Wilson: Digital, analog note-taking tactics: Finding your fit
Too often, we overlook the tools that are right in front of us. Instead, we search for the tool that will do things bigger, better and faster.
Seth Wilson
Articles
Wilson: What’s your system for capturing, processing, completing actions?
This article outlines some ideas for your personal system to capture the various types of projects you may face in the legal context and how to work those through a process to completion.
Wilson: Customize your Word toolbar with your most-used buttons
Have you ever clicked through tabs in Microsoft Word trying to find that one feature you need? Why not group those tools in one tab?
Wilson: Use Screen Time to find apps to adjust or delete
If you, like me, want to cut down on the noise in life so you can focus on achieving your most important goals, here are some ideas on how to audit your app usage and determine which you should adjust or delete.
Wilson: Does the new year require new tech?
Here is a list of tools I’ve used and found that “stuck” with me this year to help me manage the various areas of my life.
Wilson: Continuity Camera makes your iPhone camera a webcam
Last month, Apple released its newest version of macOS, bringing the Continuity Camera feature into production.
Wilson: How to reuse communications more efficiently and effectively
Disclaimer: This article will hopefully give you some ideas on how to use technology to communicate more efficiently. But first, think through how to communicate more effectively.
Wilson: New iPhone software features that will help your legal practice
At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) recently, iOS 16 was announced. There are lots of improvements coming this fall. Here are just a few that may help you in your practice.
Wilson: Plan for access of your digital assets with Legacy Contacts
Digital assets are an important part of estate planning. Planning includes ensuring that the appropriate people have access to the information at the right time. We have been made aware of these issues when dealing with cryptocurrencies, but what about all the subscription and social media services we all utilize now? It’s more important than ever to have a clear plan for accessing digital assets. This is one of those areas where technology clearly intersects with a specific area of the law.
Wilson: When talking aloud to yourself makes sense
It seems people like to complain about Apple Siri’s technology. Most of the time, the complaints seem to be about Siri not recognizing voice commands or accurately converting voice to text. Siri is one of those tools that has a lot of promise. While it has not exactly lived up to the hype, there are some features that are useful. It continues to get better. Here are some thoughts on how you can get more out of Siri and “voice to task” technology.
Start Page: Use Voice Memo and Drafts to transcribe dictations
For a legal professional, the ability to turn talk into text is a great feature. These days, your iPhone can do most of that process for you thanks to the Drafts and Voice Memo apps.
Start Page: Use Focus modes to focus on what’s most important
Here’s how to set up Apple Focus modes that can help avoid that situation.
Start Page: This year’s Apple iPhone and iPad updates
Apple recently released its newest mobile hardware (iPhones and iPads) and software (iOS 15 and iPadOS). iPhones are at version 13 in both base and Pro models. The “new” iPads include a new base model and mini model. There’s also a new Apple Watch.
Wilson: Do you like to share your network? Amazon and Apple do
Everything electronic now seems to need an internet connection to operate appropriately. This begs the question: What are the manufacturers and service providers doing with all of those connected devices and information?
Start Page: Digital evidence pilot program clears preflight checklist
The Hamilton County courts have been piloting, in select family law cases, a program for the online submission of trial exhibits through a website called CaseLines, part of Thomson Reuters. Attorneys and their teams can log in to a website, upload their digital exhibits for a hearing and the participants have access to those files for the hearing. The website is one place where the exhibits are stored and all participants can access at the hearing.
Start Page: Reduce cost of smartphone ownership: Limit interruptions
Over the next few articles, I will share some thoughts on setting your devices up for a “palm practice” (practicing law from the palm of your hand). Most lawyers now have smartphones or devices with us every day. But, with great power comes great responsibility. While these tools are helpful, they can also increase the sense that we should always be working on something.
Start Page: Apple M1 plus Big Sur equal big changes for computers
Apple recently updated its operating systems for Mac and iOS (iPhone and iPad). Apple also announced a new line of computers built with its own processors. While this development is largely under the hood, these new chips represent some new potential for computing.
Start Page: IPad OS update gives you permission to Scribble
For a long time, I’ve wanted a legal pad app for my iPad that could reliably turn my handwriting into text. The iPad and Apple Pencil should do this well, but there was too much friction in getting the text to be recognized and usable. That’s all changed with the latest iPad OS update. Apple gives users Scribble — the ability to hand-write in any field on the iPad and the iPad will turn handwriting into text, almost instantly. This is a serious tool.
Start Page: Using Microsoft Teams for mediation
Personal and work lives have changed drastically in 2020, and we are only halfway through the year! If nothing else, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how flexible and resilient we need to and can be. It has also reminded us of how “essential” legal services are. What do you do when you are deemed “essential” during a global pandemic? You get creative.
Start Page: What happens when we get a virus instead of our computers?
It’s become known as the virus. With all of the precautions, shutdowns, quarantines, etc., it would be a wise move to have a contingency plan in place if your work or life becomes affected by the virus. Here are some ideas to consider if you will need to be away from the office for an extended period of time.