Better Search for Your Computer

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A full text search engine will increase the efficiency of a simple DIY file management system and there are a number of fairly low cost tools available. Increasingly a law firm’s information is spread out on hard drives, cloud servers, local servers, external drives and elsewhere. Those with Windows 10 operating systems will find an effective search tool built into the system. The search is fast and efficient, but somewhat limited in the types of files it will index. For instance, it will not create a full text index of WordPerfect document files. Mac users have Spotlight built in for search, though other search tools like QuickSilver add functionality. But, what if you want to search everything, everywhere all at once?  Is it too much to ask for a search that quickly finds email, files stored locally and on the cloud, in a variety of file types?

Interested in learning more about file naming conventions, desktop search, and document management? Register for the Going Paperless: How to Turn Magical Thinking into a Reality CLE on Feb. 8, 2019.

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Be Proactive: Online Reviews and Reputation Management

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Do you know what people are saying about you online? There are hundreds of online review sites, such as Yelp, Facebook and Google, as well as legal directories such as Avvo and lawyerratingz.com where anyone can add a review of your legal services. Following are some ways of how a firm can leverage reviews and enhance its online presence.

While there is recourse if someone says something negative about you or your firm online, the best defense is a good offence.

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Pro Bono Spotlight: Robin Stinson

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Pro Bono Project: NC Free Legal Answers

By Sidney Thomas

Many people don’t have the finances or time to meet with an attorney. While most attorneys’ provide legal advice on a daily basis, some go the extra mile and answer legal questions for people who cannot afford an attorney or consultation fees through programs, such as NC Free Legal Answers.

Robin Stinson has practiced in Winston-Salem and surrounding counties for more than 34 years. Robin joined Bell, Davis, & Pitt, P.A. in 1997, focusing her practice in family and alternative dispute resolution including mediation, arbitrations, and parenting coordination.

Her passion for family law led her recently to begin work with NC Free Legal Answers. Robin spends her free time answering questions related to family law, i.e., the procedure for filing and prosecuting a pro se complaint for child custody or visitation for lower middle class and indigents who cannot afford legal services in the general market.

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