WordPerfect and/or Microsoft Word Software

Most firms have switched over to Microsoft Word although there are firms who still prefer and  utilize WordPerfect.  While WordPerfect remains the favorite of most of my colleagues, law firms in general have had to make the switch to Microsoft Word simply because their clients utilize it.  However, if you have experience with both word processors, you will be able to work successfully in any law firm.

Software That Gives You an “Edge” in the Legal Field

Now, don’t panic.  If you don’t know the following software, it’s ok.  If you’re weak in WordPerfect or Microsoft Word, concentrate on becoming more knowledgeable in that area, first.  It’s the most important to you.

If you already have a good handle on WordPerfect or Microsoft Word, though, it wouldn’t hurt to take an Excel or PowerPoint class to earn a certificate for yourself.

Excel Software

Excel software is often used in a law firm specializing in divorce, for instance.  It is used to easily create lists of assets or liabilities with dollar values.  Using this software allows you to sort lists very easily.

When I worked for the automobile dealer franchise law firm, we used Excel to create a list of dealerships and how much they contributed to a fund.  Once the data was entered, we could sort the dealership list in a number of different ways, if needed – alphabetically, by county, city, etc.

PowerPoint

Are you familiar with PowerPoint?  PowerPoint is a computer “slide show” which uses words and or pictures (graphics).  PowerPoint presentations are used regularly by trial attorneys in court and sometimes in mediations.

PowerPoint allows the attorney to translate his client’s side of the story in a very visual way.  Pictures can be a very powerful tool in telling a story to a judge or a jury.

TimeSlips, Tabs, Juris, Amicus and Case Soft Products (CaseMap, TimeMap, NoteMap, TextMap, etc.)

TimeSlips, Tabs, Juris

These particular software programs are used for accounting purposes and are very popular because of how simple they are to use.  There are many more accounting software programs available, but these are a few of the most popular.

A legal secretary or legal assistant will more than likely be responsible for entering the supervising attorney’s time (the time spent on each client during a particular day).  There are law firms who do require each attorney to enter their own time, but it’s not the “norm”.

A paralegal is usually responsible for entering his or her own time into the billing system.

The law firm’s accountant or accounting department is responsible for printing out “prebills” for the attorneys review and then prints out “final” bills after the review of the prebills is complete.

Amicus

Amicus is a popular software that is able to handle a firm’s accounting needs as well as “practice management” needs.  “Practice Management” simply compiles all of the information concerning a client in one place on the computer system.  It allows the attorney or the assistants to see all of the pertinent information for a particular client at one time.  Visit www.amicusattorney.com for a more detailed description of their products.

CaseSoft Products

I’ve had an opportunity to use a few of the Case Soft products and they are truly outstanding.  The CaseMap module is a great tool for analyzing a case.  Visit www.casesoft.com for more information.  This company will allow you to download free trials of their products. 

Again, it is beneficial to you to become familiar with some of the more popular software for the legal market.

Brainbench Certificates

Visit www.brainbench.com and click on “Individual Certification”.  Then click on the “Over 600 of Today’s Leading Skills”.  There you will see a listing of over 600 tests available to measure your current skills.

I took the Microsoft Word, English and Managing People (U.S.) tests and obtained certificates in each.  These tests are timed and are not easy.  However, the people I have interviewed with have been intrigued and impressed by the certifications and it just gave me a bit more credibility in their eyes.

Also visit www.expertrating.com for additional information on testing and certification.