The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/21494
online chat and more. Having text, audio, rich-media and video options make it possible for different types of learners to take in the information the way they learn best. Overly long and boring webinars can actually make things worse. But short (30-60 second) online videos showing “how-to’s” work well. • Ability to learn: Applications should allow and encourage putting what’s learned to immediate use. If the learning is built in as part of the actual workflow of using the system, the speed of getting value from the application is accelerated tremendously and the user gets more satisfaction from the experience. The user gets immediate value that increases with further use, and the law practitioner benefits by becoming more efficient and productive. Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition software, used in many law offices, is a good example of “self-learning software” because the more it is used, the more it adapts to the user’s voice and tone. Users of legal software applications today should expect “Users of legal software applications today should expect more from their providers.” and software. ILTA more from their providers. With limited time and budgets for extensive training, and less time to waste evaluating potentially critical practice applications, firms require vendors who focus on intuitive, simple design and easy user experiences. In this respect, law firms should ask their potential vendors the following key questions: How much training is required before getting value? Does the software require consultants to train staff how to use it? What kinds of self-guided tours and training are included in the application? Smarter legal software will likely come from progressive providers who are in tune with their clients’ challenges and always looking for creative ways to deliver effective applications with the need for little or no training. Solutions that provide value faster and have lower training overhead will not only help firms reduce costs and increase overall productivity, but also encourage future experimentation and adoption of smarter systems Carey Ransom is the CEO of RealPractice, Inc., a provider of legal technology solutions and services for more than 10 years. Carey, an experienced Internet and software entrepreneur, has spent many years in key executive roles at companies including Brand Affinity Technologies, WebVisible and Message Rite (now Microsoft). An industry innovator, Carey has spoken at software and online media conferences such as INBOX, The Kelsey Group, OMMA, and the Search Insider Summit. He can be reached at cransom@realpractice.com. 92 www.iltanet.org Peer to Peer Brad Cooper is Senior Vice President and General Manager at RealPractice and is an Internet pioneer and software technology veteran with nearly 20 years of experience including user interface design and customer research roles at Apple, Xerox and Macromedia (now Adobe). He also has a wealth of management and marketing experience spanning a variety of large and small technology companies. Brad can be reached at bcooper@realpractice.com.