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2011 Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers

T’was the week of Thanksgiving and all through the land,

 the season of giving was almost at hand.

Many families with lawyers were full of despair,

not knowing what to buy, just coming up with air.

Then out of the East came a blog, bona fide,

the annual lawyer’s holiday gift guide.

For seven straight years it has brought peace and suggestions;

to families looking for answers to their toughest gift questions.

So here it is for all those in need,

Again, courtesy of MyBlog named Reid. 

    2011 is the Year of the Tablet. Any tablet. Well, almost any tablet. Although the iPad is the tablet atop most
Christmas lists, there are some very good tablets out there that deliver terrific bang for the buck:

• The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tops the list of the many Android-based full-size tablets. Starting at $500 at many retailers.
• Not getting enough attention is the new Lenovo Thinkpad Tablet. This is a business-class device that comes with a digital stylus that turns handwriting into text. Android-based, this tablet delivers some unique features starting at $500.
• Amazon’s tablet/e-Reader line-up is very good, and the Kindle Fire leads the way. The Fire is a 7-inch color tablet that is primarily an e-Reader but uses Android apps, has a unique Web browser and supports webmail too. The Fire is $199 while other models start under $100. 
• Overshadowed a bit by the Kindle Fire, don’t neglect the Nook Color from Barnes & Noble. This actually may be the best tablet value on the market today, starting at $249.
• There are other Android tablets from Sony, HTC, Motorola and more that may be good values, but avoid any larger tablets under $200 without doing thorough research.

    Bottom line? Tablets, including e-Readers, should be on everyone’s list this year.

Few parents and techies will be able to resist Goodnight iPad by, ahem, Ann Droyd. A clever and funny parody of our modern times, it is a perfect gift for that lawyer/parent on your list. I discovered this at Delphinium Home in Manhattan, but it is available at most on-line bookstores.

Steve Jobs has been called the Edison of our times, among other choice labels, but love him or hate him, he had an impact on American culture and world
technology that cannot be underestimated. His biography by Walter Isaacson is a must read. Out of deference to the late Mr. Jobs, give this via iTunes gift card to read on an iPad (or via Amazon gift card for the Kindle if you must)! 

Nothing quite says “Happy Holidays” better than gift of smoky, delicious bacon. In 2009 it was Nueske’s bacon, but this year it’s Bacon Jam. This amazing concoction can be made at home, but the folks at Skillet (in Seattle) have perfected this decadent condiment. Made mainly from rendered bacon, herbs, and onions, a spoonful of this goes with just about anything you can think of! Around $35 for three 7oz. jars from Skillet or Amazon. If that won’t float your lawyer’s boat, try the latest rage in flavored vodka—Bakon Vodka.  It makes for awesome Bloody Marys.

Speaking of alcohol--and you knew that subject was going to come up sooner or later--whiskey stones make a great gift for lawyers who enjoy single-malt scotch. Just chill these stone cubes, and then add two or three to a dram of your favorite scotch whiskey. They will lower the drinking temperature without diluting the golden nectar! Milled in Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the U.S., a set of nine stones is under $20.

And for the more adventuresome lawyer in your life, consider this private scotch tasting party for up to 20 friends.  The tasting includes scotch, a real Master of Whiskey and authentic Scottish bagpiper to educate and entertain, and personalized bottles for all to take home. All of this can be had for $5,000; however, proceeds go to AIDS research so some of the purchase price may be tax deductible.

The Jambox Wireless Speaker connects to your smartphone, tablet or laptop via Bluetooth and delivers absolutely amazing sound for playing music, watching movies or using it as a speakerphone. Comes in several colors and is available from numerous retailers for under $200. Made by the people who bring you Jawbone Bluetooth headsets.

Take a close look at this—the Looxcie is an over-the-ear wireless video camera that records the world as you see it. Wear it to the kids' soccer games or to a holiday party. It can stream live to your social networks too.  Uses the Looxcie smartphone app to control the camera functions. Starts at $150 online and at electronics retailers.

They rule the day in many law firms nationwide, so why not get the Keurig
brewing system for home? For lawyers, a good caffeine, I mean, coffee maker is the gift that just keeps on giving. Even Starbucks and Dunkin Doughnuts are selling their own coffee k-cups for this machine! 

Set your iPad into the Atari Arcade, download Atari’s Greatest Hits from the iTunes App Store, and you’re ready to play video games the way they were meant to be played-with buttons and a joystick! $60 for the Arcade dock from numerous retailers including Apple; $15 for the full game app via iTunes.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without at least one remote control toy on the list. The hot RC toy this year is a robot that interprets your hand motions—when you punch, it punches! Light years ahead of the “Rock ‘em Sock ‘em” robots of our youth, these are sold in pairs for hours of great fun! A great gift for that up and coming associate!! From Hammacher Schlemmer.

I hadn’t heard of Pandora until recently, but judging by my wife’s reaction to the bracelet I recently gave her this will be a hit for that lady lawyer in your life.  This Copenhagen-based jewelry company has a brilliant new take on charm bracelets that has brought them quickly back in fashion. Bracelets start under $100, with individual charms from $35 to $700. (Note to husbands: It takes over a dozen charms to fill the bracelet so you don’t have to come up with a new gift idea for the next few years!)  

I’m not sure I believe the technology behind Energy Athletic golf shirts, but most golfers I know will gladly spend $70 to try to get extra yardage out of every swing.  

That golfer in your life who uses being a lawyer as an excuse to get off the golf course, will truly enjoy A Course Called Ireland: A Long Walk in Search of a Country, a Pint, and the Next Tee.  This engaging and funny book by sportswriter Tom Coyne chronicles his recent 1,000-mile walk around Ireland to play 40+ golf courses (963 holes) while learning the history, culture, and people of this emerald isle. Leather-bound edition $80 from Orvis; Hardcover, paperback, electronic versions $8-20 from Amazon and most booksellers.

 

Few lawyers will be able to resist the Sonos wireless HiFi system that takes home music to new levels. Totally wireless, the system can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet computer, delivering superior sound to any or all rooms of your house. Streams music from your iPod or other music player; it also integrates with your existing sound system, or build it from scratch. Speakers and components starting at $300.

Both practical and historic, Heirloom Pens are made out of legacy wood from historic sites around the U.S., including Mulberry wood from the home of two signers of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.  Rare woods and unique stories are behind each handmade pen. $50 to over $200 per pen.

Is your favorite lawyer a know-it-all? Well, make her prove it by giving the IQ Test Gift Box, containing a 40-question IQ test and a return envelope to have the test graded. Soon thereafter your lawyer will receive a personalized certificate confirming his or her IQ. $20 from Vat 19.

For the lawyer who loves to cook, look no further than The Smoking Gun, a simple method to quickly and easily add real smoke flavor to food. The gun uses cool smoke technology to infuse any food—cheese, nuts, seafood, vegetables, and more—with a pleasing smoke flavor. $100 from Williams-Sonoma.

Recommended by a Kindle devotee, Amazon's Lighted Kindle Leather Cover protects this e-Reader, but incorporates a retractable LED reading light for those times when you need it, yet slips back into the cover when you don't. The cover and light are specially engineered to use a small amount power from the Kindle--no separate expensive batteries needed. Seven colors available. $50 from Amazon.

If nothing else seems to fit that hard-to-please lawyer, then why not lease them a farm? Well, not a whole farm! Rent Mother Nature Leases provides a down to earth gift that will keep giving all year through harvest time. The lawyer receives a lease certificate (that the lawyer cannot try to renegotiate) to one of the family farms in this sustainable agriculture network. They’ll do all the hard work of farming, and even send progress reports and a photo during the growing season; however, the real payoff is at harvest time when you are sent your share of the crops. From honey to pistachios to goat cheese, there are many types of farms to choose from.  Starting around $60.

Need more ideas? View my past guides for more ideas for any lawyer in your life! 

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all!

 

Legal Podcast Pioneers Ambrogi and Williams Hit Six Year Mark!

Congratulations to Bob Ambrogi and J. Craig Williams on the sixth anniversary of their landmark podcast program, Lawyer-2-Lawyer! Not only was their podcast among the first, they have been able to sustain the podcast by covering an amazing array of interesting topics and engage their audience each week for six years! They even had me as a guest a few years back!

Congratulations guys, and here's hoping for six more!

Get Success with Free Shipping!

The Busy Lawyer’s Guide to Success is now available with free shipping from the ABA Bookstore. In addition, our book is available for 30% off when ordered  through the ABA. That’s cheaper than Amazon, and less than half off the cover price for ABA Law Practice Management Section members. Enter Promo Code: PEPØEBLG at checkout! Hurry! Offer ends December 31.

6th Annual Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers (2010 Edition)

    It’s time again for thoughts of holiday cheer interrupt the lives of busy lawyers. Ok, let me rephrase that: It’s time to put down the Blackberry, slow down the pace of work, and enjoy the Christmas and holiday seasons.  And regardless of whether you are giving loved ones hints for yourself or are looking for gift ideas for your favorite lawyer spouse, partner or friend, my annual gift guide can help! I will do my best to prevent yet another “Scales of Justice” tie from being under the tree this year! Enjoy!

iPad: This game-changing new technology has gone from toy to tool faster than any device in the history of American legal jurisprudence. Lawyers are flocking to the iPad with good reason: It does what lawyers need to do especially when out of the office. Many of these lawyers once eschewed the virtual keyboard on the iPhone are liking the larger virtual keyboard on the iPad. That means more work gets done when on the road or out of the office. Not a complete replacement for a laptop, but it’s close. $500-$750.

If your lawyer already has an iPad, there are tons of great accessories including sleek, innovative cases, skins, and stands to hold the tablet, not to mention optional keyboards. Most are around $30.

Give the gift of Life. It’s been a tough year for many lawyers who are scrambling to log their billable hours. Many lawyers may have missed the Discovery Channel’s epic series, Life, featuring 8 hours of the most compelling images of life on Earth ever captured on film. This series is a great diversion from office life, and will both fascinate and intrigue your favorite lawyer. Available on DVD or Blu-Ray. $50-$70.

Bottle Armor: Due to airport security, you can no longer carry-on a favorite bottle of wine or scotch, and must trust the contents to your suitcase where an uncertain fate awaits. Now you can protect any bottle of your favorite spirits when traveling with Bottle Armor, the leakproof padded nylon bag from MaGellan’s. $25

Slingbox Media Player and SlingPlayer Mobile: Whether you are stuck in the office or at a family command performance, now you don't have to miss that big game or final reality show episode! When connected to WiFi or 3G, this iPhone app or Android app allows you to watch and control your home TV or DVR wherever you—provided you have the Slingbox SOLO or Pro-HD media player. $30 for the app; $180 and up for the player. (Not cheap, but cheaper than a TV subscription for your phone!)

Hands-free control of your smart phone not only makes good sense, it is the law in more and more states. Try the Jabra Cruiser in-car speakerphone to call and talk without your hands leaving the wheel. Great for the billable hour, but let's be careful out there! About $80.

Far too many lawyers grab a sandwich for lunch and eat at their desks in front of a computer. Great for billable hours, but what a mess on the keyboard! Enter CyberClean, a “Play-doh-like" substance that you press into the keyboard and pull off to remove dirt, crumbs, and bacteria. I can tell you from personal experience, this does the trick. Works for any device with a keyboard and makes a great stocking stuffer for about $8!

Trading Spaces may have started it, but t-shirts and mugs, sporting the logo of a favorite “educational” TV show is all the rage! From The Colbert Report to Dirty Jobs; from Diners, Drive-ins & Dives to the collegial joys of Shark Week, lawyers can make a fun statement about their favorite non-legal diversion. Starting around $20.

Vu-Point Magic Wand Portable Scanner: Thanks to fellow lawyer and blogger, Jim Calloway, for pointing me to this inexpensive battery-operated portable full-page scanner that weighs less than 8 ounces. Need to copy a document at the court house or client’s office? Whip out this handy scanner from your briefcase and the job is done. Unbelievable for $80!

Now from the practical to the sublime-The Wizard’s Wand Universal Remote. This “magic” wand uses accelerometer technology (as found in Wii controllers) to allow 13 different movements to be programmed into the wand to control your TV. From volume control to changing DVD tracks or TV channels, this promises to make you the Merlin of your Man Cave! About $80

Speaking of Wii, Sony and Microsoft have launched their own movement-based video games. Joining the Wii craze is the PS3 Move and Xbox Kinect which attach to the PS3 and Xbox game systems, respectively. If your favorite lawyer is turning into a couch-potato, this will get them on their feet and having fun! From $99

OK, this item scores real high on the “geek meter” but may be a Godsend to a lawyer pulling an all-nighter. Instead of yet another cup of coffee, pop a couple Stay Puft Caffeinated Marshmallows to keep that edge while finishing up late. $20

For the lawyer who has everything, except holiday spirit, get her a festive knit reindeer sweater complete with flashing miniature Christmas lights, powered by an ultra-miniature battery pack. Sweater purveyor, Skedouche also has some interesting other designs that are definitely naughty yet nice. Starting around $60.

Beats by Dr. Dre audio headphones and earbuds are flying off the shelves these days for good reason: The sound quality is awesome. I have the iBeats for iPhone and the quality is definitely a step up from the V-Moda earbuds in my 2008 gift guide. The earbud line-up includes PowerBeats and Tour, as well as traditional headphones that are getting rave reviews too. Starting around $99.

Books always make great gifts, so might I be so bold to suggest one I co-authored? The Busy Lawyer’s Guide to Success is chocked full of practical advice and profitable ideas--it’s the gift that keeps on giving all year! Paper or Kindle, about $50. Check out some of the other legal-specific business books from the American Bar Association. Update: Enter Promo Code: PEPØEBLG at checkout for 30% off at the ABA Bookstore plus free shipping through December 31!

Another fine book is the recently published The E-Myth Attorney. It is the attorney-focused version of the best-selling E-Myth Revisited—a book every small business owner must read.  It makes a great companion to The Busy Lawyer’s Guide to Success. Also available as a podcast from iTunes. Around $25

 The Flipshare Mino HD video camera made the guide this year, not because it is such good camera, but because editing the videos into a cohesive story is so easy. Shoot video, upload to your computer via the retractable USB plug, then let the included software guide you into making a coherent video complete with optional background music. A must for any lawyer with a busy family. Around $150

As the business of law gets more competitive, lawyers have to be more innovative. The Think Outside the Box statue on the desktop may be just the subtle reminder your favorite lawyer wants to keep ahead of the pack. $80

And now for something way out of the box! Whoogles is both a blog and new book that showcases often bizarre and offbeat searches asked of Google, such as "How drunk am I?" or "Can I catch herpes from my cat?" And yes, it gets way more bizarre from there . . .

Using accelerometer technology that seems so popular this year, the pocket-sized, wearable Fitbit device tracks your calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled and sleep quality on a daily basis.  Syncs with Macs and PCs through Fitbit’s website so you can chart your results. $99

While the game Monopoly isn’t much fun for real estate lawyers, it is a great family diversion for most others. Today there are hundreds of themed versions from cities and colleges to The Beatles and U.S. Navy; from the NY Yankees to the Family Guy TV show. Sorry, no Lawyer Edition, but they do have my favorite--the John Wayne Edition. Around $25

Doesn’t it seem that almost the second a photo is snapped, people want to see it? Group viewing on the small screen on most cameras just doesn’t cut it, and loading the picture to a nearby computer is a hassle (if you have one nearby). Enter the Nikon Coolpix S1100pj that is both a camera and a projector. Now, you can immediately beam your pictures to a wall or screen so they can be shared with the whole family or firm! About $350

Hope this year's ideas help you through the holidays! If nothing here rings your bell, there is still some great ideas from past editions of this guide in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Merry Christmas!

Don't Miss the Lawyer2Lawyer Holiday Podcast

Lawyer2Lawyer, the weekly podcast for lawyers hosted by J. Craig Williams and Bob Ambrogi on the Legal Talk Network gets into the holiday spirit with their latest edition. This 30-minute edition features Larry Savell, Lisa Solomon and yours truly to talk about holiday gifts for lawyers. Listen to it now or download it from iTunes for your travel over the next few days--afterall there's still plenty of time to shop for Christmas, right guys?

Updated: New Additions to the Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers

I had the opportunity to hit the mall on Black Friday, visit New York City stores on Sunday, and snoop around the Internet on Cyber Monday, so I have added several new gift ideas to the 2009 Gift Guide for Lawyers, including a new dual screen laptop computer, a surprisingly good Christmas album from a surprising source, and several items from The Billable Hour Company.

The 2009 Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers

The Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers is back for the fifth year with all new and unique gift ideas for lawyers and law firms. And, after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I've now added more ideas at the end of this guide! I still don’t make a dime nor get free products, but I do get the satisfaction of knowing that I am helping lawyers, their family members and/or business partners find great gifts for Christmas and beyond. Enjoy!

The Beatles RockBand: The greatest band of the baby boom generation meets the gaming craze of the current generation in this fun interactive musical experience for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii game systems. From Hard Day’s Night and Eight Days a Week (songs about lawyers?) to Octopus’s Garden, you’ll have fun playing and singing along with this legendary band. The full system comes with guitar, drum pads and microphone. If you don’t have a XBox/PS3/Wii or can’t steal time on your kids’ system, then go out and buy one! Fun for lawyers of all ages. Even recommended to make your law firm Christmas party really rock this year! Available from electronics retailers nationwide.

The Busy Lawyers Guide to Success had to make my guide this  year—and no, not because I co-authored it—because it is the perfect gift for any lawyer! This compact book will help every lawyer—partner, associate, or solo-improve their practice without wading through dozens of web sites, mountains of magazine articles, or pouring through stacks of books to get to the useful essence of the author's wisdom. With over 700 tips and ideas organized into 140 pages, the book is full of practical tips, tricks, and ideas that are sure to make any lawyer even more successful. is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chapters (in Canada), and the ABA Webstore. 

 
Getting caught with dead battery on your iPhone, Blackberry, Droid or other 
smartphone is a huge faux pas today. To avoid that frustration and embarrassment, get a instant battery energizer, such as the
 FreeLoader Pro Solar Charger. Just plug it to your exhausted mobile device and draw instant power from this battery energizer which itself is rechargeable either a USB port or from the flip-up solar charging panel; comes with a plethora of adapter plugs for mobile devices including Blackberry and iPhone. $80.00 from ThinkGeek.
 

Um, ever need to get your client calls while underwater? We’re not sure who does, but isn’t it nice to know you can with the UWCP Underwater Cellular Phone System. The system comes with a special dive mask, a waterproof case for your phone (which must have Bluetooth) and a floating communication unit with a 40 meter cable to connect you while swimming in the ocean or (God forbid) your own backyard pool! From OceanReef for a smidgen under $1,800.

Xperia Pureness is an awesome new SonyEricsson smartphone that sports a transparent screen. Yep, a see thru screen. You have to see it to believe it. This cutting edge smartphone handles e-mail, text messaging, plays MP3 and ACC media files, includes a web browser, and much more. This “unlocked” phone can be used on various mobile cell service providers using GSM/GPRS/EDGE technology. (Yep, best to ask your service provider before you buy the phone.) OK, it doesn’t have the utility of an iPhone, but it just may eclipse it on the coolness meter!

Looking for a new way to show your appreciation to your firm employees? Successories now offers huge 365-carat colored glass “gemstones” with appreciative sayings, such as “You’re a gem” and “You rock”. Comes in a presentation box for about $25.00.

MoGo Presenter Mouse PC™ is a combined wireless presenter and computer mouse that stores and charges inside your laptop’s PC/ PCMIA card slot. The sleek design and size make it ideal for lawyers on the go. It includes the same functionality as conventional optical wireless mice--scroll, right click, left click--without the bulky, oversized design. With the push of a button, the MoGo Presenter Mouse PC™ turns into a wireless presenter, allowing you to control your PowerPoint presentations with 30 feet of freedom.

The Zvox Incredibase may have rewritten the laws of home theater sound. It is a 5-inch high cabinet-top box stuffed with speakers and utilizing a proprietary sound technology to make movie sound come to life. Best of all it just plugs into your TV and power source and it works! Simply super sound in a small package for under $700!

Plug the Green Button into any USB port of your computer, and
then tap it each time you’ll be away from your computer for more than a few minutes. It puts your computer into a low-power state to save energy until you return. Going green--it’s not just for tree-hugger lawyers anymore! Under $20.

Law Comix is an irreverent website for irreverent lawyers created by the irreverent mind of Charles Pugsley Fincher, J.D. The site is full of irreverent cartoons which are available for sale on mugs, steins, calendars or t-shirts from his Law Comix store. Go. Be irreverent. Enjoy.

When I recently found myself extolling the unparalleled taste
and quality of Nueske’s Applewood-smoked bacon to several lawyers, I realized it had to be added to this guide.  Nueske’s is a family-run butcher/smokehouse in Wittenberg, Wisconsin that turns out the finest smoked meats (bacon, hot dogs, sausage, etc.) you’ll ever put in contact with a taste bud. Long known to folks in the Upper Midwest, Nueske’s now supplies their products to select restaurants from New York to LA. You can get yours shipped directly to your favorite lawyer from their on-line store.

Don’t just give a gift card, give a gift membership to a local museum, a hobbyist club/organization (wine, cars, travel, hiking, etc.), or other affinity group that champions a worthy cause (environment, health, children, etc.). These groups often provide membership certificates, a periodic newsletter, and special events, among other benefits. As such,they doesn’t take up space on a tie rack or dusty office shelf; best of all it is a gift that keeps on giving all year.

 
With the advent of checked bag fees on many airlines, traveling lawyers are cramming more per bag, only to get socked with overweight bag fees at check-in. Avoid those costly penalties with a digital luggage scale. A great stocking stuffer for around $20.


Get ready to party down with this gas-powered blender from Kotula's. Some people
ask “why”; others “why not”?  If you’re in the latter category, then you are sure to enjoy this novelty at your next firm BBQ. Just fire up the 43cc, 2-stroke gas engine, grab the handlebars and open up the throttle for some truly high-revving blended beverages. Not endorsed by Tim “The Toolman” Taylor, but it should be!  Yours for under $400!

LawTunes is the brainchild of litigator Lawrence Savell who cleverly writes, performs and produces humorous songs about the legal profession and the lawyers who inhabit it. Larry’s catalogue of lawyer-focused CDs now includes his fourth holiday album, Season’s Briefings from the LawTunes. His on-line webstore conveniently provides clips of all his songs so you can pick the CD that will tickle the funny bone of your favorite lawyer!

Own a piece of true Yankee history with a pair of seats from the old Yankee Stadium.  Each pair will set you back $1,500 but comes with a letter of authenticity. Available from Yankees-Steiner Collectibles.  And for you Cowboy fans (and you know who you are), seat pairs from Texas Stadium are now available for $650 from the same collectibles company.

I have to hand it to West for developing the Black’s Law Dictionary App for iPhone. They've put a must-have resource for young lawyers and law students into a new media that many young lawyers are using. The entire searchable dictionary is now at your fingertips wherever and whenever you might need it. It even includes 7,000 audio pronunciations--mostly for those unfamiliar latin words that still permeate our lingo. At $49.99 it is not cheap, but the ease and convenience of using it makes this iPhone app a real winner. Available from the Apple App Store on iTunes.
 
If you don’t understand the term “Pon Farr” from Star Trek, skip this last gift item. If you do know Pon Farr is the Vulcan mating ritual, then you’ll be "stunned" to learn that it has been bottled into a new perfume for female trekkies to boldly go where no woman has gone before!  About $30 from select e-tailers and retailers including Borders. (And, yes, don't we all wish we'd thought of this years ago?!)

So with that, beam me up the chimney, Scotty, it’s time to get out of here!

NEWLY ADDED GIFT IDEAS--Having spent time snooping around on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and seeing what's on store shelves, I've added a few more gifts sure to please the lawyers in your life:

With dual PC monitors now populating many lawyer desks across the globe, can dual screen laptops be far behind? In fact, they are available now, including the W700ds from Lenovo. It sports a 17-inch screen and a pull-out 10.6 inch screen. It’s on sale now for $2,100. But if you wait a few days, gScreen Computer Corporation is set to release their Spacebook laptop with two 17-inch monitors that collapse into the space of one. With a powerful Intel Dual Core2 processor and Windows 7 operating system, you could be the first lawyer in your circuit to unfold one of these babies at counsel table. Not yet available in stores, gScreen plans an on-line sales event on December 15th for a few lucky customers. Price tag? Around $2,800 according to the gScreen blog.

Finland-based Nokia is expanding their market presence in the U.S. with the addition of their sleek new netbook, the Nokia Booklet 3G. With an Intel Atom processor, Windows 7, and a 12-hour battery, this newcomer is sure to turn heads. Right now it’s a Best Buy exclusive for only $300 with an AT&T mobile broadband activation. 

I started publishing this annual guide partly because I was tired of all the junky
items adorned with the "scales of justice" being touted as great lawyer gifts. What lawyer wants that “junque”? Unfortunately, that’s what family and friends seem to think we want!  One company that does a good job of avoiding the junk and appealing to lawyers is The Billable Hour Company, with gift items that fit the profession. Not every gift will fit your lawyer, but they have a nice variety of items from games to desk accessories to watches that keep time in 10ths of an hour. Clever, tasteful, and fun!

Kindle2: To be sure, I don’t have one of these, but several lawyers I know are nutty for the second edition of this electronic book platform. If you haven’t at least played with one, you should. It is a solid piece of technology. That said, some of us still prefer the look and feel of a real book; however, if the lawyer in your life has even hinted about this don’t hesitate to buy it. And if you do, add in The Busy Lawyer’s Guide to Success, which just became available for the Kindle this past week.  (Another shameless plug, I know!)

Believe it or not, 80’s arena rockers, REO Speedwagon, have released a Christmas album, Not So Silent Night featuring their versions of traditional holiday songs. Yeah, I thought that too, but head to iTunes (or wherever) and listen. Neither outrageous or sedate, it hits somewhere between the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Bruce Springsteen. I bet you “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and buy it like I did. 

If that is not enough for you, Bob Ambrogi has provided a very helpful guide to on-line lawyer gift guides at Legal Blog Watch. Thanks, Bob!

Merry Christmas and happiest of holidays to all.

2008 Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers

I am pleased to present the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers to help the friends and families of America's Greatest Lawyers find the perfect gift for their favorite and deserving lawyer! Started in relative obscurity in 2005, I now have dozens of people e-mailing suggestions to me from September onward. Still, only the best items make the list. I purchase and test many of the items to make sure they are worthy of being included. Many of the gift ideas are meant for personal use, but some are perfect for the law office too. Some ideas are techie, a few are quirky, but all deliver great value. 

My thanks to the lawyers who have e-mailed me to tell me they loved the past guides and it helped them find great gifts for their friends and family. Have a terrific Thanksgiving and enjoy your holidays!

The myth of a pocket-sized projector has now become reality thanks to the launch of the Pico Pocket Projector from the good folks at Optoma. Slightly larger than an iPhone (isn’t everything measured against the iPhone these days J), the Pico throws a respectable 60 inch image in low-light conditions. So while not meant for a big hall, it does, according to reviews, deliver very respectable results in a conference table setting. I have not yet played with this yet, but hopefully my wife will read my guide again this year! About $450 from limited retailers.

Need a gift for the lawyer who already has everything (including a sense of humor)? Then check out the delightfully-twisted world of superhero-turned-lawyer, Harvey Birdman, who now represents cartoon characters in their legal woes, including Shaggy and Scooby-Doo (narcotics intoxication) Fred Flintstone (accused of being head of the Bedrock crime syndicate), and Yogi Bear’s sidekick, Boo-Boo (charged with sending booby-trapped gift baskets to corporate CEOs.)  As seen on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, but now on DVD from the good folks at the The Billable Hour.  If you are not hooked on this series yet, you will be soon.

3G iPhone: Faithful readers will recognize the iPhone is a repeat in The Guide this year. Thanks to my dear wife who read the 2007 Guide, I received my iPhone for Christmas and have never looked back. This terrific tech tool may seem like a toy because it is so fun to use, but it is built for serious business. With Outlook Exchange integration and a growing plethora of useful web applications, this is the smartphone to have, hands down!

Whether you have a favorite family picture or photo of a memorable vacation spot, Canvas on Demand will enlarge that photo onto quality artist's canvas to be proudly displayed on your office walls. Prices start at $59 for an 8x10; sizes up to 60x40 are available.

I have owned and faithfully carried a Jack Georges leather briefcase for over a dozen years, and it still looks as good today as the day I  bought it. So I was pleased to learn that Georges is making a variety of good-looking laptop bags.  If my briefcase is any indication, the new laptop bags should last well into this century's third decade.

   I used to hate the wired earbuds for my cell phone (now iPhone), but when I moved to Bluetooth in-ear headset, the sound was poor or the background/road noise was too loud. So I returned to wired earphones, but upgraded to the V-Moda Duo with in-line microphone which has turned out to be an excellent solution. The call sound quality is crystal clear for all parties, and I can listen to my music using the same headphones--without that annoying blue light flashing in my ear!

Most portable speakers for iPods (and iPhones) either sound too tinny or are too bulky to carry around.  So I was very pleasantly surprised at the big sound coming from the Logitech Pure Fi Anywhere 2 sound bar. Weighing last than two pounds, this sturdy speaker bar delivers substantial volume and high-quality sound. Runs on A/C or up to 8 hours on batteries. A terrific value for under $130, with on-line deals in abundance.

If you want something a bit more substantial for listening to your iPod or iPhone, then consider the iKick500 from Kicker, best known for heart-pounding, road-thumping car audio systems. This 9 lb. speaker will rock your house, rattle your windows, and amaze your friends, whether you like your music soft or really, really loud. Prices start at $250 on-line and at big-box electronics retailers.

The End of Lawyers?: Rethinking the Nature of Legal Services is the much-anticipated sequel to Richard Susskind’s landmark book, The Future of Law. It may not be on the New York Times Bestseller List like The World is Flat, but it is no less important reading for any lawyer seeking to compete in the legal profession over the next ten, twenty or thirty years. (Don’t miss Professor Susskind at the 2009 ABA TECHSHOW!)

From the OMG-I-Didn’t-Know-That Department comes word of the perfect gift for sleep-deprived lawyers: The Power Nap Kit! We’ve all heard of the power nap, but did you know it is really a meditative exercise that turns 20 minutes of relaxation into the equivalent of four hours of sleep? The kit contains a booklet and two CDs containing voice-guided relaxation techniques and soothing music. About $25 from At Peace Media.

Does the lawyer in your life already have everything? Then give a membership to the Supreme Court Historical Society, a nonprofit organization devoted to the history and heritage of the Supreme Court of the United States. Members receive a newsletter and the Journal of Supreme Court History (3 issues annually), composed of selected scholarly articles on the Courts history, its members and those members of the bar who have appeared before it. Members are also invited to educational programs and other Society-sponsored events throughout the year.

Almost all lawyers—whether they have been naughty or nice--will enjoy this stocking stuffer- -personalized M&Ms from Mars Candy. Instead of the traditional logo, Mars will replace it with a short custom message and/or photo that you upload to the MyM&Ms website. Get creative--you, too, can be naughty or nice--and devise the perfect message for a lawyer in your life.

Every lawyer should own or share access to a business card scanner to add business acquaintances to their contact database. Many lawyers I could also benefit from scanning expense receipts. Enter the Neat Receipts scanners. Any of the 3 models are simple and intuitive to use, and small enough to leave on your desk or take with you when you travel. For PCs and now for Macs. Starting at around $200 from NeatReceipts.

And if nothing strikes your fancy here, check out the ideas from previous years. . . 

2007 Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers

My Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers is back for the third consecutive year, with an expanded array of noteworthy recommendations for the lawyers in your life. Not a tie, gavel, or kitschy brass scales on this list, just gifts that any self-respecting, hard-working, red-blooded American lawyer wouldn’t love to have–if they had the time to find it themselves and tell you about it!

Once again, I’ve compiled this list as a public service for my learned professional colleagues and their time-sensitive, gift idea-starved family, friends, partners, associates and, dare I say, appreciative clients? Yep, that means that once again I make no money on this guide. No Google Ad Words, referral fees, nor sponsorships. Consider it pro bono publico!  The gift ideas are in no particular order (except I’m hoping my wife notices I put the iPhone first), and range in price from under ten dollars to several hundred. Enjoy!

    Apple iPhone: Sorry to say I don’t own one, but it’s on my Christmas list! I’ve played with several, read the blogs, and talked with numerous owners. The verdict? It’s not perfect, but more than worthy of the Apple name. Buries the needle on the way-cool meter. Ditto the functionality. A must-have if you already are on the AT&T network; for all others compare your carrier’s coverage map before you switch. $399 from AT&T and Apple.

          Sonic Alarm Grenade: Although this would make a great office practical joke, the REAL purpose of this gadget is to wake your teenager after sleeping half the day away. Just pull the pin, lob it in their room and close the door. The only way to stop the shrieking is to put the pin back in. Makes a wonderful gift for your favorite lawyer with a typical teenager! About $13 at Thinkgeek.com

Dough-Nu-Matic: OK, maybe not the healthiest gift, but just imagine the hot sugary doughnuts to go with that Starbucks Grande. This counter-top device automatically forms, fries, and drains mini-doughnuts in under 60 seconds. A hit with staff for early morning or a late-night office snack attack. Available through SkyMall.

Lap Track: Swimming laps is great low-impact, stress-relieving exercise for any lawyer, especially those if us who are looking at our prime athletic years in the rearview mirror. This portable underwater device helps count laps and makes it more fun to boot. Kinda makes up for the doughnuts.

WildCharge: Wouldn’t we all just like to toss our cell phone or iPod down on our desk and have it chare automatically? No cords or adapters? Well, WildCharge is the first wire-free charging system for handheld portable electronics. Just add the small adapter to your cell phone, PDA or similar device, then toss it on the WildCharger pad (about 6 inches square) to recharge it. The pad holds up to 5 devices at a time, but adapters are only currently available for Razr phones and the iPod Nano. Just named one of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2007. Sounds like this soon may be required equipment. Available from the manufacturer for $90 plus shipping.

Buddha Board: While they keep adding more and more clever gifts at The Billable Hour Company, I think the Buddha Board is truly unique. As the name implies, just a few moments of "painting" on this reusable board will put any Type-A lawyer in a peaceful zen state of mind. The paint is really just water that appears black on this special white board. It disappears as it dries, ready to use again the next time your favorite lawyer needs a few minutes of calm.

Hilarious Personalized Lawyer Figurines: I normally won’t accept unsolicited gift ideas, but when artist Hunter Vaughan emailed me earlier this year I knew I would make an exception. Hunter has been creating clever customized lawyer statues/vignettes/sculptures for 30 years and it shows. A perfect for your law partner, spouse or parent! Starting about $150 from MagicMud.

SoundView Executive Book Summaries: With the stack of unread magazines and books on my desk, I recently decided to take this shortcut. Soundview produces 8-page summaries and audio-recordings of important business books–books that can help many lawyers learn and adopt better business practices for their law firms. About $150 for an annual subscription from SoundView.

"Alive" Elvis–The Animatronic Singing Robot: When seeing this, many lawyers will say "Why"? This is clearly for the rest of us who say "Why not?" About $300 from Sharper Image.

The Mega Caffeine Candy Sampler, v7.0: For those friends at large firms who are burning the candle at both ends. Whether they are billing 2200 hours, just putting in extra face time, and/or partying until sunrise, this anti-somnambulist packet will come in handy to keep them awake and perky. From ThinkGeek for $20.

Garmin GPS: GPS road navigation devices are bad for family lawyers, but great for everyone else. This marriage-saving device obviates the need for spouses to argue whether to stop and ask for directions. I received my GPS device as a gift from friends, and it has opened my eyes to a new way of driving–-not to mention made family driving an even more pleasant event! Many versions retail for around $300-350, so find the one that best fits your needs and pocketbook.

Personalized Coffee Mugs: I am so tired of visiting offices and being served coffee in styrofoam cups or ceramic mugs advertising legal research or court reporting services. C’mon, let's show some individuality. Make a statement. Have some fun. Whether it’s Wonder Woman, motivational quotes, or your law firm name and logo, just dump the junky mugs. Buy a dozen. Give yourself and your firm a present. Merry Christmas!

Stash Card–A secret drawer for your laptop! Just pull out plug in the unused PC slot on your laptop and replace it with this mini-storage drawer. Undetectable to others, so only you know the treasure it holds. Big enough for several SD cards, stamps, office key, some emergency cash, or similar items. Under $10 from Circuit City, Radio Shack, or on-line at Wireless Garden.

Office Pillows with a Message: I’m surprised to only find these funny gems across The Pond in England, but they are perfect for any US lawyer too. With a variety of messages including "Friday-–only two more working days until Monday", "The Best Lawyers Have Messy Offices", and "Partner–and don’t you forget it!" OK, so at $55 each, they are not bargains with today’s currency exchange rate, but it is very, very unique.

Electronic Digital Photo Frame: Desktop photos of family and friends is a welcome touch in any lawyer office, but thanks to technology we can now have dozens of photos in the space of just one. These new digital picture frames can hold dozens of photos that are timed to change every few minutes, so your favorite lawyer can always sneak a peak at the people and things that really count! From under $100 at retailers nationwide.

Wii Game System: $249. Case of Beer: $20. Watching your friends make fools of themselves playing the various games in the Wii Sports Bundle: Priceless!

When All Else Fails? Grab a gift card. Just about every retailer sells gift cards, but which ones do busy lawyers want? Starbucks, Caribou, Seattle’s Best, or the nearest coffee drive-thru between home and office. Nuff said.

2006 Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers

It’s back for 2006...the original Holiday Gift Guide for Lawyers. I still don’t make a dime from it, but I do get the satisfaction of knowing that I am helping lawyers, their family members and/or business partners find great gifts for Christmas. I’ve spent time all year gathering ideas, ripping pages from catalogs, and bookmarking websites, then whittling it down to the most unique, clever, and thoughtful gifts for even the hardest-to-please attorney. Enjoy!

Most of the Parrotheads I know are lawyers, and everyone of them would love to have the Margaritaville® Frozen Concoction™ Maker in their particular harbor. About $300 from Jimmy’s Margaritaville Cargo.

Denny Crane may not always have good taste, but he does know fine scotch, cigars, and outdoor furniture. This Christmas, lawyers from State Street to Main Street are clamoring for the all-weather Starck Bubble Club Chair to enjoy their favorite scotch and cigars al fresco. In five colors, about $550 from on-line retailers including ExitArt.com.  Denny Crane!

miDock Portfolio from Polk Audio: I’ve been looking for a portable speaker system for my iPod Video, but either the system was too large, too expensive, or has poor sound. Until I found the miDock from Polk Audio. I’ve had Polk stereo speakers for years, so the quality should not have been a surprise. However, the low $100 price is a pleasant surprise. No iPod, you say? Then get one, they are NOT just for your teens anymore!

When I first saw the I-Tech Virtual Laser Keyboard I thought it was a visual practical joke. Not so. This $175 device connects to your computer to allow you to tap away on your (uncluttered) desktop without the traditional keyboard. Scores high on the geek meter, but expect a few glitches before getting back up to typing speed.

You’ve seen the motivational posters in the store, encouraging athletic feats or building corporate success, and now you can make your own poster–from your picture, using your motivational text. Parody the real ones, or make one with a family photo, there’s no limit to the fun. Various sizes up to 16x20 for $30 or less from BigHugeLabs.com.

Kensington Contour Roller Computer Bag: Bar none, the best bag on the market to ease the load for mobile lawyers everywhere. Balanced, roomy, and built for the long haul, this bag is well worth the $100 suggested price.

Not all notebook cases have to be black and masculine, thanks to the Susan G. Koman Caring Case Collection from Mobile Edge. The collection features totes, bags, and backpacks in a variety of sizes and colors. Ten percent of the purchase price goes to the foundation for which the collection is named.

Started by lawyers for lawyers, the Classic Billable Watch Company blends the function of a Seiko movement with the lifestyle of being a lawyer. A time piece as well as a conversation piece. From about $50. They also offer desk clocks; perfect for each of your associates!

iCarta Stereo Dock: Now you really can take your iPod everywhere with this combination iPod dock and bath tissue holder. It plays and charges your iPod while you are, well, um, otherwise occupied. OK, so maybe it’s not the best gift for a spouse, but how perfect for that law partner who has everything!

Finally, the perfect stocking stuffer–Rudy the TikiHead Tissue Box. Res Ipsa Loquitur! Available at various retailers for about $20.

Many of the gift ideas from our 2005 guide still make great gifts this year too!