A major challenge for law firm technology managers is to synchronize a home office with a law office, even though the equipment is quite different. Attorneys may expect everything at home to look just the way it does at the firm, without realizing that even the simple telephone's features vary. Still, the demand for perfect synchronization is there. But the technology must be up to speed. Mr. Phillips says he does try to ensure that telecommuting attorneys are not using equipment that is wholly inadequate, but otherwise he refers those equipping home offices to the firm's outside vendor.
Solutions vary, depending on how lawyers communicate with the office.
The password is automatically changed every half-hour. Mr. Hirsch relies on Lotus Notes' secure network and password-protected documents. Strong virus protection is a must. Law firms are reluctant to recognize telecommuting work as a contribution to the firm. All rights reserved.