Law firms require general business knowledge, legal practice specific business knowledge and knowledge of the technologies that enable support those functions.  Today solo practices to large law firms are using practice management and litigation software to assist with the day to day operation of firms.  Courts have in the direction of paperless filing and calendaring, indeed many courts only allow e-filing.  Modernized courts have many opportunities for counsel to use technology to make a stronger case or as needed to present electronic evidence.  This course will provide students with the theoretical and practical background to understand the fundamentals of operating a law practice as well as the rapid evolution of legal practice.  Areas of special focus include business planning and account management; case and client management; mobile information and devices; document management; eMediation and online dispute resolution; workflow management; eCourt systems and presentation technologies. Readings and guest speakers will address both general technological issues as well as specific legal ramifications. Students will use matter management software to organize and manage a mock case, prepare e-filings and use technology to strengthen a closing argument and present that argument in a courtroom setting.
 Method of evaluation: 
25% Short exercises
75% Three Projects - 1) writing a law firm business plan; 2) organization and arrangement of a mock case utilizing matter management software; and 3) the development of a technology driven closing argument incorporating digital evidence using Federal court software.