Keynote Speaker, Richard Susskind

Tomorrow's Legal Marketplace?



Richard Susskind spent 75 minutes sharing with AALL attendees his vision of what the legal marketplace would look like in 15 - 20 years. The message was clear -- if the US legal marketplace does not innovate, it will be left behind Europe and the rest of the world.

He made a clear distinction between automation vs. innovation. It is not enough to automate (to use technology to improve current legal processes). He talked about innovation as the use of technology to do what was not possible before.

He certainly gave attendees lots of food for thought about where law librarianship should fit into this new legal marketplace. Law librarians are uniquely qualified to be legal knowledge engineers, legal technologists, legal process analysts and legal project managers.

Speakers background: Professor Richard Susskind, OBE, is an author, speaker, and independent adviser to major professional firms, in-house legal departments, and national governments. His main area of expertise is the future of legal service. He has a law degree from the University of Glasgow, and a doctorate in law and computers from Balliol College, Oxford. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the British Computer Society.







AALL Opening Ceremony, July 21, 2012

The 105th American Association of Law Libraries Annual Meeting opened in Boston on Saturday, July 21, at 5 pm at the Hynes Convention Center.

The sign at the entrance of the Hynes Convention Center welcoming AALL attendees to the annual meeting.

Outgoing AALL President Darcy Kirk "herding" her flock together.

AALL President Darcy Kirk telling attendees that there were over 1,800 registered for the annual meeting.

 It's official -- the ribbon is cut, the Exhibit Hall is open and the meeting has begun. Attendees were treated to light hors d'ouerves as they visited the exhibitors.



Job: Librarian

Librarian - Williams Mullen (Richmond Office)

Williams Mullen an award-winning AmLaw 200 firm, is well regarded for providing comprehensive legal services to regional, national and international clients in a wide variety of general and specialty practice areas. With about 275 attorneys and ten offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic, the firm delivers innovative, team-supported solutions to support its clients’ diverse business activities. Close working relationships with clients have been the foundation of Williams Mullen’s progressive approach to law practice since the firm was founded over 100 years ago in Richmond, Virginia, where the firm maintains its headquarters today.

Williams Mullen is seeking a Librarian responsible for all tasks associated with the operation and maintenance of the library in the Richmond office. The librarian will support local and firm wide library projects and initiatives. The candidate must have a professional presentation and have a team player attitude.

Responsibilities:
• Conduct research using a variety of on-line and print resources.
• Provide guidance to the attorneys and paralegals on sources and strategies for research.
• Record incoming books and periodicals using a library software system.
• Recommend resources and solutions regarding practice group needs.

Requirements:
• 3-5 years of law library or comparable experience including familiarity with legal research in print and online resources.
• Must have strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Experience working with patrons and handling research, inventory, and collections.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Strong knowledge of online databases and other research systems.
• Must have confidence, knowledge and positive personality and the ability to function independently.

Visit the Williams Mullen website to apply online.