[blindlaw] Computer-related skills

Wed Jun 26 01:48:07 UTC 2013

Certainly, the practice of using track changes and red lining documents is
being extensively used by transactional lawyers over here in India too. And
in good firms, you have a specific person assigned who takes care of shaping
the document in the firm's standard style (which is decided by the knowledge
management), before it is being sent outside the firm.

By and large, most of the legal databases are usable with screen readers, so
also are the internal solutions used by firms. As others said, comfort in
using any kind of web application, including the ones which are designed in
Java, should help you in using the databases efficiently. Familiarize
yourself with screen reader specific commands, such as in Jaws, you have the
option of skim reading, flexible web, and few others depending the way you
like to use your screen reader, which can save a lot of time and effort.

Most of the documents come in PDF, and a large portion of which comes with
text, so there is no problem as far as reading of documents is concerned. At
times, you may have a little complexed designed documents (ignoring the
accessibility standards), which may make text reading difficult, but that
depends on the kind of document, and whether you can make those small
changes to the document, which may get out of that situation. Highlighting
and commenting in PDF is also important to learn.

Last but not least, a fair use of powerpoint and basic use of excel graphs
is important, although that depends on your practice area. But in general if
it anyhow relates to finance, then at times you may need to use graphs.
Powerpoint is surely used for presentations and stuff. And oh yeah, don't
forget to learn Microsoft outlook properly, as that is another application
extensively used by us not only for emails, but also for callender,
appointments, etc.

Regards,
Amar Jain.
 -----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Webb
Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 2:48 AM
To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Computer-related skills

Two points come to mind for me:

1.  I don't know if this is common practice where you are, but in US law
offices it is very common for attorneys to submit drafts of briefs and memos
for other attorneys to review, edit, and submit comments and suggestions.
For documents created in MS Word at least, redlining and track changes are
the usual techniques.  These can be a bit cumbersome via a screen reader,
but they can still be used, and you will want to be sure you know how if
this is a technique that your office colleagues rely on.

2. If you haven't already, develop a technique that works for you in order
to mark and quickly reference important blocks of text as you review
literature, statutes, case law, etc.  It can make all the difference in
keeping you organized and efficient.  I know that you can use JAWS and
Kurzweil in order to create and organize bookmarks within text, though
others on the list may have found other measures that work even better.

Good luck.

Regards,
Andrew Webb 

-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Angela
Matney
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 4:05 PM
To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Computer-related skills

I would also focus on maximizing your efficiency with your particular screen
reader and a web browser. I use JAWS, which has many keyboard shortcuts for
Internet Explorer. For example, I can press "x" or "shift-x" to move to the
next or previous checkbox, respectively. These keystrokes will be invaluable
when you are required to access legal databases online. Even transactional
lawyers must conduct research, and being able to efficiently navigate
webpages is essential. I suppose this is really one specific application of
the excellent general advice Randy gave you.

Best of luck,

Angie

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-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Farber,
Randy
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 4:54 PM
To: Blind Law Mailing List
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Computer-related skills

Rahul -

1.      Work on becoming a touch typist.  You will need to focus on
discussions and other matters, while you are typing.

2.      Learn shortcuts for Windows, Word, Excel and whatever other systems
you will be using.

These two tasks will keep you busy for quite a while.  Both of them are
ongoing tasks, but you need to focus on them.

Randy

-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Rahul Bajaj
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 3:42 PM
To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org
Subject: [blindlaw] Computer-related skills

Hi all,

I hope you all are doing well.
I am going to have a few sessions with an assistive technology expert in the
coming days.
I am a technophobe.  I can only perform very basic functions like using the
internet, reading books, etc on my computer.
I intend to become a transactional lawyer after completing my education.
So, what computer-related skills should I focus on?
I do not want my limited knowledge of computers to act as an impediment
during my internships and in my career in general.
So, please give me  some specific tips which would help me to work more
efficiently.
Your help would be greatly valued.

Best,
Rahul

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