Review
" The Digital Practice of Law is the most comprehensive publication that I have ever seen on the application of computers and telecommunciations to the practice of law. There is nothing like it. Whatever the practice application may be, this text can serve as a starting point orientation, a guide to assessing return on investment, and a rich source of tips for even the seasoned user of technology tools." --
Jon Sigerman, Partner of the AV-rated law firm Sigerman and Wegley, President Summation Legal Technologies"...the most comprehensive explanation and analysis of both the hardware and software applications required to automate the practice of law..." --
Neil E. Aresty, Esq., Attorney-at-Law, Boston, Massachusetts "Michael Arkfeld has accomplished the impossible. His new book, The Digital Practice of Law, is both comprehensive and insightful. The book appeals to a wide audience ranging from the layperson who is interested in the law to the student, court administrator, legislator, lawyer or judge who knows her need to learn the fundamentals and then test the ever expanding impact of the information revolution upon the legal process. This is a book you cannot afford to miss!"
Mike Arkfeld's The Digital Practice of Law is an outstanding, comprehensive and readable guide to using computers in legal practice. Reflecting Arkfeld's many years of practically applying technology in every day practice, the guide should be read by anyone seeking to maximize the benefits technology offers today's lawyers.
Mike Arkfeld is a technology evangelist. His zeal for using computers effectively in the practice of law makes him an excellent teacher and seminar speaker, and a superb author. His The Digital Practice of Law reflects his considerable practical experience in harnessing technology and making it practical and beneficial--a real nuts and bolts guide for lawyers. -- Nick Wallwork, Muchmore and Wallwork
"Michael Arkfeld is on his way to becoming the information technology luminary for the legal industry. Through his seminars, technical and legal articles, and technology related committee's, he has gained national respect of the legal community. His new book "The Digital Practice of Law," which is actually an in-depth "how to" reference guide, covers the spectrum of information technology related topics specifically targeted for those involved in practicing law. If you practice law and want to integrate information technology as part of your legal solution, this is the where you will find your answers. -- Richard Burczyk, President MSI
"The Digital Practice of Law", by Michael Arkfeld, Esq., is the most comprehensive explanation and analysis of both the hardware and software applications required to automate the practice of law that I have ever seen... bar none.
If you have any interest in setting up a modern, computerized law practice --- be it a solo or large firm environment -- this is the one book that you must have on your bookshelf. In addition to being highly readable and understandable (it's written from the perspective of a true "end user") it explains the necessary hardware requirements and the variety of software applications, ranging from simple word processing, document assembly, case management to sophisticated litigation support systems. Mr. Arkfeld goes way beyond just listing these items. He demonstrates their use in context of the law practice.
"The Digital Practice of Law" is a significant addition to the literature on law practice management. It should become the standard reference book for lawyers, judges, and IT managers interested in moving their practice of law into the 21st Century". -- Neil E. Aresty, Esq., Legal Computer Solutions, Inc.
Michael Arkfeld has accomplished the impossible. His new book, The Digital Practice of Law, is both comprehensive and insightful. -- Professor Winton Woods, Professor of Law, College of Law, University of Arizona
Michael Arkfeld, a nationally recognized expert on legal technology, has shared with us his knowledge in the Digital Practice of Law. Arkfelds book contains a wealth of information for developing a more efficient legal practice through the use of technology. Equally applicable to both the novice and advanced user, this book contains a wide range of essential information for anyone practicing law today. Topics progress from a clear introduction of what computers are and how they work to specific discussion on legal application software (such as document management systems or courtroom presentation programs). A must have for any lawyer wishing to do it all faster, cheaper and more efficiently! -- Kathy E. Shimpock, Esq., Juris Research
This book is worth its weight in gold. Technology is changing the practice of law for both the lawyers and the judiciary. Any lawyer who plans on practicing after the year 2000 must learn to use technology. Bit a lawyers time is too valuable to waste ploughing through the morass of technical books and manuals in order to decide what technology is best for their firm. This is the first single volume that makes it possible for layers in any size firm to make educated decisions regarding the implementation of many kinds of technology. I have never before found one source that provides a through compilation of terms and equipment; coupled with detailed reference to the use of technology in the courtroom and the legal issues that will most likely arise. It is obvious that the author is a practicing lawyer who truly understands technology, because only someone so experienced could write such a comprehensive reference book.
For more than 10 years I have been conducting CLE programs teaching hundreds of lawyers how to use technology to leverage their time and to become more efficient. For years I have looked for a book such as this one to use as a reference manual for my programs, but none have been available. My personal thanks to the author for committing the enormous number of hours it took to write this book. I intend on using it daily. -- Diane Drain, lawyer, educator and author of several State bar and ABA law office administration articles
“The most definitive resource I have ever seen on using technology to practice law. -- Michael Jimmerson, Esq., Chief Information Officer, Hinshaw & Culbertson, and author of American Bar Association book - The Road Warriors
About the Author
Michael R. Arkfeld
Assistant United States Attorney
District of Arizona
E-mail: Michael@Arkfeld.com
Michael R. Arkfeld is an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Arizona specializing in civil tort litigation. His practice includes multimillion-dollar cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful termination, and a host of other tort claims. He has appeared before both federal and state appellate courts and has extensive experience in jury and bench trials. His duties include comprehensive case management plans, investigation and deposing of expert and lay witnesses, pretrial preparation of witnesses and document organization, pretrial filing of documents, and appearances for motion hearings, pretrial conferences, trials, and appellate arguments. During 1996-97 he assisted in the information technology planning and implementation in the Winstar litigation. The Winstar litigation will involve over 100 Department of Justice attorneys, 400 plaintiffs and over 60 of the major law firms in the country with potential liability of twenty billion dollars. ($20,000,000,000).
Since 1985, Michael has incorporated personal computers extensively in his legal practice, and lectures frequently throughout the United States on the use of computers in litigation. His comprehensive approach to using computers in the practice of law includes calendaring, case action plans, full text document management, imaging, document assembly, databases, spreadsheet applications, graphics and computer generated simulations. Michael has authored the book - The Digital Practice of Law (4th Edition).
Michael is a member of the American Bar Association and a member of the Litigation and Law Practice Management Sections. As a member of the Law Practice Management Section he has been on the TechShow Planning Committees since 1996 which is responsible for the general overall planning for the TechShow Conference which annually attracts over 2,800 legal professionals. This includes the substantive program content and recommended speakers. Michael also is an Assistant Editor of the Litigation Applications Newsletter. As a member of the Litigation Section he serves on the Judicial Administration Division committee on the Admissibility of High Tech Evidence in the Courtroom. He recently has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Technology Committee for the Judicial Division of the American Bar Association.
He is also the Chairman of the Task Force on Integrating Technology into the Justice System for the State Bar of Arizona. This task force was formed to take facilitate the integration of technology into the justice system in the State of Arizona. Committee members include representatives from the courts, legislative, executive, state bar and law schools. The mission will be to implement a virtual justice system through the use of technology. Subject areas covered include electronic filing, electronic data on-line services, virtual conferencing, training for bar members, conferences and seminars, communications and other areas which impact the implementation of technology in the justice system such as the Internet.
