The Gulf Coast
Legal Technology Center will be a resource clearinghouse 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, 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.
