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insideRevolutionizing LawWelcome to the brave new world of providinglegal services. In case there is anydoubt out there, let me assure you, the waylegal services are purchased, how they aredelivered, who provides them and how they are pricedis undergoing a revolution. In large part, these changesare being driven by the same forces that built SiliconValley—technological change, innovation and Americanentrepreneurship.These changes are not just a passing fad. Consider theReinvent Law Laboratory (www.reinventlaw.com),a project of Michigan State University College of Lawwhich is funded with a substantial grant from the EwingMarion Kauffman Foundation, and is dedicated toadvancing entrepreneurship and innovation. ReinventLaw recently held a day-long conferencein our own Silicon Valley (also London andDubai). Lawyers, leaders of online virtuallaw firms (such as Axiom Law and Direct-Law), journalists, venture capitalists andlaw professors presented their visions fora more efficient, online, technologicallysophisticated law industry that is fundedwith private investment. An industrywhere the billable hour is extinct, freelancersreplace associates and access to justiceis discussed in terms of online dispute resolution.This is not your grandfather’s lawpractice. Mark Ericsson explores our changingindustry, both here and abroad, in hisarticle, “Tomorrow’s Lawyer” (pg. 24).In this issue of the Contra Costa Lawyer,we take a look at how the practice of lawis advancing here in Contra Costa County. Access to justiceis a primary concern of the Contra Costa bench andbar. The severe budget cuts that our courts have sufferedhave hit close to home. We have all heard the storiesof the rising number of pro per litigants, the long waitsto file documents, the long delays for trial dates. In hisarticle, “It’s Always Darkest Before Dawn” (pg. 10), NickCasper brings light to the impact of budget cuts on ourcourts and discusses CCCBA’s efforts to reach our statelegislators to advocate for more funding. One of theresults of the budget cuts is that court reporters are nolonger provided in civil, family and probate courts. Ourthanks to Judge Flinn for explaining the rules by whichlitigants may provide their own court reporters (pg. 12).As first-year associate positions become scarce, moreyoung attorneys are hanging their shingle straight outElva HardingGuest Editorof law school. The State Bar has taken note of this development,and is considering adding a new practical skillstraining requirement before licensing new members.Dick Frankel fills us in on the task force’s recommendations(pg. 8). Additionally, Pete Tormey, a recent JFKLaw School graduate, and Felix Antero look at strategiesfor building a competitive modern practice in “GrowingTrends in Today’s Legal World” (pg. 14).Finally, with the decline of traditional law firms,more attorneys are working solo or as part of virtual lawfirms. Sarah Banola considers the ethical implications ofvirtual law practice (pg. 26).As you read this issue, I hope you will keep in mindthat the Bar Association is a resource to help you navigatethese changes. Again this year, weare presenting our popular Law PracticeManagement Series, which got underwayin April with practical advice onhow to develop a business plan and getto work on business development. At thismonth’s LPMS seminar, Randy Wilsonwill discuss the ethical issues related tolawyers’ use of social media. Other programswill include practical steps to establishinga modern law practice, issuesand best policies around use of mobiledevices by your law practice employees,transitioning practices for part-time orretiring lawyers and what you need toknow about the Affordable Health CareAct. For more information, call the BarAssociation or check online at www.cccba.org.As Mark Ericsson said in our March issue, these arecertainly exciting times, and perhaps a bit uncomfortableas the new normal takes hold. But with excitingtimes comes energy, innovation and most importantly,opportunity. Our challenge is to harness the energy andcapture the best of these new ideas to build a better,stronger legal system that can well serve our citizens. sElva D. Harding is a real estate and business attorneyand founder of Harding Legal, dedicated to providingefficient and effective legal service to individualsand small, mid-sized and family-owned businesses.Elva serves on the Bar Association’s Board of Directorsand is Chair of the Law Practice Management Seriestask force. Contact Elva Harding at (925) 215-4577 orwww.edhlegal.com.6MAY 2013