New resource center offers attorneys tools to improve tech competency

Attorneys have a new resource to stay up to date on the latest tech skills they need to serve clients, an issue that has become especially important because office and court environments continue to change and adapt.

The State Bar of Michigan offers a new training and information clearinghouse on technology competency through is Practice Management Resource Center. Including webinars, checklists, guides and more, the Technology Competency Corner can be found at michbar.org/pmrc/technology-competency.

Knowing and understanding technology makes good business sense, and it also is an ethical responsibility for all attorneys in Michigan. The Michigan Supreme Court modified the Rules of Professional Conduct to include tech competency in January 2020 (emphasis added):

“To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer should engage in continuing study and education, including the knowledge and skills regarding existing and developing technology that are reasonably necessary to provide competent representation for the client in a particular matter. If a system of peer review has been established, the lawyer should consider making use of it in appropriate circumstances.”

The Technology Competency resource center gives practical how-to information, quick-start guides, checklists, and cheat sheets. Topics covered include collaboration tools such as team chats, webinars, and live streams; general computer skills including billing and account software; cybersecurity and how to protect your firm; data security including best practices to protect sensitive information; ediscovery access and processing; efiling including MiFILE and PACER; and internet skills including cloud storage services and research opportunities.

The State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners also identified technology usage as a key part of its mission to help attorneys be practice ready.

For more information, visit michbar.org/pmrc/technology-competency or call the Practice Management Helpline at (800) 341-9715.

Posted February 8, 2022