I want my WOW's. The non-legal software for lawyers challenge.

Quick, what is the coolest program or application you’ve used in the past year?  Was it made for lawyers?  Probably not. 

Thinking through my experiences at LA’s LegalTech, I’m struck by just how little cool stuff is out there for lawyers, technology wise.  The leading-edge applications sold to lawyers to manage their practices (combining e-mail, calendaring, document management, timekeeping, etc.) seem so 2001.  I guess I’ve become jaded and unimpressed with new legal technology because I’ve come to realize the programs deliver far fewer “wow’s” then some things a guy cobbles together in his basement and shares on the web for free (if you don’t believe me, take a look at Tasktoy or GTD TidlyWiki).  And because the money isn’t out there driving third-party programmers to improve upon the base product with plug-in’s or complimentary applications we are stuck with a few main players innovating at their own pace and failing to deliver the “wow’s” any professional who spends hundreds of hours a month working with his or her computer deserves.

So here is what I’m going to do about it.  I challenge you to tell me how you’d run your office if you couldn’t use any legal-specific program.  You need to be able to use e-mail, keep your contacts, share group calendars, manage documents, track to-do’s, and keep and bill your time.  You can talk about one program, or dozens.  If you suggest Outlook, I want to hear what plug-ins or add-ons you recommend.  Data can reside on your servers or with an ASP.  The only rule: the program(s) you use have to do at least one thing demonstrably better then anything in the legal field.  Apple users, have at it too!  And if you are a legal vendor with something that is really cool, let me know.  I’d love to be proven wrong!