You know you saved it—that file that you spent hours working on a few weeks ago. That file you’re now desperate to retrieve but can’t locate. But it's not in your Recent Documents (because you weren’t working on it recently), and it's not pinned to a Jump List. You’ve clicked and clicked through the usual suspect folders, all to no avail—you just can’t find it. Well, this is why you don’t look, you let your computer search for you. Why should you spend precious time on the hunt for saved files when the computer can do it better and faster? Here are a handful of ways you can make searching for files easier on yourself.

Last Friday, we told you about some of the legal technology products released just-in-time for LegalTech New York this past week. Now that LTNY has wrapped, we're sorting through the on-site posts and tweets to give you a Friday Five update on even more. And, since we find that some big-picture perspective always helps us better grasp the product news, we recommend some links focusing on innovations to expect this year.

Operating without a strategic marketing plan is like constructing a building without a blueprint. You can do it, but chances are you won't like the outcome. With a blueprint, the builder knows whether it will be a shed or a cathedral. Likewise, with a well-defined marketing strategy, you can move forward confidently knowing what kind of future you're building—and how and why the dollars are being spent. There isn’t a law firm I know that doesn’t like to know a little something about the potential for return on investment.

The thing about gigantic databases, like the great library at Alexandria, is that it can be hard to find exactly what you’re looking for, unless you really know what you’re doing. LexisNexis’ research engine is a modern-day labrynthine library. But, with a new product release, Practice Advisor, Lexis endeavors to make things easier to find, by providing ‘on-point’ access for transactional attorneys.

It rested on the credenza of his corner office looking battered and well-used, not unlike the lawyer behind the desk. “My daddy carried that to court for 20 years, and gave it to me when he finally retired. I carried it for 30 more, and had it repaired three times.” He pointed to nearly imperceptible resewing of two seams and a replaced handle. “To me, that briefcase represents the practice of law, the tradition and professionalism that called me to the bar. Today, these lawyers carry messenger bags and backpacks that they toss out every few years—just like they toss out our traditions and professionalism.”

I have a friend who is a gifted planner. We often get together near the end of the year, and I find her scheduling her professional development activities for the upcoming calendar year, and her vacation. She finds that doing so means that both areas will be written in ink on her calendar before client needs can intrude. I invite you to do the same. Here are some painless ways to get started on planning your professional development activities—and pave the way for a smarter, more connected and more relaxed year. You’ll be glad for it.

Yes, it's that wonderful time of year, when legal technology fans await the drumroll of new products and updates, and legal technology companies primp and prepare to show off their best new stuff. Legal Tech New York opens next week and ABA TECHSHOW lands in Chicago this March. Whether in the exhibit hall or blawgosphere, you'll see plenty of new releases these next few weeks. In anticipation, this week's Friday Five serves up a bunch of product announcements designed to help you work smarter, faster, better ... in the cloud, from your smartphone or tablet, and even on your desktop (if you must stay put).

I arrived early for the deposition but somehow, in his mind, I was late. I was also young. This angered him. I went to shake his hand, but his arm never moved. Rather, he looked me up and down and sarcastically said, “Great, looks like we’re gonna be here forever.” As a young lawyer, I encounter this attitude more often than not. Luckily, I have a step-by-step guide for how to handle the situation.

Who are these “enterprising lawyers”? Actually, they are easy to spot. Look for the more engaged and happier lawyers in the crowd. Deeply invested in the power of the work they do for their clients, they have ample interests beyond the practice of law as well. And they seem to have more energy for getting things done than anyone in the crowd. You probably know one or two—you may even be one yourself! Meet Mark Tamminga—a large firm partner and practice systems expert who is, quite literally, a law firm innovation leader.

While forgetting names is not the worst thing you can do socially, conversely, remembering names is one of the best. It eases social situations, sets you apart from the other bumbling schlubs, lets your companion know that they had a positive impact on you, and, face it, is just plain old good manners. But let’s get real. Unless you have a photographic memory, you’re going to have to work at it a little. PJ McGuire, owner of Chicago-based Modet, offers her top tips for remembering names.