Attorney Ross Kodner, who founded the legal-tech consultancy MicroLaw in 1985, passed away at the age of 52 in July 2013, after suffering a heart attack. Undoubtedly his legacy will be remembered for many years to come, as the imprint he left on the field of legal technology forever changed the practice of law.
Many will miss this generous and gracious man, who hosted an invitation-only Consultants and Technologists Dinner at every TechShow. He was widely known among the legal community as a man of incredible warmth and graciousness.
Always pushing towards a new frontier in legal technology, Kodner’s quote still rings true today: ‘If you think hiring an expert is expensive, try hiring an amateur.’
Kodner was instrumental in assisting in the recovery of legal documents after the terrorist attacks in September 2001. In the days immediately following the disaster, while the legal community was still reeling from grief and shock, those who were there picking up the pieces remember Kodner’s contribution to the recovery effort.
When the New York State Bar Association set up the Legal TechAid website, those involved in the project credited Kodner with organizing the gargantuan effort of data recovery. Kodner was also involved in helping attorneys recover important data lost in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Since these two disasters, cloud technology has brought a sea of change to document preservation and continuity of legal data. Today, we can protect vital documents in the cloud. Back in 2001, as documents rained down onto a terrified population in New York City, those technologies were in their infancy.
Take time to remember Kodner’s amazing contribution to the field of legal technology. He was a great man with an even greater vision.
Digital media has transformed the marketing landscape, begging the question: Are printed business cards still relevant? The short answer: A resounding yes.
Tactile experiences shape relationships. Think about it. Our skin is our largest organ, and each tiny centimeter of its surface is packed with sensors that continually send signals to our brain. We have around 50 touch receptors for every square centimeter of skin. Exchanging business cards, and the resulting handshake that occurs, helps create that person-to-person connection so vital in forming new relationships.
The casual handshake that accompanies the exchange of a business card is a time-honored custom that proves worthwhile today, because we are relational beings. For one thing, the act of trading cards presents an opportunity to make eye contact. Remember the last time you engaged with a prospect in a sensory-rich face-to-face exchange? You probably still remember the person’s face and likely recall a snippet or two of the conversation that ensued.
So how do you 
make the most of that engagement? When you hand someone a business card, focus your attention squarely on the prospect, smile and offer the person your business card. That simple physical contact is sending a wealth of subliminal signals to your prospect, helping the person perceive you as a real, live human being and not just another distraction in a busy day.
As it turns out, your business card’s appearance also reveals much about your company’s personality. Chances are you’ve been to a meet-and-greet where someone has handed you a business card with a quality graphic design that caused you to take a second look.
Most people are too conservative with their business cards. Granted, you don’t want a card that gives the impression of a three-alarm cacophony of clashing colors and fonts. Still, even an accountant should not come across as boring! Be noticeable in a fashionable, pleasing sort of way.
Various options can enhance the visual appearance of your card and many people choose an eye-catching design. Remember, when you create a new business card, both design and color are a huge factor in the impact your card will ultimately have.
With an aging population, the legibility of the type is more important than ever. Twelve-point type may be appropriate if you’re often meeting with Baby Boomers, who are just beginning to don bifocals or reading glasses. Lastly, don’t forget to bring those cards with you. Always have one on hand.
Thirteen-hundred runners come together in Philadelphia for an annual 5K race organized by the Philadelphia Bar Association, benefitting the Support Center for Child Advocates. The Center provides impoverished families with free services for children.
Being financially ready to retire is key for a successful retirement. But so is being psychologically prepared. See how these important considerations can reduce stress on retirees – and their families:
