Before You Network, You Need to "Network"
By Bill Wiggins, Jr.

So you have finally decided to take the plunge and install a computer network in your office. If you are like most firms you have talked about networking for years. Not that those discussions were not useful. In fact, there are plenty of good reasons to discuss this issue thoroughly, such as laying the foundation for your system, establishing a wish list, and outlining the specific needs of your firm. As you will see, networking a law office is an enormous undertaking. If you do not consider all of your options thoroughly you may pay for it later. Which brings me to the topic of this of this article - "Networking." No, not computer networking. I am referring to the traditional form of networking - talking with people.

One crucial step in undertaking a computer project is investigating as much as you can about vendors, hardware, software and implementation strategies. To obtain this information you should contact friends and colleagues that have recently installed a network and/or computers, upgraded hardware or software and/or participated in vendor sponsored training. There is, however, one drawback to "Networking" before you network: continually hearing the phrase, "Oh no, I'm glad it's you and not me." You are likely to hear this from 80% of the people you talk with (some friends, huh?). I bet I heard this phrase a hundred times during our firm's network period. Although you have been "warned," you should persevere because computer projects are not so overwhelming if you simply do your homework. After receiving your friend's confidence building responses you may be reluctant to ask them anything else. You should proceed and ask them everything you can think of regarding their networking and computer project. Their experience has the potential to be an invaluable learning tool for you. Think of it as learning from another person's mistakes, misfortunes and, if you are lucky, good fortune. Whatever the case may be, you should take advantage of what they have to say. You may not get the same answers from a vendor or consultant.

The second phase of "Networking" is contacting anyone that your friends or colleagues talked with before they started their project. Also, make sure you talk with people that have been through a similar project within the last 18 months, due to the fact that the computer industry changes rapidly. It is also a good idea to have a variety of contacts, ranging from firms that recently installed a new system to those who are already considering upgrades. The firm with the new installation can share with you their process of selecting vendors, as well as letting you know how smoothly their installation went. Firms that have had their network in place for a period greater than six months can let you know what kind of service they have received from the vendor. They should also have a good idea as to how their hardware and software is performing. One of the most critical elements of selecting a vendor is finding out about their service department. You have to make sure the vendor(s) will be there for you after the sale. Your contacts may be able to share their experience regarding this aspect of the computer project.

In addition to the quality of a vendor's service department, another important aspect to the selection process is finding a vendor with experience in the legal field. "Networking" with your colleagues will be of great importance regarding this issue. Why is this important? Well, the fact is that a lot of groups can install a network, but the trick is designing a system to meet the specific needs of your firm. The requirements of a law office are different from those of a medical or accounting practice, for example. A vendor or vendors that will design a system based on your requirements is a necessity. Your vendor(s) should also have knowledge of document management, time and billing, and accounting software. Remember, there is more to a law office network than word processing and e-mail. Your contacts will be able to shed some light on how their vendors approached these critical issues.

As with any project, you must begin by educating yourself. Learning as much as you can about hardware, software, vendors and the entire networking process will only help you in the long run. Once you do your homework, you will be able to communicate intelligently with your vendor(s). The vendor in turn will recognize that you are serious about your project. Good luck, you are going to need it. (Just kidding, enjoy!) And be sure to share your experience with others.

Bill Wiggins, Jr. is the Administrator for the law firm of Olive & Olive, P.A. in Durham, NC. He received a B.A. degree in Political Science from North Carolina State University. He is a member of the NCBA Law Practice Management Section; Legal Tech '98 Expo Committee; National Association of Legal Administrators and the Raleigh/Durham Association of Legal Administrators. Olive & Olive specializes in Intellectual Property Law.