Collaboration

 Another parameter of this second box is evidenced by lawyers representing indigent persons who do not obtain the necessary resources to determine if the written work-product is adequate in achieving its goals. This parameter will be identified as Collaboration.

        Without question, the pinnacle of computer needs in the legal community is for a program that allows unrestricted, full collaboration in document revision. We have track changes, we have comment aids, we have the ability to share document on the Internet, but we do not yet have all the necessary collaboration tools that are needed.

       Microsoft, WordPerfect, Adobe and others have advanced the collaboration and/or sharing needs of lawyers to a stage that far exceeds the capabilities of most lawyers to utilize these resources.

        No, I am not talking about attaching documents to e-mails. For law shops, this is as outdated, undependable and sometimes dangerous method that many people use to collaborate.

        Just a few of the effective programs to share documents are Microsoft's Office Live, GoogleDocs, Adobe Share and  many others.

        There are numerous other services that allow for storage and exchange of documents on the Internet. Some additional services are listed on the http://www.goextranet.com or millardfarmer@millardfarmer.com under the “Storage” column.