Affinity University is the go-to resource for online training on the legal software you and your team use every day. Focusing specifically on real world tips and tricks, our certified experts provide training on popular Practice Management, Time/Billing/Accounting, Document Management, Productivity Software and even Microsoft Office.      

• Outlook - Email Management - February 6 
• PCLaw - Front Office - February 6 
• Tabs3 - Best Practices for Month End - February 7 
• PCLaw - Best Practices for Month End - February 7 
• Word 2010 - Basics - February 8 
• Amicus Attorney Premium Edition - Basics - February 8 
• PracticeMaster - Document Assembly Basics - February 9 
• Worldox GX2 - Basics - February 10 
• Tabs3 - Reporting - February 10 
• Time Matters - Basics - February 10 
• Outlook 2010 - Contacts and Calendar - February 13 
• PracticeMaster - Contacts and Calendar - February 14 
• PCLaw - Accounts Payable - February 15 
• Microsoft PowerPoint for the Law Office - February 17 
• PCLaw - Client Receipt - February 17 
• Adobe Acrobat - February 17 
• Microsoft Word 2010 - Introduction to Styles - February 21 
• HotDocs - Tips and Trick - February 21 
• PCLaw - Reporting - February 22 

In addition to the live AU classes listed above, a full range of AU classes are now available "on-demand" for you to view as your schedule permits.  On-demand topics include Adobe Acrobat for the Law Office, Microsoft Word Basics, Microsoft Word Advanced, and Outlook Email Management and many more.  Plus, if you "attend" a live AU webinar, you can watch it again within 30 days of the original live date at no additional charge.

Special Notice to Local Bar Leaders and Members: Contact us to learn more about our local bar program.  Send an email to training@affinityconsulting.com.

Gavel & Gown software recently released their Amicus 2012 suite of products - and we could not be more excited about the new and improved features in Amicus Attorney Premium Edition and Amicus Attorney Small Firm Edition.  Read all about the new features in this article.  At the end of the article are links to sign up for free 30 minute webinars with live demonstrations of Amicus Attorney Premium Edition 2012 and Amicus Attorney Small Firm Edition 2012.  Both seminars take place on Tuesday, February 14.  

• The Business Case for Going Paperless (Convincing Your Firm It's Time)
• 60 Tips in 60 Minutes
• Awesome Android Apps for Attorneys

Paul J. Unger, Esq., speaks on:

• Courtroom Technology:  Evidence  and Persuasion
• iWin:  iPads for Litigators

Debbie Foster speaks on:

• Is It All or Nothing?  Popular Cloud Services and SaaS Vs. Hosted Infrastructure
• 30+ Blackberry Apps for Lawyers

Barron K. Henley, Esq., speaks on:

• Getting the Most from Document Collaboration Tools You Already Own
• Managing the Information Tsunami    

Affinity has been in the business of trial presentation for over 10 years. During that time we've seen technology come and go and we've seen the iPad quickly turn into one of the most utilized tools by attorneys, judges, and the business community. It has become clear that the iPad has made its mark and can be a great tool in the courtroom.

This workshop will walk you through the process for managing and presenting your small cases step-by-step. Everything from prepping & loading files to jury organization to wireless set-up for the courtroom will be covered.

Attendance is capped at 20 people to ensure you get the time and attention you need to master the material. This one-day workshop is perfect for any attorney or paralegal.  

Contact Josh Hoeppner for more information: jhoeppner@affinityconsulting.com or 614.340.3444 

The Florida Bar is currently offering a Membership Benefit that provides a discounted price on the Trust Accounting Module for Tabs3. Regularly priced at $175, this promotion allows you to purchase this module for only $99.  As an additional benefit, Affinity is offering discounted pricing on "Getting Started with Trust Accounting in Tabs3" webinars through Affinity University.  

Florida Bar members who are interested in taking advantage of these discounts are encouraged to contact the Florida Bar or email or telephone Affinity Partner Sandy Adams (sadams@affinityconsulting.com or 786.536.3695) directly. 

For information on the many IT services we can offer your firm, contact your Affinity Consulting Group office. 

Whether you are interesting in leasing space in an existing building or constructing a new building or accommodate your firm, you should become familiar with the LEED rating system.  LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  Sustainable construction materials and practices result in a LEED rating based on a point system.  A building may be "LEED Certified" with 40 to 49 points, "LEED Silver" for 50 to 59 points, "LEED Gold" for 60 to 79 points, and "LEED Platinum" for 80 points or more. 

LEED points are earned in six sustainability categories: 

• Site,  
• Water Efficiency,  
• Energy and Atmosphere,  
• Materials and Resources,  
• Environmental Quality, and  
• Innovative Design.

A new more comprehensive LEED rating system (LEED 2012) is currently awaiting approval.    

LEED buildings can be more complex and costly to construct, but have lower maintenance costs.  Some state and local governments now require that buildings of a certain size or used for specific purposes be "LEED Certified" or better.  Working in a LEED building can save energy costs for your firm.