Don’t equate the legal technology changes that are happening in the courts, like E-Filing and the incorporation of video calls, with your law firm having to adopt all new tech to keep up with the times. While John D. Risvold likes the technology changes he sees in the legal system, he credits IP—his own pursuit of medical knowledge and expert support from family, friends, and his colleagues—for his practice’s success. With a focus on strong IP, a server (or cloud drive) and Microsoft 365 is all your firm needs to be profitable. Even the office is optional.
An IP focused law firm and the legal tech they use:
- The Collins Law Firm minimal tech setup (01:21)
- Examples of powerful IP at play in a law firm (06:31)
- Marketing techniques and tools (25:10)
- What John Risvold wants to see changed in the legal profession (41:20)
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OPERATING A LAW FIRM WITH A STREAMLINED LEGAL TECHNOLOGY APPROACH
“I haven’t been in the office in three weeks, but 2020 was one of the most successful years the firm has had in the last decade. It’s just a testament to everybody’s pulling together and hard work and making the technology work too.”
“We’re still getting cases resolved because of the expertise of folks at the firm, and the history of the firm and it’s experience.”
“The way things are going, if you have a good laptop, a good internet connection and you know how use Word, Excel, and Outlook, you can run an entire practice. You don’t need an office space. You don’t need any of the fancy case management systems…. You really can run the whole thing from a laptop and Excel and Outlook.”
“The pandemic [has] dragged our industry kicking and screaming from the mid-18th century to the present…. Carbon paper is such a hot commodity in Cook County that the judges have written their courtroom numbers on them and ‘Do not steal’….Hopefully, now that they’ve decided to do smart things like digital orders and PDF orders and email…we shouldn’t be handwriting orders [any longer.]”
JOHN RISVOLD, TECH SAVY PERSONAL INJURY TRIAL LAWYER
John, a personal injury trial lawyer at The Collins Law Firm P.C., has dedicated his career to fighting those responsible for injuring his clients. He focuses his practice on traumatic brain injury, car and truck crashes, medical negligence, nursing home neglect, and catastrophic personal injury. He spends the majority of his practice helping victims of catastrophic injury obtain justice.
Instagram: @johnrisvoldesq
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrisvold
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RisvoldTrial/
The Collins Law Firm: https://www.collinslaw.com/
LEGAL TECH TIPS, TRICKS, AND OTHER FIRMS FOCUSING ON IP
- “Microsoft Excel 2016 Training for Lawyers: Using the Law Firm Project Tracker, Tutorial Lesson” TeachUComp, 12 Jan 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emj30cFVBuc - “Office 365 For Legal Case Management: How to Use Office 365 for Your Firm” Arrow Consultants, 3 July 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR1qivK5HwA - “LogMeIn Rescue Live Guide And Lastpass Named Winners In 2020 Best In Biz Awards” LogMeIn, 17 December 2020
https://blog.logmeininc.com/logmein-rescue-live-guide-and-lastpass-named-winners-in-2020-best-in-biz-awards/ - Advitam IP focuses on hiring in strong IP when running their law firm
https://ablog.amatacorp.com/blog/posts/while-lavish-law-office-space-is-nice-talent-tops-list-of-client-priorities/
Have comments, questions, or concerns? Contact us at feedback@1958lawyer.com
“The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” still defines the business of law…
It’s time for a change.
If you’re a lawyer, you’re familiar with the ABA article “The 1958 Lawyer and his 1938 Dollar” which gives our podcast its title, and its inspiration. That article was the start of the billable hour for law firms…And the last major change to the business of law, 70+ years ago now. Well, it’s past time for another change.
This podcast is all about bucking the status quo of the business of law. Your hosts Ron Bockstahler and Kirsten Mayfield run Amata Law Office Suites, providing law firms an alternative to the traditional fixed-cost business model that places unwanted stress on attorneys to work long hours that often-times lead to burn out, broken relationships and in many cases substance abuse. Each week they’ll discuss alternatives to the 12 hours days, endless rotation of clerks and paralegals, and the expensive offices leased to impress clients who rarely show up in person anymore. They’ll interview successful lawyers who are doing law differently, and finding a work-life balance while still running a successful firm.
Do you want to find a better way to run your law firm? It’s time for the next big change in the business of law, and you’ll get it here on The 1958 Lawyer.