Law used to be a mostly labor-intensive field. Lawyers had to sift through paperwork manually and have robust file management systems. It wasn’t uncommon for the average law firm to have entire rooms dedicated to paper storage.
Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since then. Many technological advancements have paved the way for more convenient digital practices. Helping people with their legal woes is undoubtedly much easier than ever before. However, that doesn’t mean that all lawyers are utilizing the best tech available. Law firms can likely enhance their practices by exploring these legal tech trends:
Website Management
When you type ‘Purser Law best Edmonton criminal lawyer’ into a search engine, their website is the first result that pops up. That doesn’t happen by chance. Many lawyers are using website management software to stand out from their competition.
Before website management software became commonplace, lawyers had to resort to more traditional forms of advertising like billboards, bus ads, and letterbox flyers. Of course, they can still use these methods. However, creating high-quality websites and prioritizing their optimization for a better digital presence has enabled them to be found more easily by those requiring their services.
Litigation Management
The average legal case can be complex. There are multiple people involved, a full to-do list, and several deadlines to meet. It’s no wonder that The Washington Post described law as the most stressful occupation.
Technology likely can’t change that. Still, it may make everyday life easier for lawyers if they use litigation management. This tech can help lawyers track, schedule, and organize their daily activities for various court hearings and cases. Many advanced programs even let lawyers share data and interact with their clients.
Virtual Legal Assistants (VLAs)
Startup law firms don’t always have the resources to hire full teams to help them with everyday tasks. Many lawyers handle everything, like legal document drafting and filing and contract creation.
However, virtual legal assistants (VLAs) are becoming a cost-effective option that many new lawyers are exploring. VLAs are remote workers with legal knowledge. They can assist lawyers from anywhere in the world. While they’re busy handling time-intensive tasks, lawyers are free to be more hands-on with their clients.
Cybersecurity Tech
There is a great deal of sensitive data in the legal industry. Business lawyers have confidential business contracts on file for their business clients. Criminal lawyers also have highly sensitive client information.
Such data needs to be protected at all costs, especially when it can be at risk of a data breach or hacking attempt. Many lawyers are now investing in cybersecurity and security measures to protect their sensitive data. Most law firms also have the best virus protection and data encryption. Some law firms go further by conducting risk assessments and purchasing cybersecurity insurance to reduce the financial impact of cybercrime.
Cloud Computing
It doesn’t feel that long ago that lawyers had to take care of all their legal work in their dedicated office spaces. Lawyers were restricted in what they could do outside the office because in-house servers housed all their documents. If they needed to take work with them, they often had to print it off or email it to themselves. This could be risky from a cybersecurity perspective.
These frustrations all changed with the invention of cloud computing. Lawyers can now upload legal work into a secure online server and access it from anywhere. This has proved helpful for lawyers needing to double-check details outside the office. They can also help clients in more locations since they can access their work from anywhere in the world.
Smart Contracts
Contract creation is traditionally time-consuming and risky. There’s always a risk of non-compliance and outdated information. However, lawyers can sometimes speed up contract creation with smart contract management software. They can also enjoy more efficiency and accuracy.
Most contract software can automate contract negotiation and draft documents with specific custom clauses. This software can even examine contracts for non-compliance. Essentially, contract software can function as an extra pair of hands.
Multiple Communication Avenues
Consistent and seamless communication can be integral to the average legal case. Without it, clients don’t always know how their cases are proceeding, and lawyers may not have all the facts. Technology has been a game-changer in this respect. Lawyers can communicate with their clients in many ways, such as text, email, and live chat.
Legal technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Explore these tech trends above to potentially enjoy more streamlined business operations.
