Although telephones have been a law firm staple almost since their creation and patent by Mr. Bell in 1876, they are not generally considered legal “technology.”
Using a phone as equipment to verify, route, or forward communications or perform “jobs” means one less item your business needs to supply, maintain, or explain to every new hire. Also, using a phone eliminates the need to be “phone” or “techie” for end users, as most staff are quite comfortable with this basic office equipment.
Care should be taken with any free calling service and end users really need to be careful with peer-to-peer networks as issues with general data collection, security and call quality are reported. Even large and cleverly marketed VoIP services have increasing reports of poor customer service, call quality and now difficulty terminating service. Remember, VoIP is an alternative to a traditional landline, not an equal!
Productive uses for any phone include:
distance learning Distance learning is a great option for those working from home or in remote locations who don’t want to travel hours to get to a “live” class. In many cases, classes offered through established associations provide CLE credit, making it easy for you to maintain your practice. and CLE credits per day. 😉
Considerations – Take your “lecture” into the “lecture room” and ask others to attend and learn with you. They may not get CLE credit, but they will still get an education.
Communication management Pairing Unified Messaging with a cell phone provides unlimited flexibility in managing the deluge of information that comes in every day. Unified Messaging provides a digital number that can be forwarded to an existing cell, home, or other line or phone. From incoming call management, to sophisticated voicemail and fax management, unified messaging is a great option for any mobile professional. Items to Watch: Available forwarding minutes and per page limits on incoming faxes.
dial into dictation For more than a decade, doctors and hospitals have used single-dial dictation to process critical patient reports and insurance/administrative forms. Hire an established legal transcription company or locate an accredited virtual assistant to supplement the digital dictation process with early draft transcription or more advanced secretarial functions.
Credit card processing New to the legal market, a company called Accept By Phone allows account holders to accept and process credit card payments with nothing more than a phone.
Continued research in mobile technology means that much of what you see on the Internet will be viewable on the small screens of cell phones. Look for advertisers and “push” technology to take advantage of millions of cell phone users stuck in the not too distant future! Just one more reason I LOVE my Treo!) 😉