A permanent technology center is critical to the legal
community in order to provide a central resource for
information about technology resources as well as training
in technology implementation. The GLTC will be a resource
clearinghouse and training center for attorneys seeking
information about implementing and understanding technology.
To that end, it will provide
a comprehensive collection of technology information and
resources including monthly CLE presentations, an annual
legal technology conference and a web site with articles,
presentations and electronic discussion forums. The
Center will also provide services such as consulting,
outreach, and research as well as an office in New Orleans
where attorneys will have access to printing, imaging and
copying services, conference rooms and high speed Internet
access at reduced rates
Many
state bar associations currently provide this type of
service through Practice Management Advisors who are
dedicated to helping lawyers help themselves by providing
resource materials, telephone consultations, educational
programs and even in-office management audits. Since neither
Mississippi nor Louisiana can currently afford a full time
PMA, the primary mission of the Center will be to assume
that role at no cost to the state or local bars and assist
both states in developing a PMA program. A special focus of
the Center will be assistance to solo practitioners, small
firm lawyers, low-income legal aid programs and courts.
The GLTC will also be available for assisting the bar
associations of all the Gulf Coast states in technology
planning, particularly in emergency preparedness and
disaster recovery programs.
Ernie
Svenson, immediate Past Chair of the La Bar Association
Technology Committee, has stated that most small firms and
solos are rebuilding their practice and need not just
information on what technology to purchase and implement but
someone to “show people technology”. Jim Calloway of the
Oklahoma Bar Association, who has been instrumental in the
ongoing efforts by the ABA and LEDI, to help attorneys in
the Gulf Coast, says. “We need to show people technology not
just talk about it. Be sure to get vendors down there
showing how to actually use their programs.”
Tom O'Connor
Craig Bayer
This is
exactly what the Gulf Coast Legal Technology Center will do.
