By Julie Bays, OBA Management Assistance Program Director

Sometimes the biggest fixes in our legal tech toolkit are the simplest. Catherine Reach wrote a great reminder in her recent post, “The Power of a Restart: Why Rebooting Your Computer Matters”. A fresh reboot clears out memory leaks, software glitches, and half-installed updates before they turn into real headaches. Think of it as telling your computer, “Take a quick nap and come back ready to work.” If your practice management software is acting strange, that restart might be the best 30 seconds you spend all week.

There is also an ethics angle. Under ORPC 1.1(6), lawyers have a duty to keep up with technology and its impact on their practice. Ignoring those system warnings or running a sluggish machine may seem minor, but it can lead to bigger problems like lost work, corrupted files, or downtime that affects client matters. Competence in technology sometimes starts with the most basic habits.

And while your computer is rebooting, it’s the perfect opportunity to step away, stretch, and give yourself a quick reset too. Just like your device, you’ll return to your work with a clearer mind and renewed energy.

So the next time your computer feels slow, don’t just mutter at the screen. Give it the restart it probably needs. Your computer, your clients, and your stress level will all be better off.