I've noticed that many attorneys have their own websites, but still use e-mail addresses through yahoo, gmail, hotmail and other free e-mail services.  It's understandable, since paying for e-mail under your own website's domain can be costly.  

But there is a FREE solution for solos and small firms to look more professional. Google Apps can be set up under your own domainname to give you up to 10 professional e-mail addresses that are gmail-based.  All you need to get started is a gmail account (set one up for free even if you don't use it).

I actually use this app myself, because it's easy to set up and maintain.  Even if you're a one-person operation, you can use the extra accounts for other things.  

For example, you can have: 

• Separate e-mail addresses for each area of law you practice;
  
• Separate e-mail addresses for members of your staff;
  
• Generic e-mail addresses for independent contractors (e.g., Independent Contractor1@johnsmithlaw.com), where you change the password if you need to find someone else; or,
  
• Separate e-mail addresses to keep yourself organized (e.g. info@johnsmithlaw.com, bills@johnsmithlaw.com; etc.)
  

What's your experience with Google Apps? Let us know!

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Cloud computing services like Dropbox and Google Drive are great for sending large files to clients or co-counsel.  

What is cloud computing?  Essentially, you store your data in an online database format, called a "cloud," that you can access from any device that can access the internet - your office computer, your teenager's smart phone, etc.  This article from PC Magazine has a pretty good explanation if you want to learn more.

Yes, cloud computing is easy and convenient.  HOWEVER, it's not always as secure as you think it is.  Although the files are secure in transit (like using Dropbox to send a large file between computers), the cloud storage provider has the ability to decrypt your files.  This great article from MakeUseOf offers ways to securely encrypt your files no mater where they are stored.

Have you used any of these services?  Let us know how it works for you!
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Are you a lawyer that thrives on pressure or do you like to take your time?  Do you consume gallons of coffee during that big trial, or do you do your best work after a good night's sleep?
I was checking out the MakeUseOf website the other day, and came across this post describing a new App for iOS devices like the I-Pad or I-Phone.  Caffeine Zone 2 tells you the best time for you to take caffeine, and the optimal amount to consume where it doesn't affect your sleep.  The idea is to help you learn to consume caffeine in a manner that's most effective for you.


The reviews of the app seem pretty positive.  What do you think?  Will the app work for you?

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Carolyn Elefant, author of the My Shingle blog, recently did a great post on how certain technological trends apply to legal marketing.  You can view the full post here.

Her first category using images found on Pinterest as an example is interesting to me - I've actually read other articles / blogs on creative ways to use Pinterest.  For example, the Pinterest website showcases the story of a couple that used the service to plan their wedding. They pinned pictures relating to the bride and bridesmaid dresses, the flowers, etc.  People (i.e. their Moms) were able to leave comments about everything.

Lawyers might use Pinterest to find inspiration for their marketing plan, to remind themselves of their ideal client, to find graphics etc. for their website or even to post jpegs of articles, cases and codes related to an issue they're researching

What are some other ways Pinterest might work for your law practice?

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Last year, attorney Stephen Fairley of the Rainmaker Institute wrote a great post on whether it's worth it to market your law practice through social media.  How to Tell If Social Media Will Work for Your Practice shows you a simple and straightforward way to determine your ideal target market, and figure out what kinds of clients to advertise to.

Ask yourself:

1. Why did you start practicing that particular area of law?
2. What statistics relate to your specialty?  Do these statistics help you or hurt you?
3. How can you relate these statistics to those Mr. Fairley cites in his article?

Let us know how this idea works for you!

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