Are law firms really a “soft underbelly” for hackers? Yes, according to numerous legal security experts and recent news reports. Understandably, more corporate clients are demanding their law firms take increased security measures. So why are law firms on the hacker radar? Quite simply, because law firms — especially smaller and midsize firms — tend to lack the level of security of their corporate clients. This can provide hackers with a proverbial “back door” into confidential and privileged data of more secure businesses, via their law firms. ... The good news is there are multiple ways you can mitigate your security risks. Here are 12 commonsense steps to protect your firm ... READ MORE

There's a lot of talk about lawyers and blogging. But do many really — blog, that is? If they do, how do they possibly find the time? And does blogging really bring them new clients? Yeah, we've wondered that, too. So we'll be speaking with a few high-profile legal bloggers to get the inside scoop. Today, we interview Dan Harris, who co-authors the China Law Blog with Steve Dickinson. ... READ MORE

It's no surprise that small firms are the most vulnerable when it comes to online risk. Less time, less money and less staff to keep abreast of threats. What's surprising, though, is how little law firms do to protect clients' privileged information when collaborating electronically. Recently released results from the LexisNexis Law Firm File Sharing in 2014 survey show that despite a growing awareness of new collaboration tools — along with the dangers of compromising client data— there is a real "disconnect" between security fears and the measures law firms actually take to secure confidential information. The smaller the firm, the more vulnerable — or lax. READ MORE

There are so many places to socialize online and way too little time. How can you make all of this socializing more efficient? That's what this post is about. First, a discussion of several social media management applications designed for the user who wants access to all platforms in one place. Second, my personal opinion about how to best approach social media in general.

Two coaching situations recently occurred in close proximity to each other and the contrast was striking. In the first, Attorney A, a partner, was interested in building a niche practice in an industry in which his largest client operates. We identified an industry association of which he had not been aware, and that group, coincidentally, had a meeting coming up in his city. He sent an email to his practice group head requesting the funds to attend ($500). On our next coaching call, I asked how the meeting had gone. He said, “I didn’t go.” When I asked why not, he said, “Because the firm wouldn’t pay the registration fee.”

At LexThink 2014, Gwynne Monahan started her six-minute speech on the given theme, "The End of Irrelevance," with a creative analogy: Strawberry Pop-Tarts. Here's her take on how data can transform the way you look at, well, just about anything.

Mitch Albom, who has been regularly employed as a sportswriter for the Detroit Free Press, has written songs for Warren Zevon and penned a few books, one of which is "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." Now, I’ve never read that book (per my mostly ironclad rule that I don’t read any books published after 1952 — what’s up Thomas Hardy?), but its title has given me some inspiration for this post. In fact, I like the idea so much, I’m doubling down on it: Imma give you 10 clients you’ll meet at the vestibule of Hell, Virgil describing the paces to you. (So, I guess I got next Friday covered, too, then.) The envelope please ... top 10 worst clients ... READ MORE

Question: Must we really spend money on a slick print brochure for our law firm when nearly everyone gets their information via the Internet? How can we use printed pieces most effectively? Law firm marketers Tina Emerson, Jim Jarrell and Kevin Sullivan — this month's experts from the Legal Marketing Association — fill us in on how law firms are using brochures these days. ... READ MORE

In her "Get to the Point" columns, Teddy Snyder has led us all to question our writing and speaking habits (and our hot dog acumen). In particular, "Lawyers' Top Three Grammar Goof-ups" inspired a lively LinkedIn discussion around the writing mistakes that irritate you most. So, with apologies to David Allan Coe, Steve Goodman and John Prine, here's another grammar issue that sets readers’ teeth on edge.

We are so used to instant gratification when it comes to communication — instant messaging, texting, all-access all-the-time smartphones. We can’t even get away from it when we travel, especially now that more and more flights are Internet connected. For goodness sakes, Parks Canada is even talking about making Wi-Fi available at national parks!