Saturday, March 2, 2024

Pay Special Attention to the Things You Touch



I usually limit my blog participation to comments rather than posts. However, with about half the class graduating in a couple months, you will be practicing law before year's end. If you decide to practice on your own or in a small firm setting, you may have some choice about the tech/office equipment you use. You may also have to pay for it, so be frugal, but not cheap.

It is fine to continue to use the laptop that got you through law school. Don't think you need to drop $2k on a new MacBook Pro or the latest Windows machine. The processing power needed to run a law practice is minimal, and files should be stored in the cloud, such as in OneDrive. But you do need to build an ergonomically useful setup around your law school laptop. 

Focus on these areas:
  • Chair - You want something you can sit in without destroying your back/neck/arms. The cheapest chair from Staples is not the best option. Look for a proven comfortable and adjustable desk chair. A used Herman Miller Aeron like the one I use is great. I paid $325 for an Aeron in great condition. Look on Craig's List. If you want to go new, for just a little more you can get The Wirecutter's recommended budget office chair, the HON Ignition 2.0 at Amazon for $425. 
  • Display - Don't limit yourself to the 14 inch display on your laptop. Yes, still use it, but as part of a multi-display setup. Get a decent 27 inch or larger (I use dual 32 inch monitors side-by-side with a 27 inch monitor on a riser stand centered above the dual monitors). The productivity gains using dual monitors are significant for most people. A top choice is the Asus ProArt for $250. 
  • Keyboard - I am a keyboard snob. I only use keyboards with mechanical switches. This Keychron V3 is great for $90. 
  • Mouse - Yes, you can still use the trackpad on your laptop, but using an external mouse can be more efficient. I like wireless mice. I especially like Logitech mice. This Logitech M720 is comfortable for all hand sizes and grip styles for only $35. 
  • Laptop Stand - If you are using an external keyboard and mouse, it just makes sense to elevate your laptop screen to a higher level so you are not hunched over to look at it. This applies whether or not you use an external display. It also places the webcam in the best position (eye level or slightly above) for Zoom or Teams calls. This one from Rain Design is sturdy and adjustable for just $60. I use this cheap $8 portable laptop stand that fits easily in my bag. It even comes with a cloth drawstring carry bag. 
  • Desk (added to the original post) - You don't need a fancy desk. I am partial to the "hack" where you turn an Ikea butcher block counter top into a desk. That is what I use. It sits on top of two small Ikea drawer units at the ends with an Ikea leg in the middle as a brace. My son has the same setup. We both have the 98" long counter top, but Ikea sells shorter versions. You will find the instructions here. Or you can convert the same Ikea counter top desk into a standing desk as shown here
  • All-in-One Solution for WFH (added to the original post) - There is now an elegant all-in-one solution to turn your law school laptop into an ergonomic WFH setup for your law practice. It is called the Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk. It is $179.99 and gives you a nice wireless keyboard, separate wireless trackpad, and a laptop stand that doubles as a case to hold it all. It works with Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks. 
As you go forth into the world of law practice, do it comfortably without spending a ton of money. 

1 comment:

  1. This is a really helpful post. Even though I do not plan to start my own law firm, I work at a boutique law firm so knowing the best and cost effective items to have in my office is super helpful. I am not someone who is "fancy" or ever needs the new next best thing so I really like how this post speaks to being smart and practicable but still being comfortable.

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