General Practice Section: March 2014 Archives

60 Apps in 60 Minutes 2014--iPhone J.D.

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 31, 2014 1:31 PM | No Comments

At ABA TECHSHOW in Chicago, Brett Burney, Chad Burton, Reid Trautz and Jeff Richardson presented the 2014 installment of 60 Apps in 60 Minutes. They highlighted a variety of apps including some great new apps, some perennial favorites, and some that were thrown in mostly for the entertainment value. Here is a the full list. Many apps are free, but note that some of those require subscriptions or can have extra fees associated with them (e.g. the WestlawNext and Lexis Advance apps). All of them are worth taking a look at.

Possible To Use Office For iPad Without Office 365 Subscription | Ubergizmo

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 30, 2014 9:27 PM | No Comments

Earlier this week Microsoft finally launched Office for iPad. The popular productivity suite, made up of Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps, has landed on Apple's tablet absolutely free, but there is a caveat. Office for iPad apps can be used for reading, viewing and presentation only. If users want the full editing and composing power, they need an Office 365 subscription. However, a loophole left open by Microsoft makes it possible to use Office for iPad without Office 365 subscription.

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PLEASE NOTE WELL: Technically this does violate limits defined by Microsoft in its EULA or end user rights agreement. While Microsoft doesn't strictly enforce the tablet installations limit, it trusts that "users respect and understand device limits outlined in the EULA."

How to use funeral planning to become eligible for Medicaid - New York Health Access

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 30, 2014 4:04 PM | No Comments

How to use funeral planning to become eligible for Medicaid

Posted: 23 Apr, 2009
by David Silva (New York Legal Assistance Group)

Updated: 23 Apr, 2009
by David Silva (New York Legal Assistance Group)

One common reason why people are ineligible for Medicaid or SSI is if their assets are over the limit. Rather than give money away to make yourself eligible, it is better to find ways either to spend the money or convert it into an exempt form. One way to do this is through funeral arrangements.

For both Medicaid and SSI, certain types of funeral arrangements - including burial funds, pre-paid funeral agreements, and burial plots - are exempt from consideration as assets. In this way, an applicant can reduce their countable assets while also ensuring that their wishes about their funeral are respected.

This memo from Selfhelp explains how these plans work.

IRS Warns of New Email Phishing Scheme Falsely Claiming to be from the Taxpayer Advocate Service

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 28, 2014 9:35 PM | No Comments

The IRS today warned consumers to be on the lookout for a new email phishing scam. The emails appear to be from the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service and include a bogus case number. Taxpayers who get these messages should not respond to the email or click on the links. Instead, they should forward the scam emails to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

3 Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat-The Lawyerist

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 25, 2014 12:45 PM | No Comments

Sam Glover: "...Unfortunately, Acrobat Professional -- the version you want for legal work -- starts at $449 (or $240/year). But there are alternatives that don't cost an ongoing arm and a leg.

Here are a few to consider..."

Fed Courts App-- iTunes

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 24, 2014 10:03 PM | No Comments

This app contains the full text of all of the federal rules of procedure and the local rules for every federal court in the country - including district, bankruptcy, and appellate courts. Provides access to PACER, the address of every district, bankruptcy, and appellate court in the United States, and using GPS obtain turn-by-turn directions to any federal courthouse in the country.

Best of all no subscription or in app purchase is required. The app is $2.99 US. Ready access to the rules is a crucial part of the legal profession, so don't be caught without them and download this app today.

In addition to all local rules of every federal court in the United States, the following rules of procedure are included:

Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure;
Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure;
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure;
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure; and
Federal Rules of Evidence.

Federal Courts App

Apple:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fed-courts/id550673161?mt=8

Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.federalcourts

How an Under-Appreciated iOS 7 Feature Will Change the World | Cult of Mac

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 23, 2014 4:03 PM | No Comments

A curious download hit Apple's app store this week: a messaging app called FireChat.

It's a new kind of app because it uses an iOS feature unavailable until version 7: the Multipeer Connectivity Framework. The app was developed by the crowdsourced connectivity provider Open Garden and this is their first iOS app.

The Multipeer Connectivity Framework enables users to flexibly use WiFi and Bluetooth peer-to-peer connections to chat and share photos even without an Internet connection. Big deal, right?

But here's the really big deal -- it can enable two users to chat not only without an Internet connection, but also when they are far beyond WiFi and Bluetooth range from each other -- connected with a chain of peer-to-peer users between one user and a far-away Internet connection.

It's called wireless mesh networking. And Apple has mainstreamed it in iOS 7. It's going to change everything. Here's why.

Open Book New York

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 22, 2014 7:54 PM | No Comments

DiNapoli: Financial Records of 500 Public Authorities Now on www.openbooknewyork.com

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Thursday announced that financial information for more than 500 state and local public authorities is now available at Open Book New York,http://www.openbooknewyork.com/, a transparency website launched by DiNapoli in 2008. The database, going back to 2007, can be downloaded in an Excel, tsv or csv format.

Lawyer suspended for posting video of undercover drug buy in mistaken belief it exonerated client-ABA Journal

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 21, 2014 3:00 PM | No Comments

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Gilsdorf "published damning evidence on the Internet with little to no thought or discussion of the possible consequences to his client," the Review Board said. "His conduct threatened the fairness of a criminal proceeding and harmed his client."

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Read entire ABA Journal report here.

Prior coverage:

ABAJournal.com: "Should lawyer who posted video implicating client be disciplined?"

ABAJournal.com: "Ethics Complaint Claims Lawyer Tried to Sway Potential Jurors by Posting Discovery Video on YouTube"

6 Legal Technologies That Should Be Obsolete-Lawyerist

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 19, 2014 12:49 PM | No Comments

Sam Glover: Legal innovation is a popular topic this month, but it's worth noting that most law offices are still weighed down by obsolete technology -- or technology that ought to be obsolete, at least. Sure, we don't use quills or mimeographs anymore, but there is a pretty good chance you still have a fax machine taking up space in your office.

Here are 5 legal technologies you can -- and should -- get rid of, and what to use instead.

NYSBA | Mandatory Reporting Campaign

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 17, 2014 4:29 PM | No Comments

Office of the President

David Schraver

Since 2004, the New York State Bar Association has strongly opposed any requirement that New York lawyers report their voluntary pro bono service or contributions to public authorities. We firmly believe that requiring such reporting dilutes the voluntary nature of lawyers' pro bono service. Lawyers should provide pro bono service because they recognize the critical importance of access to justice and lawyers' unique ability to assist - not because they feel pressured into doing so.

I encourage you to write to the Chief Judge, the Chief Administrative Judge, and the Presiding Justices of the Appellate Divisions to express opposition to this requirement. We have set up a webpage with contact information, a sample letter, and a link to send an e-mail message directly to the Chief Judge to express your opposition. Go to www.nysba.org/probonoreporting.

Sincerely,

David M. Schraver, President

LII's Tom Bruce Live! -- Wednesday at 7PM (UTC -4)

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 17, 2014 4:17 PM | No Comments

Hang out with Tom Bruce, Wednesday, March 19 at 7PM (UTC -4)

Watch our live Google Hangout, and have your LII questions answered by our co-founder and director, Tom Bruce.

Ask him anything! Tweet your questions in advance to @liicornell, or email us.

Visit: http://www.law.cornell.edu/hangout

Stay Connected to LII

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Uber Details Updated Insurance Policy For Passengers And Drivers | Ubergizmo

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 16, 2014 8:13 PM | No Comments

Since a tragic incident in San Francisco on New Year's Eve, there has been much talk about Uber's insurance policy. It has made a few changes and described the updated policy in detail on its official blog. Drivers and passengers are now insured when the Uber mobile app is turned on during a ride, coverage of up to $100,000 is offered for bodily injuries, with $50,000 maximum per person.

Your Guide to an IRS Audit

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 15, 2014 1:54 PM | No Comments

IRS Audit Video Series

"Your Guide to an IRS Audit" takes the viewer through the steps of an audit, from notification to closing. The video series is composed of scenarios that demonstrate the stages of each type of audit; correspondence, office and field. The scenarios address issues that are common to audits of small businesses.

▶ Medical and Dental Expenses - YouTube

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 15, 2014 1:47 PM | No Comments

YouTube: Medical and Dental Expenses

Learn more about medical and dental expenses by watching this new YouTube video.

Watch this and other videos on the IRS YouTube Channel.

Futurelawyer: Lawyers: You Will Be Assimilated - By Wearable Tech

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 10, 2014 1:23 PM | No Comments

A short post by Niki Black to get you thinking. I wonder who will be this generation's John Molloy? Maybe John himself...he's still around.

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Niki Black: Of course wearable technology is in its infancy, just as the smartphones were in 2007 and tablets were in 2010. It won't be mainstream in the near future. Prices are too high and the technology is still undeveloped. Even so, it's not going away and as it becomes more accessible, it will undoubtedly affect our lives--and law practices--just as much as social media and mobile and cloud computing have. The true question is: will you be ready?

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Free Webinar: PDF Basics for Lawyers - Using the Free Adobe Reader (version XI) - PDF for Lawyers

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 10, 2014 1:02 PM | No Comments

If you can't watch live, then catch the recorded version below. The first five minutes prove that even the most brilliant tech lawyers can have issues with a new setup. Be patient. "Ernie the Attorney" is worth waiting for.

Offer In Compromise Form (Updated)--IRS

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 8, 2014 12:37 PM | No Comments

Do You Have the Most Recent Offer-In-Compromise Form?

When submitting an Offer in Compromise for your client, use the January 2014 versions of Form 656-B, Offer in Compromise Booklet, and Form 656, Offer in Compromise. The OIC user fee has increased from $150 to $186 in January. IRS will return applications submitted on older versions of the form with the old user fee.

Click here for updated Offer in Compromise Booklet.

Tax Information About Same-Sex Marriage - YouTube

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 8, 2014 12:29 PM | No Comments

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1pAihAyKuA

Yahoo Maps Now Offers Indoor Navigation | Ubergizmo

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 6, 2014 8:40 PM | No Comments

Indoor navigation has been added, powered by Here Venue Maps, users will now be able to see maps for venues like sports stadiums, shopping malls and travel interchanges and they will also be able to map their routes inside these locations.

Public Notice - Appointment of Part-Time U.S. Magistrate Judge | Northern District of New York | United States District Court

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 5, 2014 12:55 PM | No Comments

The Court is accepting applications for the position of a Part-Time Magistrate Judge at Plattsburgh, New York. The position will become available upon the retirement of the Hon. Larry A. Kudrle on November 1, 2014. The Application Package is available on the Court's Website at www.nynd.uscourts.gov.

Applications close on April 30, 2014.

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Download Application Package.

Apple Announces CarPlay Infotainment System-Mashable

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 3, 2014 4:15 PM | No Comments

Apple has announced CarPlay, an in-car infotainment system that lets you connect your iOS device with your car.

The new system -- actually a rebranding of Apple's "iOS in the Car" -- will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show, held from Mar. 6 to 16, 2014.

CarPlay will let iPhone users make calls, access messages, listen to music or use Maps in their cars using Siri-based voice control, touch controls, or standard knobs, dials and buttons in the car. Third party apps such as Spotify, Beats Radio, Stitcher and iHeartRadio are also supported.

5 things you had no idea your iPad could do-USA Today

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 2, 2014 8:06 PM | No Comments

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/2014/03/02/5-little-known-tips-for-ipad/5873401/

Jennifer Jolly: It doesn't matter how long you've owned your iPad, this über-capable tablet can do so much -- it likely has a few tricks up its sleeve to surprise you. Whether it's a new typing technique or a more secure way to browse the web, Apple's tablet can do more than you probably imagined.

Read entire article. Click link below:

Did You Ever Wonder Why We Are Poking Around on our Phones all Day?-Culture Design Lab--Humin

By Leonard E. Sienko, Jr. on March 1, 2014 12:54 PM | No Comments

By Joe Brewer and B. Lazlo Karafiath

Lots of jokes target the way we use our phones nowadays. How we ignore our date to answer a text, or keep sharing and liking and scrolling endlessly. It's true that most people play with their smart phones more and more and share content rather than to "talk on the phone." What the jokesters miss is that this is a feature not a bug!

When people are looking at their phone in public, sharing stuff, liking stuff, tweeting stuff (and looking at others' shares, likes, and tweets) they are expressing their tribal nature. They have found an outlet for the fundamental human drive to be in a tribe, to maintain a tribal presence, whether a factual or a fictional tribe, does not matter. Unlucky for us, we have such an imperfect piece of technology for doing this -- Facebook!

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We were recently introduced to a service that could fit this mold. It's called Humin and it is ramping up now. (Thanks to CMO Lane Wood for introducing us.) Humin could be much more then a new way to access our address book: Humin could be our tribal phone.

Read this thought-provoking post here.

March 2014 Archives