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Multiple Monitors in the Law Office and Increased Productivity

Written on July 23, 2009 by Finis Price in Productivity, Technology
9 Comments - Leave a comment!

Legal Practice Pro, a great blog by Jay S. Fleischman, has an important post on the use of multiple monitors by attorneys and law firms to increase productivity.  Any lawyer who has had me in their office to consult has had to hear my suggestions on getting not only the attorney two monitors, but every staff member as well.  This article lays out all of the reasons I give, enjoy:

When working on a motion, bankruptcy petition or just doing some research we often find ourselves flipping between screens. Some lawyers keep their windows set to a size that allows more than one document on the screen at a time, others use programs to let them flip around using hot keys.But with inexpensive technology comes better solutions to increase productivity. That’s why so many lawyers use multiple monitors to keep their workflow in check and make their lives easier.

Consider this – you’re working on a motion and need to get some research done. On one screen you’ve got your word processor of choice, and on the other you’ve got Westlaw (or Lexis or FastCase or LoisLaw or whatever). You can see both screens at full size at the same time, allowing you to get the job done more quickly.

Or you’re preparing a bankruptcy petition. One screen’s got your bankruptcy preparation software, the other has the client’s documents that have been scanned into your computer. Your desk is clean, your work moves ahead without a hitch.

How many monitors is enough? Well, that depends on you. For me, the limit is 2 – one laptop screen and a widescreen monitor capable of keeping two windows open at 95% each. I find that having more monitors gives me free reign to indulge a lack of concentration and maximize the potential for distraction. Sure, you can have a bunch of screens sitting around and look like you’re controlling a lunar landing. But why?

The brain can do only so many things at once without losing steam, and trying to multi-multi-multitask will only slow you down.

The convenience of using two or more monitors is astounding, but at some point too much is too much.
So, how many monitors do you use?

[Source Legal Practice Pro]

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  • I use three monitors. My laptop screen and 2 widescreen monitors. I love my setup. However, I have determined that I must have both of my monitors to the left of my laptop screen. I tried with the laptop screen in the middle and that did not work for me at all.
  • It's a real personal preference on where your monitors are located. For me, when I had a laptop screen as one of my monitors, I couldn't have it anywhere but to the left of my main screen. I've seen others the opposite.

    The real question this article brings to mind though is whether TOO MANY monitors is a hinderance. I certainly don't think three is too much, nor would four (2x2), but I think anything more than four would be too distracting.

    What say you?
  • I think 4 arranged in the 2X2 pattern would work fine. Maybe even 6 in a 3 (wide) X2 (tall). Beyond that, I think it would lose its efficiency. Although at that point, your probably just as well off to use a 42" or 46" HD television as your monitor.
  • Gotta love multiple monitors. Personally, I find it best if I have multiple computers and multiple monitors. ;)

    Multitasking at its best.
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