MyCase

I exist where law and technology intersect. I am the bridge between technology and the practice of law both internally at MyCase and externally with lawyers.  I provide legal Subject Matter Expertise (SME) insight internally and externally, leverage legal industry relationships to establish law school and legal clinic programs,  and educate lawyers on using technology to streamline their law firms, increase efficiencies, and provide better client representation. I've written (or co-authored) 3 books: Cloud Computing for Lawyers [ABA 2012], Social Media for Lawyers [ABA 2010], and Criminal Law in New York [Thomson Reuters 1999]). I also write regular legal tech columns for Above the Law, ABA Journal, and The Daily Record, and frequently speak about using legal tech in the practice of law at legal conferences across the country.

SME and External Education

Legal Technology Evangelist

I've authored or co-authored 3 books: 1) Cloud Computing for Lawyers (American Bar Association 2012), 2) Social Media for Lawyers: The Next Frontier (American Bar Association 2010), and 3) Criminal Law in New York (Thomson Reuters 2009). I currently am a legal technology columnist for ABA Journal, Above the Law, and the Daily Record. In the past, I wrote legal technology columns for Bloomberg Law,  Legal IT Pros, Attorney at Work, and Lawyerist.

Author/Writer

Fiandach & Fiandach

Of Counsel

Nicole Black, Esq.

Provided contract work for other attorneys.

Attorney

Trevett Cristo

Litigation Attorney

Monroe County Public Defender's Office

Assistant Public Defender

I exist where law and technology intersect. I am the bridge between technology and the practice of law both internally at AffiniPay and externally with lawyers. Within AffiniPay I share industry knowledge and insights across teams, facilitate industry relations, and oversee media relations. Externally, I educate lawyers on using technology to streamline their law firms, increase efficiencies, and provide better client representation. I've written (or co-authored) 3 books: Cloud Computing for Lawyers [ABA 2012], Social Media for Lawyers [ABA 2010], and Criminal Law in New York [Thomson Reuters 1999]). I also write regular legal tech columns at  ABA journal, Above the Law, The Daily Record, and the MyCase Blog and frequently speak about using legal tech in the practice of law at legal conferences across the country.

Words matter. And in our evolving profession, the term “nonlawyer” no longer fits. Let’s improve our lexicon! 

Damien Riehl and I, supported by a coalition of forward-thinking legal professionals, have drafted a petition urging the American Bar Association (ABA) to stop using the term "nonlawyer" and replace it with a term more accurately reflecting our legal ecosystem’s diverse and integral contributions. 

This petition isn’t just about semantics; it's about fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration. 

The term "nonlawyer" fails to capture the invaluable contributions of legal support professionals, paralegals, technologists, businesspeople, and our field’s many valuable contributors.” Nonlawyer perpetuates an outdated hierarchy that undermines our profession’s collaborative spirit, essential for innovation and growth. 

For this petition, we’ve garnered the support of early adopters who share our vision for a more inclusive and equitable legal community. These advocates include Kevin Keller, Ed Walters, Nada Alnajafi, Colin Levy, Flo Nicolas, Esq., Memme Onwudiwe, Mike Haven, Kassi Burns, CAT (The Technocat) CASEY, Bill McCormick, Nikki Shaver, Dan Katz, Bridget Mary McCormack, Stephanie Wilkins, Casey Flaherty, Humira Mangal Noorestani, Laura Jeffords Greenberg, Shari E. Belitz, Nicole Black, Thomas G. Martin, Darth Vaughn, and Sarah Glassmeyer.

Our proposal suggests adopting another term — such as “allied professional” or "legal professional," that the ABA will determine is a more encompassing and respectful designation. Any new term should recognize our field’s varied expertise, promoting unity and mutual respect. 

Please “Sign” by Liking and Commenting Affirmatively. We invite legal professionals, organizations, and advocates who share our commitment to promoting inclusivity, respect, equality, and precision to add their names to support this petition. Your signature is a powerful statement of solidarity and commitment to driving positive change within the ABA and the broader legal community. Simply “Like” and/or “Comment” your support below. Reshare for awareness. 

✨ Your LinkedIn profile, which acts as a digital signature, verifies your identity, eliminating the need for signing up with a third-party service.
 
- What do you think is the best alternative to "nonlawyer"?

- How can we ensure our language fosters an inclusive and respectful professional environment?

- What steps can we take to encourage collaboration and innovation across all roles in the legal ecosystem? 

#law #futureoflaw #leadership #legaltech

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💥I am Olga.
🔺Providing tips for in-house lawyers.
🔺Educating about disruptive technologies.
🔺Delivering keynotes on the intersection of business, law, and tech.

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Nicole Black

Olga V. Mack on LinkedIn • 8 min read

Petition for the American Bar Association (ABA) to Cease Using the Term "Nonlawyer"

🥂 This week marks my 12th year with MyCase. 

🥇 I was employee #1 back in 2012. 

6️⃣ Six months later MyCase was acquired and has been acquired twice since then.

🏡 Most recently, MyCase found a home with the AffiniPay legal brands family along with LawPay, CASEpeer Legal Software, and Docketwise.

📣  For the last twelve years I've been incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to bridge the gap between the legal profession and technology, both within the company and externally.

🙏 I'm so grateful to my(past and present) MyCase and AffiniPay colleagues, my professional network, and my online community for all of their support and camaraderie over the years: you've made my job enjoyable and fulfilling.

💡 Looking forward to many more years of connecting legal professionals with the technology they need to achieve greatness!

#legaltech #anniversary #bridgethegap #gratitude

🤔 Having recently showcased my older daughter's crochet skills, what kind of mother would I be if I didn't shine a light on my younger daughter's artistry? She's a sophomore at University of Rochester and is a biology major with a minor in studio arts. 🎨
 
🖼 She's been creating beautiful artwork since she was quite young, and I have many of my favorites framed and on display. 

Swipe left to explore a gallery below showcasing some of her work. 👀 Bonus points to whoever guesses what the first painting portrays. She won an award for that one! (Apologize for the glare, but many of the paintings are framed and the glass interferes with photography).

🖌️ Throughout the years, she's painted with different mediums in various styles and focused on many different subjects. Each painting tells a story of growth, experimentation, and refined vision.

Recently, as I reflected on her artistic journey - surprise, surprise - 😎  I began to analogize it with the path of legal technology adoption in law firms. 💻 📱 

Just as her palette diversified and her strokes grew more confident over time, so too does a law firm's tech stack evolve - from its humble beginnings after hanging a shingle on Day 1 to a robust, sophisticated software arsenal empowering legal professionals to be the best they can be for their clients. 📈

💡Both her artistic evolution and legal tech journeys highlight the importance of embracing change, cultivating innovation, and continually seeking improvement—no matter what your endeavor!🌐

#ArtEvolution #legaltech #ProudMama #lawfirms

Today, we want to acknowledge the champions of the legal world: YOU. 🫵

Your dedication, commitment, and relentless pursuit of excellence are the pillars of your profession. We recognize the profound impact of your work and the legacy you're creating with every client, case, and decision. Greatness isn't a destination; it's a conscious choice you make every single day. By choosing to do this, you inspire others to do the same, so remember, greatness starts with you.

➡️ https://bit.ly/3xiVRk6 

#GreatnessWins

🔦 There's an interesting thing happening as generative AI  use becomes more prevalent: it's shining a light on sloppy lawyering. 

📰 I talk about this in my latest Above the Law Column, "Judges To Generative AI: You're Out Of Order!" 

✅ In my article, I list many examples of cases in 2024 where lawyers relied on AI-generated false citations in papers submitted to courts. 

💡 While some suggest GenAi is the problem, I disagree. What we're seeing is hard and fast evidence of what's been happening all along: some lawyers fail to review submissions before filing them with the court.
 
⚖ Judges are understandably frustrated by this clear, blatant negligence but are attempting to rein it in by shooting the messenger, GenAi, rather than addressing the problem: lawyer competence. 

❌ Thus far 48 different court-sponsored efforts to regulate or ban AI usage are underway across the country in the form of promulgated or pending court orders, guidelines, and rules. 

🔁  In other words, there’s disorder in the courts, with no clarity in sight. 

🚫 Knee-jerk reactions to GenAi aren't the solution. 

❎  Instead we need to focus on establishing a uniform approach to responsible AI use grounded in the timeless principles of careful review and thorough legal analysis.

🗣 At least, that's what I think. What's your take? Let us know in the comments.

🔗 Link to the article and the document that tracks the judicial orders in the comments. 

#legaltech #generativeAI #ethics #AI

Unpaid legal bills can pose significant challenges for law firms of all sizes. To mitigate this issue, firms must embrace innovative solutions that simplify financial processes. Legal tech that streamlines billing and offers flexible payment options can improve collection rates and maintain steady cash flow. At AffiniPay, we empower law firms with the tools needed to navigate complex financial situations, ensuring long-term stability and success. 

🔗 Give Nicole Black's overview of the LawPay and MyCase 2024 benchmark report in the ABA Journal a read for more detail around payment flexibility for law firms: 
https://lnkd.in/gwSG3P7r

abajournal.com • 6 min read

From Generative AI to Revenue Drivers: Insights from the LawPay and MyCase 'Legal Industry Report 2024'

📣 Legaltech news roundup 4/5/24 📣 

Here's the legaltech news that caught my eye 👀 this week:

You'll find links 🔗 to the articles in the comments.

1️⃣ In the short span of one year, AI has polluted, search, scientific journals, and, as we all know, legal briefs: "A.I.-Generated Garbage Is Polluting Our Culture" (The New York Times)
 
2️⃣ If you thought Google wasn't tracking incognito surfing, you're in for a rude surprise! "Google agrees to delete billions of Incognito mode data records" (Mashable via Meera Navlakha)
 
3️⃣ We're living in a simulation y'all, so don't worry, be happy: "Google agrees to delete billions of Incognito mode data records" (Slashdot)

4️⃣ Evidently this judge has never used Word: "Blaming Word setting for overlong briefs is 'somewhat hard to believe,' federal judge says as she tosses footnotes" (ABA Journal via Debra Cassens Weiss)

5️⃣ Can you imagine the partners' faces if this passes? "California Law Would Give Workers 'Right to Disconnect' From Employer's Messages Outside Work Hours" (Gizmodo)

6️⃣  I, for one, welcome our new creepy robot overlords: "This Robot Predicts When You’ll Smile—Then Grins Back Right on Cue" (SingularityHub Technology Co.)

👉 If you'd like to keep up with my legaltech news roundups, make sure to follow this hashtag, #nbroundups, and also click on the bell 🔔 next to my name to receive updates on all of my posts. 👈

#legaltech #news #AI #robotoverlordwelcome #dataprivacy

📣 Legaltech news roundup 4/12/24 📣 

Here's the legaltech news that caught my eye 👀 this week:

You'll find links 🔗 to the articles in the comments.

1️⃣ Agree 💯: "6th Circuit Judge Worries Court AI Disclosure Rules Could Deter Use of the Tech" (Legaltech News)
 
2️⃣ It was bound to happen. Here's to hoping the fake lawyers don't use fake citations: "Someone's sending out legal threats from fake, AI-generated 'lawyers'" (Futurism)
 
3️⃣ Interesting piece of CA proposed legislation to track: "AI Companies Would Have to Fess Up on What They Use to Train AI Under Proposed Law" (Gizmodo.com)

4️⃣ Great round up - any you'd add? I have one in mind: "The Five Most Momentous Legal Tech Fails" (Lawsites via Robert Ambrogi)

5️⃣ Another state weighs in: "NYSBA Adopts Recommendations to Govern Attorney Use of AI" (Legaltech News)

6️⃣ I, for one, welcome our new elastic robot overlords: "Engineers design soft and flexible 'skeletons' for muscle-powered robots" (Science Daily)

👉 If you'd like to keep up with my legaltech news roundups, make sure to follow this hashtag, #nbroundups, and also click on the bell 🔔 next to my name to receive updates on all of my posts. 👈

#legaltech #news #AI #robotoverlordwelcome #ethics

📣 My latest article on the New York State Bar Association’s new AI guidance is out! 

In it, I focus on the impact of GenAI on the legal profession. 🏛️🤖 From deepfake videos to sophisticated scams, GenAI is significantly impacting the practice of law and the administration of justice. ⚖️💼

Key takeaways:

➡️ Lawyers need to thoroughly understand the terms of use, privacy policies, and data practices of any GenAI tool they use 🔒

➡️ Using GenAI tools can trigger data preservation obligations for litigation 📁

➡️ Deepfake evidence created by GenAI tools poses a signficant challenge for the courts ⚖️

➡️ The solution is education - lawyers, judges, and regulators must stay up-to-date on this rapidly evolving technology 🧠

Remember, embracing technology, not fearing it, is the way forward. 🚀 And stay tuned for my next column where we’ll explore the ethical implications outlined in the report. 

You'll find a link 🔗 to the article in the comments.

💡 I'm Niki Black, SME and External Education at AffiniPay legal brands, including MyCase and LawPay, where I proudly serve as the bridge between lawyers and technology.

👉 If you'd like to keep up with my posts, click on the bell 🔔 next to my name to receive updates, and make sure to follow this hashtag, #nbroundups, for my latest weekly legaltech news roundups. 👈

#AI #legaltech #ethics #deepfake

📊 The legal profession is in flux. 

💡 Our members are increasingly diverse, technology is changing how and where legal work gets done, and stressors are increasing.

❎ The ABA's annual Legal Profession Report tracks those changes and in my latest Daily Record article, I highlight notable data from this year's report. 

🔷 The average lawyer wage was $163,770 in 2022

🔷 52% of attorneys provided pro bono services in 2022 and worked 37 hours 

🔷 8.5% of lawyers think about suicide compared to 4.3% of the general population

🔷 50% of women attorneys experienced unwanted sexual conduct in the workplace

🔷 16% of women lawyers lost work opportunities after declining sexual advances

🔷 Not surprising then, that women lawyers were also more likely to:
  ➡️ Report feelings of severe or moderate stress (67% vs. 49%), anxiety (23% vs. 15%), and depression (20% vs.15%)
  ➡️ Partake in hazardous drinking (34% vs. 25%)
  ➡️ Consider leaving the profession because of the negative mental health effects experienced (24% vs. 17%)

There are many more data points in the article, and you'll find links to the article and the report in the comments. 👇 And let us know which statistics surprised you the most.

#lawyers #data #statistics #profession #report

🔍 Last week I shared part 1 of a two-part article series focused on the 2023 ABA Profile of the Profession Report. Today, let's take a look at data points from the second article, which highlight changing demographics and increased technology adoption rates. 

Here are the key takeaways:

📈  Demographic Shifts: The face of law is changing! Women and people of color are entering law schools in greater numbers than ever. However, the upper echelons of law firms still largely reflect the old guard - predominantly male and white.

📊  Notable Statistics:

🔷 There are 1,331,290 active lawyers, a 5% increase over the last decade.
🔷 Women lawyers have risen to 39% from 24% in 2013.
🔷 Lawyers of color nearly doubled in the past decade, from 11% to 21%.
🔷 Federal judges are 68% male and 76% white, showcasing a gap in judicial representation.

💻 Tech Adoption in Law: While the pace may be cautious, legal professionals are gradually integrating technology into their practice.

🔷 Only 9% use smart assistants like Alexa, and 8% operate a virtual law practice.
🔷 Social media use has become commonplace, with 89% of law firms with an online presence. LinkedIn is the most popular at 87%, followed by Facebook at 62%.
🔷 Laptops have overtaken desktops, with 56% of lawyers now using them as their primary device, and only 6% of lawyers use Mac operating systems.

📱 Smartphone Usage: A whopping 80% of lawyers prefer iPhones, highlighting a clear preference within the profession.

💡 The Bottom Line: The legal profession is evolving, with greater diversity and a slower-than-I'd-like, yet increasing, embrace of technology. In other words, stay tuned -there's undoubtedly change ahead!

#legaltech #lawyerdemographics #reports #changeisgood

💡 Life with kids is never dull—especially when their candid outbursts turn into unexpected wisdom. Here's some #WednesdayWisdom straight from the mouth of babes, or rather, my college-age kids when they were a bit younger. 

Swipe left for a laugh for screenshots from my Facebook memories - and some surprising insights. ⏩

1️⃣ "They're more like wrinkles now." Remembering when my 9-year-old turned my smile into a reality check reminds me that as my "dimples" have evolved, so must our approach to legal tech. What was once cutting-edge can quickly become outdated. Stay current, or risk getting left behind! 

2️⃣ "According to Harry Potter, chocolate is the happiest thing in the world." Sweet treats aside, the true joy in a law firm comes from tools that combat the dementors of inefficiency and keep morale high—even better if they're as satisfying as chocolate! 

3️⃣ "I didn't understand the 'not' part." Miscommunications can happen anywhere, even at home. Clear and precise language is just as critical in tech adoption as it is in parenting. After all, details matter when you're setting permissions for case management software. 

4️⃣ "Want some cake?" Trust but verify, they say. Whether it's floor cake or vendor promises, a little due diligence goes a long way. 

5️⃣ "Argghh! I'm gonna build me a gazebo!" Who could forget my 14-year-old's angst-filled Minecraft phase? It reminds us that frustration can lead to creativity, both in gaming and in developing innovative legal tech.

6️⃣ "You shall meet your doom!" said while crushing garlic may be the stuff of culinary battles, but it's the spirit we need when tackling the challenge of integrating new tech in a law firm. Sometimes, you just need to embrace the grind. 

7️⃣  "They'd take care of everything." If only running a law firm were as easy as kids' promises. Yet, their confidence reminds us to empower teams with autonomy—enabled by the right tech tools, of course. 

8️⃣  "That was just wrong." Sometimes, trying to stay trendy can backfire—be it in slang or software choices. Authenticity and utility over popularity, always. 

9️⃣  "I thought it was chocolate": When my 6-year-old thought there was chocolate on her bandaid, her error reminds us that mistakes and misunderstandings are often learning opportunities.

From parenting to practice management, these conversations remind me that adaptability, clarity, and authenticity apply equally to raising kids and choosing legal tech. 🤔 

What surprising lessons have you uncovered in everyday life? Let us know if the comments. 👇 

#lawfirms #legaltech #parenting #fromthemouthsofbabes

Solo & Small Firm Conference 4/19/24!  CLE credits, lunch, happy hour and more.

We have a fantastic program selected for our upcoming Solo & Small Firm Conference, with a great group panelists, including Nicole Black, Jamie Sternberg, Bradley Kammholz, Mark Bennett, Francis Paul Greene, Jessica L. Copeland, Esq., CIPP/US, Natalie Grigg, Alana Fuierer, Brian Jacek, Greg Silverman, Rebecca Graf, Langston McFadden, and more!

Thank you to our sponsors: Kammholz Rossi PLLC , Markert & Cominolli PLLC, KARPUS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, Modica Law Firm, LawPay & MyCase. 

It's going to be a great day!! Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gsMVHPP7

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