“Institutions will try to preserve the problem to which they are the solution.”
― Richard Susskind, Tomorrows Lawyers: An Introduction to Your Future
Client-facing technology remains a top priority for law firms in 2022 and beyond. But it’s also an organizational challenge. But…
- How can you make legal technology a competitive advantage?
- How do you prioritize and make legal technology work to your advantage beyond 2022?
- What should law firms be focused on when searching for the right technology and ensure any solution adheres to due diligent obligations?
Just a few of the plethora of questions, but there are answers and challenges that can be solved.
* * *
Technology Shouldn’t Be Intimating.
If there’s a concern that legal and technology professionals may seem entirely opposite, there’s comfort in knowing how similar they are.
There are high standards and proven methodologies that guide processes; established and structured practices provide time-tested variables for adhering to compliance and regulations, while greatly reducing risk.
There’s also an inordinate understanding and respect for intellectual property and its importance for an organization. Investments in research and development and the time dedicated to adoption are substantial. A recent TechCrunch article examines the practice of technology’s heavy hitters and the legal routes available for different size organizations.
* * *
Time Is Money. Investing in Time to Adopt Tech is Essential.
Do lawyers like to engage with the nuances of legal technology? Perhaps, but their reasons are valid. Managing time for lawyers is paramount for the success of a firm. In a recent report, data shows that most US-based lawyers are not enthusiastically committing non-billable time to implement legal technology and innovation.
The value of digital transformation, implementing technology solutions, and testing new methodologies are essential to organizations. And there’s no shortage of how best to drive a remote workforce successfully by adopting technology.
* * *
Making Legal Tech Work for You.
Yes, the pressure and challenges of change and adoption are synonymous with the legal sector. The good thing? Most understand how important it is and how necessary, even if they struggle with accepting change: “Digital transformation can be a daunting prospect and does take time to implement, but it’s time well spent.”
* * *
Have No Fear.
While some euphemize and beat around the bush over the purported benefits of technology, an organization’s competition may be moving quickly to adopt. And many clients are making the decision to work with those that are open to transformation since they already have.
Once an organization understands the value, it will realize that digital tools will not replace a human’s ability to understand and manage complicated aspects of legal practice. They will, however, enhance the organization; improve efficiencies, workflows, communication, and collaboration.
Additionally, firms adopting legal technology will empower organizations with the tools to improve efficiencies, workflows, communication, and collaboration. And it will help attract top talent, young and tech-savvy lawyers with natural-born confidence to work effectively with tech.
“If we leave it to professionals themselves to reinvent their workplace, are we asking the rabbits to guard the lettuce?”
― Richard Susskind, The Future of the Professions: How Technology Will Transform the Work of Human Experts