The ability to type is one of the greatest barriers to modern communication. If you have to hunt-and-peck, even l-a-w-y-e-r-i-s-t-.-c-o-m becomes a chore. I know there are lawyers out there who type 25-page briefs two fingers at a time, but I cannot imagine how those lawyers justify their bills to their clients.
If that sounds like you—or if you are still paying a secretary to transcribe your dictation—it is time to learn to type. I recommend signing up for a typing class with your local community education center. Having a class time on your calendar helps. Dictate a note to your secretary to sign you up!
If you are disciplined enough to teach yourself, there are good, free resources available online. An hour or two practicing should be enough to get you started.
- TypingWeb – free online typing lessons, including a graphical guide to finger placement
- TypeFaster – free Windows typing tutor
- Learn2Type – free typing speed test and lessons
Once you have the basics down, I recommend a strict regimen of e-mailing and brief writing to hone your skills.
(photo: alcomm)
Sam Glover is a business and consumer rights lawyer and the creator of Lawyerist.
Lawyerist is the #1 law practice blog. We write about marketing, practice management, career development, and more.
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And, for any of you who have kids, don’t let them poo-pooh the notion of taking a typing class while still in school. They’ll appreciate it later in college or the next steps of their lives. I am always really happy that I took that class back in H.S. (although that was still in typewriter days!).
My kids’ school does not even offer a typing course. They are expected to learn it on their own using software. Works, too – my children can type pretty fast (although they haven’t quite caught me yet . . . ).
Eric:
Sad to read as much. Next you’ll be telling me they aren’t teaching Latin anymore…