The legal industry is known for its traditional approach to doing business; lawyers aren’t necessarily known as “early adopters” and historically have been slow to adopt new technology compared to other sectors like finance or healthcare. Images of Paul Newman in The Verdict, surrounded by dozens of bankers’ boxes in a wood-paneled law office, probably come to mind, versus a metal-and-glass law firm powered by artificial intelligence like something out of a Philip K. Dick sci-fi novel.
However, with the emergence of cloud computing, AI and data analytics, law firms are now being forced to modernize and chart a successful path forward by navigating different opportunities and challenges in legal technology.
So, what is driving the transformation?
Some adoption of new “legal tech” is literally being forced by legacy software companies who are shutting down older, server-based technology platforms. But most law firms are now increasingly becoming more proactive in planning and executing their digital transformation strategies on their own.
This is no longer a choice or matter of “Why should we?”
It’s a question of “When will we?”
There are several factors driving this shift, one being client expectations.
Modern clients expect faster, more convenient and more efficient service—I don’t care if you are an attorney or an optometrist. According to a recent Salesforce survey, customer expectations are at an all-time high, with two-thirds expecting personalized service delivered through technological advances (and two-day shipping thanks to Amazon).
Today’s customers are accustomed to using technology to find out instantly where orders are located or otherwise connect with brands (or people) they trust. When they have a legal matter and need the experience of a skilled trial lawyer, they likewise want to use technology to find and stay engaged with their law firm of choice. If law firms fail to adopt these solutions, they risk losing valuable business to the competition.
Barriers To Law Firm Digital Transformation
If law firm digital transformation offers so many opportunities, what is holding some firms back? Let’s name a few significant factors working against digitization.
• Cost And Implementation Barriers: Some law firms, particularly small to midsized ones, remain hesitant to jump into digital transformation due to cost concerns. For some, the initial financial and time investment required to implement new technology can be overwhelming.
• Resistance To Change: Another significant hurdle is change itself. Lawyers and other legal professionals have been doing things a specific way for many years, so the idea of switching to something new can feel disruptive. Concerns over the complexity of new systems, hesitancy about the learning curve and fears that technology could replace human judgment are common.
• Data Privacy And Ethical Concerns: Adopting technology brings its own set of ethical challenges, particularly in the areas of client confidentiality and data privacy. Due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle, law firms are often prime targets for cybercriminals. In addition to security measures, firms must also ensure that any use of technology aligns with their legal and ethical responsibilities.
• Upskilling And Training Lawyers For The Digital Age: Training lawyers to make the best use of tech tools is no easy feat. It can require breaking old habits and overcoming ingrained mindsets. In today’s legal landscape, being tech-savvy is not optional—it is an essential part of providing competent legal representation. By leveraging legal tech, law firms can work faster and more accurately to improve outcomes for their clients.
The Future Of Law In The Digital Age
Digital transformation in the legal industry is making life easier for lawyers and their clients. Cloud software and AI-driven automation are just a few examples of the technologies poised to further transform the legal landscape. By leveraging these solutions, law firms can save time and have more resources to focus on growth.
But, while technology can enhance efficiency, it will never replace the human qualities that define being a trial lawyer. Digitization in law firms will make attorneys work more efficiently and with fewer human errors, leaving valuable time to spend on legal strategy and client relations.
In this time of transformation, firms must adapt to remain competitive and deliver the best possible client experience. A plethora of cloud-based software solutions can now help you position your firm for success well into the future. Connect with a few of them, ask your peers and most importantly—try out demos to see which ones are the right partners for your firm and your staff.
Forbes
In the context of the Industrial Revolution, applying technology to operating mechanisms in each organization is extremely necessary, and is also an inevitable trend to minimize workload while still ensuring efficiency and enhance its competitive position in the market. Furthermore, applying management software into a business will also help build an organization with a clear system, promoting consistency, transparency and accuracy. Tasken eOffice, researched and built by Opus Solution – a business consultant in Vietnam – is an internal work management system as well as the management of automated, online, user-friendly approval processes, allowing businesses to operate more effectively on the path of digital transformation.
