Deborah Gonzalez will teach a third course called “Digital Legal Horizon” at Solo Practice University®.

Every year we are faced with questions about where is all this technology and all the changes in the practice of law taking us. We are faced with how do we keep up with all the changes so we can fully service our clients and keep ourselves ahead of the game as a solo/small firm practitioner. This series of classes takes a look at some of the upcoming changes and challenges due to advancements in legal technology, practice and business models in our current and future digital society.

Deborah has completed teaching two other courses at SPU, “Social Media & the Law” and “Intellectual Property”.

Deborah Gonzalez, Esq. is the founder of Law2sm, LLC, a new legal consulting firm focusing on helping its clients navigate the legal issues relating to the new digital and social media world.

Deborah graduated from New York Law School in 1997. Following graduation, she built a successful intellectual propertly law boutique practice in New York City, focusing on the arts, music and entertainment scene. In 2007, Deborah relocated to Georgia where she was employed by the University System of Georgia. In 2008 she was granted reciprocity to practice law in Georgia.

Deborah’s practice has taken her from an inner-city arts community center in NYC to a sidewalk café in Eastern Europe; from preparing programs for diplomats in the EU to assisting medical missions with refugee communities in Thailand; from protecting against music piracy in the US to protecting against bio-piracy in South America. And now it is transporting her beyond the Internet to the social space where the physical and digital dimensions of her clients co-exist and where she can leverage her legal expertise to their benefit.

Deborah enjoys engaging with those around her – so social media is a natural fit. But it is her skill in being able to connect the dots to understand the next big paradigm shift in global communication and legal application that makes her a leader in social media law.

Deborah speaks frequently on the legal issues relating to intellectual property; art, music, and digital entertainment law; and social media legal trends and practices in various venues throughout the United States and abroad. Connect with Deborah - LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Blog Website

Syllabus – Digital Legal Horizon

Introduction
Every year we are faced with questions about where is all this technology and all the changes in the practice of law taking us. We are faced with how do we keep up with all the changes so we can fully service our clients and keep ourselves ahead of the game as a solo practitioner. This series of sessions takes a look at some of the upcoming changes and challenges due to advancements in legal technology, practice and business models in our current and future digital society.

Digital Identity: Physical, Digital, & Legal
How do we define identity legally? Who is a “person” in this digital age and in the digital future? How do we determine worth and value of a “person?” Social scoring, badges, influence, digital presence (even before you are born). This session explores the answers to all of these and more and the legal issues relating to them (including a new concept of privacy) so you are prepared as a solo practitioner.

Digital Society: Cultural, Corporate, & Legal
Expanding the concept of the digital persona outlined in the first session, this session looks at new paradigms shifts for society as a whole and what it means to the legal system. If fashion incorporates technology, can law now protect it? If monks ask people to text them prayers has religion gone beyond its borders to be liable in court in another country? And so much more.

Digital Law: New client, New attorney, New practice
What does the client of the future look like? What services do they need? What does an attorney of the future look like? What tools does he/she use? What business models do legal providers use in the future? How do legal professionals keep their value? This session goes beyond the devices & apps of today – to the bleeding edge of technology and legal practice – such as Minority-Report style software and augmented reality.

Digital Knowledge: Print, E-Publishing, & Digital Rights
The debate over print v digital publishing is not new. But how it will play out in the future and its impact on education and workforce development (and therefore our economic stability) will present legal challenges we have not encountered before. Can you read the fine print on the wall/screen of what’s coming? Do we need to fear the power of Amazon, Google search, or Nook? How does this affect our clients and our solo practice?

Digital Health: Physical, Genetic, Medical, & Legal
There was a time ergonomics was the hot topic as it related to technology and our physical health. Today we are seeing a series of medical and health issues that are evolving to lead us to a future where the genetic prevails. How will the law address new methods of medical service delivery, new levels of liability, new digital addictions and ailments, longer life spans, and new health treatments? This session explores these and more so you are prepared to help your clients navigate these issues.

Digital Money: Currency, Banking, & Future Financial Legalities
Nothing happens without money. But what will “money” look like in the future? Will crowd funding evolve? Will the SEC regulate less or more? How will consumer-shopping change? To paraphrase Capital One – this session will explore “what’s in your virtual wallet?” How will your clients pay you and how do you protect their financial assets?