Instructor Manual: Lusk, Law Office Technology 9e, 2023, 978-0-357-61925-4; Chapter 1: Law and Technology Uses in the Legal

Instructor Manual: Lusk, Law Office Technology 9e, © 2023, 978-0-357-61925-4; Chapter 1: Law and Technology Uses in the Legal Profession

• © 2023 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible

website, in whole or in part.Instructor Manual Lusk, Law Office Technology 9e, © 2023, 978-0-357-61925-4; Chapter 1: Law and Technology Uses in the Legal Profession Table of Contents Objectives .................................................................................................................................................... 2 Key Terms ................................................................................................................................. 2 Chapter Outline .......................................................................................................................... 3

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Instructor Manual: Lusk, Law Office Technology 9e, © 2023, 978-0-357-61925-4; Chapter 1: Law and Technology Uses in the Legal Profession

• © 2023 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible

website, in whole or in part.Chapter 1 begins the student’s journey into the new world of legal technology. The chapter starts with a discussion of the historical nature of the legal technology and moves the student through a discussion on the new and improved legal technology. After provided basic information on a variety of technology software and hardware, the chapter goes on to provide a discussion on potential legal and ethical issues that can arise as a result of using technology in the practice of the law.Objectives After completion of this chapter, the student should be able to do the following: • Identify basic hardware and software to function effectively and efficiently in the legal profession.• Explain the concept of technology competency and its importance to the practice of law.• Recognize and evaluate technology issues affecting the practice of law.[return to top] Key Terms

• Backup: A copy of a user’s hard disk or other storage device that can be restored if the hard

disk is damaged or lost. Backup utility programs allow users to schedule times to ensure reoccurring backups to protect the data.

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): Also known as the microprocessor; the brains of the

computer.

• Compatibility: In technology, the ability of the computer hardware to effectively operate the

application software and communicate with software updates.

• Computer: An electronic device that receives, processes, outputs, and stores data or

information.

• Desktop (Computer): A device designed for regular use at a single or stationary location,

often with all components that fit on top or near a desk due to its size or power requirements.

• Drivers: A group of files that enable one or more hardware devices to communicate with the

computer’s operating system. Drivers allow the computer to send and receive data correctly to the hardware devices.

• End-User License Agreement: A license agreement between the software creator and the

software user.

• Firewall: A computer security system (hardware and software designed to block unauthorized

access).

9. Hardware: The physical components of a computer system.

10. Hot Spot: A place where a wireless Internet connection is available.

• Information Technology: The technology details involved with the development,

maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and network uses for processing and distributing data.

• Laptop (Computer): A portable, personal computer also known as a notebook. It carries out

the same functions as a desktop.

• Local Area Network (LAN): A computer network that interconnects computer within a limited

area such as residence, school, laboratory, university campus, or office building.

• Online Collaboration: Using the Internet to conduct meetings and share documents.
• Operating System: Software used to control the computer and its peripheral equipment.
• Outsourcing: A decision to have independent outside parties handle the business’s workload

and production responsibilities. 2 / 4

Instructor Manual: Lusk, Law Office Technology 9e, © 2023, 978-0-357-61925-4; Chapter 1: Law and Technology Uses in the Legal Profession

• © 2023 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible

website, in whole or in part.

• RAM (Random Access Memory) : The area on the computer’s workspace that stores the

information and data for processing by the computer’s CPU.

• Remote Collaboration: A process in which two or more parties work together on common

documents and other resources regardless of their location.

• Server: A computer or computer program that manages access to a centralized resource or

service in a network.

• Smart Device: An electronic gadget that can connect, share, and interact with its user; despite

its size, it typically has enormous computer power (gigabytes).

• Software: A list of instructions for the computer to follow that is stored in the computer’s

memory.

• Thin Client: A computer terminal that resembles a desktop but has limited capabilities and

relies on a network for resources to operate programs.

• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): A device that provides backup power when the

electrical power fails or drops to an unacceptable voltage level.

• Videoconference: A virtual meeting using a network or the Internet to connect two or more

people in different geographic locations and share data by electronic means.

• Virus: A destructive program that harms data, hard drives, operating systems, and computer

programs.

• Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP): A technology that allows you to make voice calls using

a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analogue) phone line.

27. Voice Recognition: The use of software to convert spoken words to text.

• Wide Area Network (WAN): A network that covers a large geographic area and includes

other networks; a “network of networks.”

• Wireless Network: A network where users can access the Internet without the use of fixed

cables.

• Workstation: A computer that runs a desktop operating system and connects to a network.

[return to top] Chapter Outline The following outline organizes activities and assessments by chapter (and therefore by topic) so that you can see how all the content relates to the topics covered in the text.

• Technology in Today’s Law Office
• Electronic Hardware Used in the Legal Profession
• Technology has changed the appearance of every law office.
• Computers and software have permitted lawyers and paralegals entering

today’s legal profession to have a working knowledge of computer technology and legal software.

3. Hardware includes:

(a) Desktop computers (b) Laptop computers

• Networks and smart devices have allowed law offices to be more mobile and

utilize technology from all locations.

• Central processing units organize and process information and act as the

brain of a computer.

• Random access memory (RAM) is where temporary information is stored on

a computer. 3 / 4

Instructor Manual: Lusk, Law Office Technology 9e, © 2023, 978-0-357-61925-4; Chapter 1: Law and Technology Uses in the Legal Profession

• © 2023 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible

website, in whole or in part.

• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and video conferencing have allowed

users to make and send phone calls and have video chats using the Internet.

• Software Uses in the Legal Profession
• Computer hardware is useless without the proper software.
• The major piece of software for any computer is the operating system, which

ties the hardware and software together.

• Utility software helps to manage either the hardware or software aspects of a

computer.

• Application software is specific to a particular use and allows the user to

complete a specific task.

• Trends in the Legal Profession
• Technology is helping the legal profession move forward.
• Cloud computing means allowing files to be accessed electronically

anywhere.

• With the use of cloud computing, remote collaboration is easier to

accomplish.II. Technology Competency

• Ethical Duty Regarding Technology
• Attorneys have an ethical duty to perform legal services in a competent

manner.

• If a user fails to fully understand how technology works, they can be less

likely to discover an error and may be the victim of a malpractice claim.

• Malpractice issues can arise from the use of improper computerized forms.
• Education and Certification
• A variety of training programs are available for lawyers and legal

professionals to obtain training on a variety of technology processes.III. Technology Issues Affecting the Legal Profession

• Outdated Hardware and Software
• Understanding the limitations and storage capacity of a computer is

essential to using the computer correctly.

• When looking at software, reviewing software updates and compatibility is

essential to making sure you maximize your computer’s capabilities.

• Security Issues
• Protecting the sensitive nature of client information is essential to protecting

your clients.

• Firewalls and anti-malware applications can be helpful in protecting

computers and mobile technologies.

• Networking Issues
• Local area networks and wide area networks allow for the use of Internet

sources throughout an office.

• Wi-Fi systems and hot spots allow for wireless Internet connections in areas

where an office network is not available.

• Ensuring that these networks are secure at all times is necessary in

protecting your clients information.[return to top]

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