Recalls, rulings, MDL activity and bar news from official publishers and legal outlets. Every headline is the publisher’s own and links to it; every tag shows the words that earned it.
Being a good lawyer takes more than sound advice and clear communication. People also need to know who you are, what you do, and how you can help. That means marketing, whether you enjoy it or not. The good news is that marketing does not have to become a second job. With a focused plan and the right AI tools,... The post Practical Strategies and Tools for Lawyers to Use AI for Marketing first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Solo and small firm lawyers may assume cybercriminals are looking for bigger targets. In reality, smaller firms hold valuable financial, personal, and confidential information, often without the security resources available to larger organizations. That combination makes them attractive targets. In this condensed interview, Eric Helms, founder of Helmlight Consulting and a longtime information technology professional at the University of North... The post Asked and Answered: Cybersecurity FAQ for Solo and Small Firm Lawyers first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Lawyers spend a lot of time crafting engagement agreements. A good engagement agreement identifies the client, defines the work, explains fees, and sets expectations. But what about the matters you do not take? Those can create risk too. If someone believes you are representing them, or believes you are protecting their legal rights, a short intake call can become the... The post Put It in Writing: Why Non-Engagement Letters Belong in Your Intake Process first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
AI notebook tools help you get more relevant and reliable answers from artificial intelligence by focusing it on the files, notes, links, and other information you select. Instead of relying primarily on the open web or general training data, the notebook uses your chosen sources as context. When Microsoft first introduced Copilot Notebooks for paid Copilot subscribers, the feature did... The post What’s New in Microsoft Copilot Notebooks first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
A lawyer recently described working through 181 emails saved in a folder called “To Watch or Read.” The folder included articles, LinkedIn posts, TikTok links, and reminders. The oldest item had been sitting there since February. Rather than opening each email one at a time, the lawyer used AI to open the messages, follow the links, summarize the content, and... The post Stop Using Your Inbox as a Reading List first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Many lawyers have Microsoft 365 subscriptions and use Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint all day from a desktop computer. However, if you have not installed the Microsoft 365 mobile apps on your iPhone or Android device, you are missing out on some practical tools. Outlook and Teams are the obvious choices for email, calendar, chat, and meetings on the go.... The post Power in Your Pocket: Microsoft 365 on Your Phone first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Join us at the NCBA Annual Meeting on Friday at 11:35 to hear from Zach Abramowitz about what lawyers are getting right and wrong about AI. The rapid advancement of AI and its implications for the legal field is a hot topic in today’s tech-driven world. Recently, in a conversation with Catherine Sanders Reach, Zach Abramowitz, an entrepreneur with a... The post AM 2026: What Lawyers Are Getting Right and Wrong About AI first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
When ChatGPT debuted in late 2022, you typed instructions into a text box and hoped the machine understood what you meant. The better the prompt, the better the result. Ask for a contract summary and you got one kind of answer. Ask for key dates, party names, unusual provisions, and possible risks, and you got something much more useful. Now... The post Prompts are Dead, Long Live Prompts first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Microsoft offers an artificial intelligence-based add-on for the MS 365 suite called Copilot for 365. While they do offer a free version of Copilot, the add-on costs an additional $30 per user per month. It is embedded in the entire MS 365 suite. Copilot in Word can act as a drafting assistant that needs clear instructions and careful editing. Below are... The post 10 Ways Lawyers Can Use Copilot for 365 in Microsoft Word first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Email doesn’t just steal hours, it steals clicks. Outlook Quick Steps bundle repeat work (reply, CC, flag, file, calendar) into a single action, so routine inbox admin takes seconds instead of minutes. You can reply, add recipients, flag, categorize, and move a message to the right client/matter folder in a single click with Quick Steps. In Classic Outlook for Windows... The post Outlook Quick Steps: Cut Email Admin to One Click first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
If you are a Microsoft 365 business subscriber, some efficiencies, integrations, and security options are added to the Edge browser when you are logged in that warrant another look at the tool. Built on the same engine that runs Google’s Chrome (Chromium), most of your Chrome extensions will work on Edge and it is easy to transfer bookmarks. What does... The post What’s New in Microsoft Edge? first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Every week subscribers receive the ICYMI enewsletter from the NCBA Center for Practice Management. The newsletter highlights tips, tools, trends, and techniques to help your law practice. The following are a few popular links from the past issues of the newsletter. This Hidden Microsoft Word Shortcut Handles Repetitive Edits Instantly How-To Geek shines a light on the F4 key in Word, which... The post Popular Articles from the CPM ICYMI Newsletter (January – March 2026) first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Succession planning is a long game. Whether you are just opening your doors or have been in business for a decade, it is never too early to build your firm with future sales in mind. Creating a “built-to-sell” law firm provides you with options for a profitable exit strategy when you decide to retire or step away. Here is what... The post Building to Sell: How to Create Lasting Value in Your Law Firm from Day One first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Over the last several years Google Workspace for Business has added many new tools and feature updates. For firms using free Gmail or those seeking an alternative to Microsoft 365 Business, the updates to Google Workspace are intriguing. What does Google Workspace have to offer now? How easy is it to upgrade a personal free account? What are some pros... The post Google Workspace for Business in 2026 first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
As of January 1, 2026, North Carolina allows attorneys to create an electronic record of a written, attested will that can later be admitted to probate. The statute (as explained by the UNC School of Government) creates a practical opportunity and a practical responsibility. Many estate planning attorneys are asking the same question: How do I store an electronic record... The post Creating Electronic Records for Longevity, Authenticity, and Proof first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Lawyer mobility is a constant feature of legal practice. Attorneys move to new firms, shift into new roles, or leave practice entirely. While these transitions can be stressful for everyone involved, they do not have to be chaotic. With thoughtful planning and a firm understanding of the applicable professional rules, both the departing lawyer and the law firm can manage... The post Leaving Well: Ethical and Practical Guidance for Attorney Departures first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
AI notetakers are everywhere. They appear as options for video conferencing and VoIP calls, and are even available in hardware, such as pens and lapel buttons. But should lawyers record conversations with clients and let AI transcribe and summarize the notes? In September 2025, Hilary Bowman from Querious AI provided some food for thought in “AI in Virtual Meetings” during... The post AI in Client Meetings: Helpful Assistant or Hidden Ethical Risk? first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
In 2026, artificial intelligence is deeply embedded in legal and business operations, making clear policies essential. Simply telling lawyers not to use AI is unrealistic, as these tools are now part of everyday technology. Without defined guidelines, law firms risk confidentiality breaches, ethical missteps, and could lose client trust. A robust AI use policy is vital for balancing innovation with... The post Beyond the Ban: Why Your Law Firm Needs a Realistic AI Policy in 2026 first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
As the new year begins, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your technology habits and set yourself up for greater productivity and security. From decluttering your Downloads folder and automating repetitive tasks to tuning up your PC and organizing your digital life with a password manager, taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference throughout the year.... The post Start the Year with a Tech Check first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Many lawyers use Gmail, whether you’re using Google Workspace or a personal account. Discover how to leverage Gemini AI for drafting and refining emails, streamline your workflow with time-saving templates, and maintain confidentiality with robust security features. From managing unwanted business emails to organizing your inbox for maximum productivity, these tips will help you take control of your email practice... The post Advanced Gmail Tips for Lawyers first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Every week subscribers receive the ICYMI enewsletter from the NCBA Center for Practice Management. The newsletter highlights tips, tools, trends, and techniques to help your law practice. The following are a few popular links from the past issues of the newsletter. 18 Lawyers Caught Using AI Explain Why They Did It (10/2/25) Every week, there is a new example of lawyers (and... The post Popular Articles from the CPM ICYMI Newsletter (October – December 2025) first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
The holiday gift-buying season is upon us! Whether you are buying office gifts, or for the person who has everything, there are a lot of ways to save, give back, get creative and get this checked off your “to do” list! Curated Techie Gifts There are usually many gift lists for lawyers, including those from unexpected places like Cosmopolitan. Here... The post Gift Ideas for the Lawyer(s) in Your Life 2025 first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Responding to client emails is not only necessary, but it is also part of an attorney’s ethical duty to keep a client updated on a matter and respond promptly to client requests for information, per RPC 1.4. Whether you’re responding to urgent inquiries or sending routine updates, having reliable email templates at your fingertips can save valuable time and ensure... The post Speedy Response: Options for Email Templates first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Catherine Sanders Reach interviews CPA Terrell Turner, who provides a clear and practical guide for lawyers to understand and utilize financial statements, emphasizing the importance of interpreting Profit & Loss and Balance Sheets, maintaining dynamic budgeting, proactive tax planning, operational adjustments based on financial insights, leveraging CRM tools for better financial management, and fostering a collaborative relationship with CPAs to... The post Decoding Financial Statements: A Simplified Approach for Lawyers first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Like Elvis, it seems like AI is everywhere. However, numerous tools and processes are available to help a firm or organization reap the benefits of technology. Forget the jargon and the complex algorithms. We’re focusing on the “silent heroes” of legal tech—those everyday habits that, when mastered, can dramatically reduce administrative burdens, fortify your digital defenses, and free up invaluable... The post Everyday Habits That Transform Legal Work first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Often, solo and small firm practitioners explore office-sharing arrangements as a way to reduce overhead, foster collaboration, and maintain flexibility. While the benefits are compelling, the risks and ethical considerations are equally important. What do lawyers need to know before entering into or continuing a shared office space arrangement? Why Share Office Space? Office sharing offers numerous benefits. By splitting... The post Shared Spaces, Separate Practices: The Lawyer’s Guide to Smart Office Sharing first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
If you have Adobe Acrobat Pro you probably know you can send a document for e-signature. However, did you know that in the latest version, you can create a web form that makes it easy for clients and parties to sign without having to download anything or even have Acrobat Reader? Did you also know that you can create a... The post Esignature Web Forms In Acrobat Pro first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Have you ever been frustrated with your computer running slowly, freezing, or behaving oddly, only to find that a simple reboot fixes the problem? We’ve all heard the tech support joke: “Have you tried turning it off and on again”? Rebooting might seem like a basic or even outdated piece of advice, but it remains one of the most effective... The post The Power of a Restart: Why Rebooting Your Computer Matters first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
Every week subscribers receive the ICYMI enewsletter from the NCBA Center for Practice Management. The newsletter highlights tips, tools, trends, and techniques to help your law practice. The following are a few popular links from the past issues of the newsletter. I Tried Chrome’s New Experimental Split Tabs Feature and It Completely Changed How I Use My Browser 9/19/2025 In this article... The post Popular Articles from the CPM ICYMI Newsletter (July – September 2025) first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
There are approximately a gazillion ways to track tasks and to-dos, and many of those are software or applications. Which one is the best to-do app? The one that you use! Task management would ideally incorporate your work, professional, and personal to-do lists because your ability to effectively manage your time is only realistic if you can see everything you... The post A Simple To-Do App: TickTick first appeared on North Carolina Bar Association .
