Author: Alistair Vigier

Are you looking into Lawmatics vs Filevine? I’m a lawyer who’s spent too many late nights tweaking client intake systems. I’ve test-driven Lawmatics and Filevine in real-world settings and swapped notes with colleagues across practice areas. Below is my no-nonsense take on how each platform performs for client intake in different legal practices, with the good, the bad, and the ugly details (sources included). Overview: Two Different Beasts for Intake Lawmatics and Filevine target different parts of the client lifecycle. Lawmatics is primarily a client intake and CRM platform with marketing automation (think lead tracking, drip emails, and intake forms)​.…

I’m a personal injury law lawyer who’s seen it all. I’ve also been the injured person trying to decide whether to sue. This guide that I put together combines what I’ve learned in the trenches and straight-up facts. Let’s debunk the biggest myths and set you up with real expectations. I never thought I’d be in a lawsuit. Then, I got hit by a distracted driver. Overnight, I went from worrying about work to worrying about hospital bills. I felt angry, confused, and yes, a bit guilty about “suing someone.” It seemed very harsh, but I needed money to help…

Are you researching fraud in pharmacies? Congress enacted the False Claims Act in 1863 during the American Civil War to combat fraud against the U.S. government. Congress substantially strengthened the law in 1986. Under the False Claims Act, any person or entity that knowingly submits false or fraudulent claims for payment to any office or agency of the U.S. government is liable for three times the government’s damages, along with other potential penalties. For example, consider a medical practice that submits claims to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. They are seeking a reimbursement of $10,000.00, but the actual…

I’m a mid-career lawyer who’s seen many technology hype cycles. AI in legal services is actually making a difference, but not always in the ways the press claims. I want to share how AI is transforming day-to-day work at law firms in the United States and Canada, from Big Law to solo practitioners, what’s working versus what’s overhyped, and how it’s impacting the cost of legal services. Introduction: Hype vs Reality in Legal AI A few years ago, “robot lawyers” were the hot topic, and many were skeptical. Fast-forward to today, and AI has gone from buzzword to daily use…

Are you wondering what do insurance companies fear? I never expected to be the one dispensing insurance advice, but life has a way of teaching you unexpected lessons. A couple of years ago, I was in a bad car accident. The other driver was clearly at fault, and I figured their insurance would take care of everything without hassle. (I mean, I paid my premiums, so shouldn’t I be in good hands?). Well, that’s not what happened. What seemed like a straightforward claim turned into a drawn-out battle of lowball offers, delays, and endless frustration. Long story short, I eventually…

Are you stressed about severance pay? Hey everyone, I wanted to share some advice from my own experience with leaving a job. I have experienced one layoff and one voluntary resignation. It can be a really tough and confusing time. I hope some of this will help someone out there. This is all information I wish I had known before, learned the hard way, or picked up from others in similar situations. When I got laid off, the first thing I worried about was money. I applied for unemployment insurance right away through my state’s unemployment website. In California, where…

Vacation time, new baby on the way, sick days, family emergencies. There can even be that obscure “I need time off because I’m a military reservist” thing. You name it. Along the way, I learned a great deal. Sometimes the hard way. I learned about how Canadian leave laws work in real life. I thought it might be helpful to share what I know in a personal, story-like way (with sources where relevant). This is for anyone else trying to understand their rights in the workplace. Grab a coffee and let’s get into it. But I’ll try to keep it…

I was a lawyer, not a marketer. But running a small law firm meant I had to become the marketing department. Like most attorneys, I received zero training on how to acquire clients during law school. No surprise: 88% of attorneys say their legal education taught them “nothing at all” about law firm marketing or management. When I started my law practice, hiring a marketing professional wasn’t in the budget. So it was on me by default. It turns out this is extremely common. In about six out of ten law firms, the lawyers themselves handle all the marketing. Only…

Are you looking into child or spousal support in Alberta? Having a clear picture of what this type of financial support is and how it will be implemented particularly when dealing with different and specific situations of a family and divorce is necessary, especially in the field of divorce or separation. Spousal support and child support obligations which are meant to provide financial stability for ex-partners and their dependants when families split up are now a very real concern. Understanding Child Support in Alberta Legal Obligations for Child Support According to Alberta, fatherhood and motherhood roles do not depend on…

Are you thinking about becoming a legal consultant? If you are interested in pursuing a career in law, you have various options available to you. One such option is becoming a legal consultant. Legal consultants provide their expertise to clients who may not necessarily require full-time legal representation. That is vital in the legal industry and can be pursued with a law degree. Legal consultants often work independently, which gives them control over their schedule and workload. They work with clients from different industries, which helps them gain valuable experience and expand their professional network. This article provides detailed information…