Technology is being used in almost every part of our lives. Bank machines handle everyday banking transactions. Doctors use laser technology to correct eyesight. And police use special technology, called DNA testing, to solve crimes.

Lawyers, too, can make use of technology.

"Technology is used by law firms in many capacities," says John Hokkanen, a legal technologist. In fact, law firms "have only begun to change the way that their organizations use technology in their daily work."

And the result? "It takes more than just lawyers to run a law firm," says Hokkanen. You not only need secretaries and researchers. You also need people to help with computers and technology.

Kevin Short is a lawyer. He is also president of a law technology company. He believes that technologists who "truly understand how lawyers act and behave will have an advantage."

Who better to do this than a lawyer? A lawyer with technology training can contribute both legal and technical skills.

The increased use of technology in the practice of law has created a high demand for workers with this unique combination of skills.

Law and Technology

Lawyers deal with large amounts of information. They need fast and easy access to important information. That's where legal technologists come in.

Legal technologists use computers to organize large amounts of data into computerized storage places called databases. Once data is stored in a database, you can access it with a software program. Just imagine how much easier it is to find information by clicking a mouse instead of digging through a room full of filing cabinets!

Storing information this way has other benefits. Databases are excellent tools for grouping information into categories that are related and easy to understand. This is extremely valuable to lawyers.

For example, if a lawyer wanted to look at all cases involving car accidents involving less than $1,000 worth of damage, what would he or she do?

With a database, it is very simple. The lawyer would use a search engine to access the database and retrieve all cases with less than $1,000 worth of damage. This task can be completed in a matter of seconds.

Many businesses are also using the Internet to improve and expand their services. Lawyers are no different.

Mark Hicken practices law over the Internet. You can get legal help and advice simply by visiting his website.

If you need a legal document, you can provide Hicken with information through his website questionnaire form. Hicken receives this information by e-mail and sends back the document you need.

Hicken works out of his apartment and often only meets with clients to have documents signed. "Clients are paying for your brains and your knowledge, not your office," he says. "There is huge potential for practicing law online."

But in order for that to happen, someone has to set up the system. Legal technologists keep things running smoothly and fix the system when it breaks down. They handle accounting software, billing systems, databases, research tools and many other computer programs that aid lawyers in their work.

Another important area that legal technologists deal with is computer security.

Legal information must be kept private and secure. Computer hackers can break into a company's files and steal valuable information and documents. It can even happen when you send e-mail across the Internet! Legal technologists are trained to prevent this from happening.

The Jobs Are Out There

The Occupational Employment Statistics indicates there are 521,130 lawyers working in the U.S. There's no indication of how many were doing legal technology work (roughly half of those workers were lawyers).

A few trends in the legal field may mean more work for legal technologists. For example, some companies have begun to record evidence in the form of computer images and videos.

"Use of technology in courtrooms has become quite common and continues to increase," says Hokkanen. "For example, the use of computer video depositions and computerized trial exhibits has become quite common."

How to Get Started

Even if you aren't a lawyer, you can still work in the law and technology field. "A law degree is an advantage, but not required," says Hokkanen. Law firms employ people to handle their technology needs. The most important skill is advanced technical knowledge.

Be prepared to get a solid education. Universities and technical institutes are great places to start. Learn as much as you can about software, databases, networks and computer security.

But keep in mind that advanced technology skills are not enough.

Short is a lawyer with a strong technology background. His advice: learn as much about the law as possible. If you are going to help lawyers, you have to understand as much as you can about the work they do.

Short encourages you to "take law courses or legal assistant training. Any part-time work in a law firm or government legal agency would be helpful." Volunteer if you have to. It's the experience that counts.

Hokkanen believes that use of technology in the practice of law will continue to show strong, steady growth. "There is always opportunity for people with a law and technology background within law firms, corporations or technology vendors. It will continue to increase in the future."

Net Sites

Legal Information Institute -- Cornell Law School
This site is for distributing legal documents and commentary
http://www.law.cornell.edu

MicroLaw
A consulting firm that assists lawyers with legal technology
http://www.microlaw.com

Bar Admissions -- Basic Overview
Learn how to become a member of the bar
http://www.abanet.org/legaled/baradmissions/bas icoverview.html