UPDATE: You can read the Introduction here.

*****

My latest book, "Cloud Computing for Lawyers" is now available at the ABA's online store. You can pre-order it here.

I can't tell you how excited I am about this book! It includes a ton of useful information from leaders in the legal technology field, including:

• The foreward, written by Richard Susskind
• The ethics chapter, written by Steph Kimbro
• Contributions from Robert Ambrogi, Ben Schorr, Allison Shields, Tomasz Stasiuk and more
• Expert advice and practical commentary from Howard Lenow, Jonathan Jaffe, Finis Price, Ben Stevens, Russell Leisner, Steph Kimbro,Tomasz Stasiuk, Robert Krakow, Mason Boswell, Jack Newton, Larry Port, Jeff Nitta,Joel Lessom, and Danny Johnson  

Here's a brief description from the ABA site:

As more businesses move their IT systems into the cloud, lawyers need to ask if cloud computing is right for their firm. Cloud Computing for Lawyers features a discussion of cloud computing fundamentals, an overview of legal cloud computing products, and step-by-step instructions for implementing cloud computing in your practice--including practical tips for securing your data. This book will help you:

• Understand the current state of cloud computing technology
• Weigh the risks and benefits of cloud computing
• Evaluate legal cloud computing applications like law practice management, billing, time tracking, e-mail, and e-discovery software
• Consider the ethical considerations of storing client data in the cloud
• Maintain security and privacy for your online data

It will start shipping at the end of this month.

I'll be speaking on at panel at LegalTech New York on January 30th and will have copies with me, so you'll be able to take a look if you happen to attend LegalTech this year.

There will also be a "Meet the Author" session at ABA TechShow on March 30th at 1:45 and copies of the book will be available for purchase at TechShow.

I'm thrilled that this book is now available and am so thankful to all of my friends and colleagues, both online and off, for their support as I wrote this book. Couldn't have done it without you!

Nicole Black is a Rochester, New York attorney and GigaOM Pro Analyst. She co-authors the ABA book Social Media for Lawyers: the Next Frontier, co-authors Criminal Law in New York, a West-Thomson treatise, and is currently writing a book about cloud computing for lawyers that will be published by the ABA in late 2011. She is the founder of lawtechTalk.com and speaks regularly at conferences regarding the intersection of law and technology. She publishes four legal blogs and can be reached at nblack@nicoleblackesq.com.