling internationally and also while border-crossing.

Join Ruby and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three pieces of tech, whether it be hardware or software, that you think every attorney should have to power up their practice?
2. You recently transitioned your LPM. What are your top three suggestions to lawyers when they're making this transition?
3. What are your top three pieces of tech, hardware, software or utility that a lawyer should expect from their LPM?

In our conversation, we cover:

[01.27] Tech Setup – Ruby’s current tech setup.

[04.30] Power up – Ruby’s best three tech pieces that every attorney should have.

[07.40] Security – Ruby explains how she maintains security while traveling internationally.

[08.43] Client data protection – Ruby explains how she secures client data when crossing the border.

[10.25] LPM Transition – Tuo three suggestions when transitioning to a new legal project management.

[15.00] The top three pieces of technology, hardware, software, or utilities that lawyers should expect from their legal project management software

Resources:

Connect with Ruby

• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/rubypowers/
• Website -
  • powersstrategygroup.com/
  • rubypowers.com/
• Power Up Your Practice: Create the Law Firm and the Life You Deserve By Ruby Powers - amazon.com/Power-Up-Your-Practice-Deserve/dp/B0DJB1FL5R
• Power Up Your Practice Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ruby-powers2

Equipment Mentioned in the Podcast

• HP Computers - hp.com/us-en/shop/cat/laptops
• Jabra Headset - jabra.com/en-apac/
• Samsung Android - samsung.com/us/smartphones/
• Yeti Microphone - blueyetimicrophone.com/

Software & Services Mentioned in the Podcast

• ChatGPT - chatgpt.com/
• Dropbox - dropbox.com/
• f.lux - justgetflux.com/
• FileVine - filevine.com/
• Moment - momentcrm.com/

In today’s fast-paced world, smart technology has become an essential part of our daily lives, revolutionizing how we manage our homes and workplaces. Integrating smart technology makes daily chores easier and offers strong security measures to safeguard our homes and private data. From smart locks and thermostats to integrated security systems, these advancements provide unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and protection.

Today, we are joined by Alexander Paykin. He is a commercial litigator, real estate litigator, business lawyer, complex transaction attorney, and the managing director and sole owner of The Law Office of Alexander Paykin, P.C. He is a successful advocate for many complex topics because of his varied life experiences, which have enabled him to comprehend other cultures, mentalities, and points of view. Mr. Paykin's firm is designed as a high-tech, client-centered law firm that focuses on providing efficient services in litigation and complex transactions involving business/commerce, finance, and real estate. On behalf of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and other attorney associations and groups, Mr. Paykin often instructs fellow attorneys in continuing legal education (CLE) seminars. In the first part of our conversation with him, he explains how he uses technology to enhance his overall quality of life.

IN OUR CONVERSATION WE COVER:

[01.35] Tech setup – Alexander explains his current tech setup and why he recommends investing in a secondary screen.

[07.46] Data management – Alexander explains his data management and backup strategy.

[12.58] Encrypted backups – Alexander explains their backup strategy to protect against ransomware and data loss.

[18.31] Alexander explains why he uses two smartphones.

[22.16] Safety & Security – Michael explains his approach, which combines practicality with security, showing how to keep essentials organized while minimizing risks.

[25.32] What’s in Alex’s wallet?

[30.12] Technology and daily life – Alexander explains their comprehensive smart home and office setup, focusing on convenience and security.

RESOURCES

Connect with Alexander

• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/alexanderpaykin/
• Website - paykinlaw.net/

EQUIPMENT MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

• Big Skinny Wallets - bigskinny.net/
• Google Nest Hub Max - store.google.com/product/google_nest_hub_max
• Google Nest Security Products - https://store.google.com/gb/category/connected_home
• Google Pixel 8 - store.google.com/product/pixel_8
• SCOTTeVest - https://www.scottevest.com/
• XPS Laptop Computers - dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/scr/laptops/appref=xps-product-line

In the legal landscape, the adoption of new technologies offers remarkable benefits. Tools like AI-driven document drafting systems empower attorneys to efficiently create complex legal documents without needing advanced technical skills. Embracing these kinds of technologies will save time and allow legal professionals to focus on higher-value tasks.

Troy Doucet is a top-rated litigation attorney, legal tech innovator, and the founder of AI.Law, a legal document drafting system. Having studied economics in college and built a prestigious practice as a litigation lawyer, he has a unique viewpoint on the revolutionary possibilities of artificial intelligence. His knowledge of the litigation process is currently being directed toward creating artificial intelligence to increase accessibility to the legal system. Troy frequently lectures about the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal sector and how it will fundamentally change the way lawyers provide services. Troy has taught multiple programs on consumer law, real estate law, and AI.

Troy and I discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three things AI.Law can do either faster or better than an attorney who does not use AI.Law?
2. What are three ways AI dot law prevents hallucinations, and what are the top three things attorneys should do when using AI to help draft their documents, prevent you to prevent hallucinations?
3. What inspired you to create AI.Law?

In our conversation, we cover:

[01.29] Tech setup – Troy’s current tech setup.

[02.44] AI.Law – Troy explains how AI.Law works on mobile devices.

[05.00] Learning obstacles – Troy shares how he shifted from Android to Apple.

[08.41] The benefits – The advantages of using AI.Law.

[11.44] Computer proficiency – Troy explains why lawyers don’t need advanced technical skills to use AI.Law.

[13.52] Efficiency – Troy explains how AI.Law can save time and allows legal professionals to focus on higher-value tasks.

[18.25] Hallucinations – A guide to minimize hallucinations.

[21.09] Other AIs – Troy talks about the AI products he uses other than AI.Law.

[22.17] The inspiration – Troy explains what inspired him to create AI.Law.

[26.00] Terms of Services – The terms of services people should look out for when using AI.

[29.48] The usage of AI – The importance of choosing the AI that will work best for you.

[33.40] Do It Yourself – Troy explains his take on lawyers using AI as a DIY service.

[38.29] Emotional component – How AI can help people in unexpected situations in life.

Resources:

Connect with Troy

• LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/tdoucet/
• Website – ai.law/

SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE FOR NEW USERS AT AI.LAW: "Tech Savvy"

Equipment Mentioned in the Podcast

• HyperX Vision S Webcam – hyperx.com/products/hyperx-vision-s-webcam?variant=43855670411421
• Infinite RS desktop - us.msi.com/Desktop/Infinite-RS-14th
• iPhone 15 - apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-15
• LG TV - lg.com/uk/tvs-soundbars/smart-tvs/oled48c36la/

Software & Services Mentioned in the Podcast

• AI.law - ai.law/
• MacRumors - macrumors.com/

In a world where video content reigns supreme, lawyers can elevate their DIY videos with expert tips while avoiding common mistakes, making their marketing strategies more impactful. Companies like Mosaic Media Films can further enhance attorney videos, ensuring captivating, high-converting content that solidifies a law firm's digital presence and client engagement.

Meet Mark Wonderlin, the founder of Mosaic Media Films. With a creative approach to business videos, Mark helps companies create content that captivates and converts, driving traffic and boosting sales. His expertise lies in aligning video strategies with clients' marketing goals.

Join Mark and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three reasons professionals like lawyers need video on their web pages, social media, marketing, etc?
2. What are the top three ways lawyers can improve their DIY videos?
3. Without naming names, what are the top three mistakes you've seen professionals like lawyers make in their videos?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:30] Mark's Tech Setup

[11:16] Top Three Tips for DIY Videos

[14:15] Top 3 Reasons Lawyers Need Video in Their Digital Marketing Strategy

[16:11] Top 3 Tips for Lawyers to Enhance Their DIY Videos

[21:58] Top 3 Ways Companies Like Mosaic Can Enhance Attorneys' Video Content

[27:33] Top 3 Common Mistakes Lawyers Make in Their Videos

[32:35] Learn More About Mosaic Media Films

Resources:

Connect with Mark:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/markwonderlin/
• Free Resources: mosaicmediafilms.com/resources/
• Website: mosaicmediafilms.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• DJI Mic: dji.com/global/mic
• Hollyland Mics: store.hollyland.com/collections/hollyland-microphones
• Mac Studio: apple.com/mac-studio/
• Razer Kiyo Pro: razer.com/streaming-cameras/razer-kiyo-pro
• Samsung Curved LCD Monitor: samsung.com/levant/monitors/curved/
• Sennheiser Lavalier Microphone: sennheiser.com/en-us/catalog/products/microphones/xs-lav/xs-lav-usb-c

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• Parallels:parallels.com
• Parsec: parsec.app/

Tony Valenti, CEO of UniversalMigrator.com, is a visionary leader in legal tech, transforming the complex process of data migration for lawyers of any law firm size. Under his guidance, Universal Migrator makes it effortless to transfer data between law practice management systems, ensuring that migrations don't have to suck. Tony's innovative approach simplifies transitions, empowering firms to move forward with confidence.

Join Tony and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three factors lawyers should consider when choosing their first or next CRM in terms of traceability? If their choice turns out not to be the right one, what should they do?
2. Universal Migrator does not always transfer every data set from one CRM to another. What are your top three tips for lawyers to transfer those data sets in a different way?
3. What are your top three tips for lawyers after they make the transfer, before fully committing to the new CRM and canceling their old one?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:06] Tony's current tech setup

[08:02] Key Considerations for Lawyers When Choosing a CRM

[22:26] Tips for Lawyers on Migrating Incompatible Data and Tasks

[28:18] Critical Steps for Lawyers Before Fully Committing to a New CRM

[30:41] CRM Choices and the Role of Universal Migrator in Legal Tech Transitions

[32:32] How Universal Migrator Protects Client Data During Legal Tech Migrations

[34:23] The Role of AI in Legal Data Migrations

[37:03] Connect with Tony

Resources:

Connect with Tony:

• Email: tv@universalmigrator.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tony-valenti
• Website: universalmigrator.com/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• Anker speakerphone: ankerwork.com/products/a3301
• Blue Yeti Microphone: logitechg.com/en-us/products/streaming-gear/yeti-premium-usb-microphone
• Elgato Stream Deck XL: elgato.com/ww/en/p/stream-deck-xl
• Intel i9 9900K: ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/186605/intel-core-i9-9900k-processor

Software & Cloud Services or Apps mentioned in the conversation:

• Clio: clio.com/
• Faster Suite: fasterlaw.com/
• Lawmatics: lawmatics.com/
• Matter Match Migrator: mattermatchmigrator.com/product-page/matter-match-migrator
• MyCase: mycase.com/
• NetDocuments: netdocuments.com/
• PracticePanther: practicepanther.com/
• Rocket Matter: rocketmatter.com/
• Stream Deck Plugins: barraider.com/
• Universal Migrator: universalmigrator.com/

In the labyrinth of legal tech, attorneys often waste resources on redundant software, overlook key workflows like client onboarding, and falter in choosing the right CRM. Join Katherine Porter as she guides us through these challenges!

Katherine is the founder of The Resourceful Lawyer, and she facilitates workshops for law firm leaders so they can align with their goals and create actionable strategies for growth and profitability. Katherine blends the best of project management, human-centered design, and two decades of legal experience to tailor workshops for each of her law firm clients. She earned her law degree at UCLA, holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, and is certified in Design Thinking.

Join Katherine and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three areas of tech software that attorneys are wasting their money on?
2. What are the three common workflows attorneys are not utilizing? And how do we create each one?
3. What are your top three tips when vetting a new CRM LPM?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[01:10] Tech Setup Overview and Preferences

[07:08] Top Three Areas Where Attorneys Overpay for Tech Software

[12:37] Essential Attorney Workflows: Key Areas for Improvement and Implementation

[14:09] Tips for Creating Effective Workflows

[15:31] Top Three Tips for Vetting a New CRM or LPM System

[17:21] CRM/LPM Transition War Stories: Challenges and Solutions

Resources:

Connect with Katherine:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kporterjd/

Website: theresourcefullawyer.com/

Mentioned in the episode:

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• Blue Yeti Microphone: blueyetimicrophone.com/
• Logitech C920 Webcam: logitech.com/en-ch/products/webcams/c920-pro-hd-webcam
• Microsoft Surface: microsoft.com/en-us/surface ​

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• ClickUp: clickup.com/
• Dubsado: dubsado.com/
• Make: make.com/
• Microsoft Bookings: microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business/scheduling-and-booking-app
• Miro: miro.com/
• Mural: mural.co/
• PandaDoc: pandadoc.com/
• Zapier:zapier.com/