Modernizing the Practice of Law in Out-State Colorado, 0419 COBJ, Vol. 48, No. 4 Pg. 4
| Author | By JOHN VAUGHT |
| Position | Vol. 48, 4 [Page 4] |
CBA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By JOHN VAUGHT
When I began my tenure as CBA president last July, I dedicated myself primarily to assisting lawyers who do not live in Colorado's major metropolitan areas. Now more than halfway through that tenure, I would like to believe that at least 80% of my time has been so directed. The most significant out-state agenda item is to enhance access to justice by finding a means to bring broadband infrastructure to all points within die state. Progress in that regard has been previously reported.1 It's a huge task, but we're making headway.
The second step in my plan to further access to justice in greater Colorado is to develop and enhance programs that help rural lawyers modernize their law practices. This encompasses numerous changes, including technological improvements (5G, broadband, cyber security, and artificial intelligence); unbundling of legal services (offering limited legal services to a client); a renewed focus on value through, inter alia, menu pricing (e.g., selling professional services by the task, rather than by the hour); a focus on profitability; and a host of other concepts that the CBA calls the "Modern Law Practice Initiative," or more simply "Modern Law." While these changes are relevant to urban practices as well, they are critical to modernizing legal practice in greater Colorado.
Why Colorado Needs Modern Law
There is a largely untapped legal market in out-state Colorado. Throughout the state's 22 judicial districts, it is estimated that more than 60% of all litigants arrive at the courthouse without a lawyer.2 Why? Because they cannot—or believe they cannot—afford a lawyer for their legal matter. The Rules of Professional Conduct now address that problem and permit lawyers to offer some, but not all, services in a specific engagement. This so-called "unbundling" of legal services is mutually beneficial to the client and the lawyer.3 Through unbundling, access to justice becomes a reality to many people who would not otherwise be able to afford legal counsel. This huge, untapped market of potential clients exists across the state, if not more so in rural districts. Modern representation, therefore, refashions practicing in greater Colorado to recognize an incredible business opportunity for lawyers...
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