Ten years ago, personal computers were found only in the law offices of a few pioneers. Microsoft had just released the first version of its widely under used Windows software. At that time, most lawyers associated technology with a better way of word processing. But times have changed. Now the personal computer is the standard in the law office.
Legal technology is a pervasive part of most lawyers' and their clients' lives.
Use of technology in the law office once meant productivity enhancements for the support staff. The focus is now on technology's benefits for serving clients, creating better legal services, increasing organizational efficiency, meeting ethical responsibilities and fostering quality. Many practitioners are beginning to regard the use of technology as a strategic tool or weapon. Attendees mixed and matched programs from seven different program tracks comprising almost 100 sessions. This year's show included an on-site Internet lab at the nearby University of Chicago.