Practicing law is not easy.

In fact, the inherent challenge of the profession is one of the reasons why I love it so much. That said, I am all ears when it comes to tips on making my life easier at work.

Last week, the Baltimore County Bar Association hosted its 2nd Annual Technology Expo. Twenty-five vendors presented demonstrations and pitches describing how their products or services could improve the productivity and efficiency of a law practice.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Baltimore County Circuit Court Law Library – Working at a small firm, we have limited access to Westlaw and Lexis.  For instance, if I want to search for a source that’s beyond our “Maryland” subscription, the firm has to pay extra.  The Circuit Court Law Library, however, provides unfettered access to these databases at no cost to the user.  So, if you’re looking for that obscure law review article or for that 9th Circuit case, rest assured that you can search for it without cost at the law library.  Additionally, the law library can assist with your trial demonstrations with its Nomad: Court Presentation System.  This device can project DVD/VHS videos, documents, PowerPoint presentations and much more to the target audience in the courtroom.

• Yodle – Unfortunately, as I am not the most technologically advanced person, my description of what Yodle can do for you will not do it justice.  But Chris Longden, the account director at the expo, described Yodle as “online marketing … on steroids!”  In short, the platform can create (or update) your Web site, optimize the content, publicize on the best local directories and monitor the site’s performance with the most popular search engines.  Based on complex algorithms that exceed my ability to comprehend, Yodle works to make your Web site one of the first few options when certain key search words are used in Google, Yahoo!, and Bing.  Such optimization can generate specific leads that may enhance and grow your practice.

• Byte Right Support – Among other things, this technology solutions provider was showcasing software called Worldox GX2.  Described as a document management solution, Worldox centrally manages files by integrating documents in various formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe) into Outlook.  The software saves users time by collecting related documents (read: segregating all documents by case) in a central application.

Overall, the expo was a great opportunity to see what products and services were available to attorneys to eliminate some stress, and to optimize the efficiency of practicing.

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On Sunday March 7, the Young Lawyers Committee of the Baltimore County Association hosted its annual bull roast at the American Legion Post No. 22 in Towson.  Each year, the Young Lawyers Bull Roast is the committee’s largest fundraiser of the year, but this year’s event was particularly special in that it was held in the honor of Michael Radcliffe.

Mike, a longtime member of the Baltimore County Bar Association, was diagnosed with ALS in January 2009.  Shortly thereafter, the Young Lawyers Committee rallied around Mike, and, with his help and the support of the entire Bar Association, began raising money for the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research.  The Packard Center at Johns Hopkins is the only international scientific operation dedicated solely to curing ALS.

The bullroast was the third event that the BCBA and the Young Lawyers Committee participated in to raise money for ALS research.  The BCBA hosted a guest bartender event during a Ravens game last November.  It also assembled a group of runners in May 2009 to participate with Team Radcliffe in the Fiesta 5K, a race organized by the Packard Center to raise awareness and money for ALS research.

The BCBA will again participate and support Team Radcliffe in this year’s Fiesta 5K on May 1.

This year, nearly 300 people, including Mike and a huge group of Radcliffes, attended the event, making it one of the most successful ever.  Those in attendance ate and drank to their hearts’ (and stomachs’) content while raising money for a charity that was very near and dear to BCBA. Judge John J. Nagle III and his band, the Mighty Mighty Barristers (pictured), provided the musical entertainment, and generous donations from a variety of vendors created a highly competitive silent auction.

While the atmosphere in the hall was jovial and lighthearted for most of the day, the severity of the cause was reinforced when a 10-minute video was shown to the group.  Produced by Steve Davis, the emotional vignette documents Mike’s battle against ALS, and attaches a personality to an otherwise anonymous disease.  It reiterated why everyone had gathered to raise money for the Packard Center.

If you are interested in further information about ALS, please visit www.alscenter.org.

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On Sunday afternoon, the Baltimore County Bar Association sponsored a guest bartending event at Christopher Daniel restaurant in Timonium.  The event was held to raise money for the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins, and to support Mike Radcliffe (pictured below).

Approximately 150 judges, attorneys and friends packed a private bar at the restaurant to support Mike in his fight against Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and to cheer on the Ravens.  Christopher Daniel’s generously donated a portion of the food and beverage sales, as well as the tips collected by the BCBA’s guest bartenders.

Mike is a long-time member of the BCBA, and a person I am privileged to call my friend.  I met Mike about 7 years ago through mutual family friends while tailgating at a Ravens game.  He immediately became a psuedo-mentor… someone that was always approachable.  He’s still my go-to source for answers to “dumb” questions.  And while his responses might be preceded by a chuckle, or two, his answers are always sincere and extraordinarily helpful.

Aside from the Ravens loss (which was particularly devestating to this writer), the day was a complete success!  Drinks were flowing… raffle tickets were sold… and funds were heading to the Packard Center.  But, the best part to me, was the incredible turnout of young lawyers at this particular event.  Understanding the incredible value of “time off”,” the fact that this group showed up on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in support of a great man and a great cause spoke volumes of their collective character.  It reaffirmed my sentiment that lawyers are always there to lend their support to others… especially in their times of need.

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So, I am writing this post on my 29th birthday, and I have come to a realization that one of the largest hurdles I face as a “young” attorney (and believe me, there are a ton!) is, in fact, my age.  And, I am quite sure that I am not the only one who shares this feeling. You get to the point in every case where you know the facts inside, and out… you know the governing statutes… you’ve briefed the cases that establish the relevant standards and precedents… BUT… you know that opposing counsel looks at you like a starving dog salivates over a T-bone.

Now, how do you change that perception of inexperienced, green rookie to respected opponent?  Good question, right?

The only answer that I have uncovered is “confidence!”  You wouldn’t be where you are today if you hadn’t impressed someone, right?  Chances are, you know that case as well as, if not better than, opposing counsel.  You know that its these first few years that create the reputation that will follow you throughout your career.  So…don’t question yourself, and don’t be intimidated!  Odds are, opposing counsel is more nervous about being out-lawyered by a rookie, then you are about being in the game!

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