The Kennedy-Mighell Report

Many lawyers now find that they have much newer, and better, computers, cell phones and software at home than they have at work. And some companies are looking to cut costs by requiring their employees to purchase their own equipment. Are these trends changing the way both lawyers and their firms handle technology in the workplace? In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell discuss the implications of this new kind of "digital divide" and the changes we are already starting to see. After you listen, be sure to check out Tom & Dennis’ co-blog and book by the same name, The Lawyers Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies.

A number of sites, including Google Apps, Zoho, Microsoft, and others, offer a set of standard "office suite" programs – word processing, spreadsheets, presentations – in an online format. We've seen some solos and small firms experiment with using Google Apps. Now, we've learned that a 200+ employee law firm has launched a major Google Apps implementation. Are we at the beginning of a new trend? In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell discuss this new initiative, the potential impact for the legal profession and whether an online office suite might play a role in your future. After you listen, be sure to check out Tom & Dennis’ co-blog and book by the same name, The Lawyers Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies.

Many people seem to be in the market for new computers or other computer hardware these days. There are more choices than ever and big changes in the market that can be confusing, especially for people who haven't been in the market for a few years. Have the traditional principles for buying computer hardware also started to change? In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell cover the new hardware waterfront and offer their current hardware buyer's guide. After you listen, be sure to check out Tom & Dennis’ co-blog and book by the same name, The Lawyers Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies.

Tim O'Reilly was one of the original definers of "Web 2.0." He's now turned his focus to the "Internet Operating System," the next step down the path from "cloud computing." In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell take their own look at the Internet Operating System, its implications and the mindshift it will require for lawyers and others. After you listen, be sure to check out Tom & Dennis’ co-blog and book by the same name, The Lawyers Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies.

In this special edition of the Kennedy-Mighell Report, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell, take their show on the road to ABA TECHSHOW 2010 in Chicago and chat with the experts about the latest in legal technology. Dennis and Tom welcome some very special guests including: Natalie Kelly, the Honorable Herbert B. Dixon, Jr., Rodney Dowell, Paul Unger, Ernie Svenson and Jim Calloway, to share their insight from this popular legal technology expo. After you listen, be sure to check out Tom & Dennis’ co-blog and book by the same name, The Lawyers Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies. Be sure to watch this edition of the Kennedy-Mighell Report video podcast!

From the Sedona Conference on e-discovery to the latest features of Office 2010, the hot technology topic of the day is collaboration. However, when most lawyers think of collaboration tools, their lists end after email and “track changes.” What are the real stories of collaboration technology in 2010? In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell discuss the current state of affairs in collaboration tools for lawyers and the many ways these tools can benefit your practice. After you listen, be sure to check out Tom & Dennis’ co-blog and book by the same name, The Lawyers Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies.

Hardly a day goes by without lawyers hearing that they need to be diving into social media. And many are already there - on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other platforms. Google stumbled on privacy on its launch of its new social media platform, Buzz. The privacy and security concerns in social media are very real. In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell take a practical look at what you must understand to take control of your security and privacy, from basic account settings to smart approaches to social media common sense. After you listen, be sure to check out Tom & Dennis’ co-blog and book by the same name, The Lawyers Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies.

Budgetary concerns have forced lawyers to take a hard look at software costs. That’s brought Open Source software onto their radar screens. The price - free - is obviously attractive, but Open Source is a completely different approach to software than lawyers expect. In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell introduce the approach and philosophy of Open Source, the programs available, and when and where it might make sense for you. After you listen, be sure to check out Tom & Dennis’ co-blog and book by the same name, The Lawyers Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies.

No product launch in recent memory has commanded the attention of Apple's iPad announcement. Is the iPad a game-changer, the must-have of 2010, or just one more imperfect choice for technology users already facing too many choices? In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell discuss the iPad, hype vs. reality, and what this new product might mean for lawyers who use technology. Their conclusions might surprise you. After you listen, be sure to check out Tom & Dennis’ co-blog and book by the same name, The Lawyers Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies.

Lawyers are often considered "late adopters" of technology. While there is plenty of good evidence to support that view, you can find lawyers all across the adoption range, from early adopters to late adopters and everywhere in between. In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell take a look at the technology adoption continuum, the advantages and disadvantages of each category, and how you can make the best use of your technology adopter style. After you listen, be sure to check out Tom & Dennis’ co-blog and book by the same name, The Lawyers Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies.