The legal industry has a reputation for being a bit conservative and behind the times when it comes to law firm technology. Although there may be some firms that are already embracing law firm tech solutions, the legal industry is not one which is known for utilising essential technology.

There are many types of legal technology solutions available to Solicitors and legal professionals, and it is essential that those working within the legal sector are aware of the main benefits of legal technology so that they can incorporate it within their legal practice.

Our team of legal software developers at LPS are highly experienced in all types of legal technology and software and can adapt legal tech to suit the needs of your firm. If you would like to find out how our team can assist you, please get in touch with us today. 

The Advantages of Embracing Technology

Welcoming and accepting technology as an integral mechanism of a law firm will have huge benefits for all staff. Management will have peace of mind that day-to-day work will be able to continue seamlessly in a time where many employees work from home.

Systems such as Proclaim offer cloud-based services that allow file handlers to access their system from anywhere in the world. Proclaim also provides an app, Proclaim Go, which allows staff to access their files on the go.

After the pandemic, we saw a huge shift in the number of law firms permitting their staff to work from home, allowing increased flexibility and a better work/life balance for employees.

Many firms will have witnessed the many benefits of this new way of working, and some may even consider having less staff in offices full time.

Utilising technology to allow remote working is very cost-effective and may help to reduce overheads for many businesses, especially if smaller premises are required.

Many will have also noticed the increased efficiency gained through use of a case management system and various other types of software which staff have now been required to use to carry out their day-today tasks. For those who have now incorporated a paperless system, they will have noted the ease of for file handlers as all their files will be accessible from one central database. All information relevant to cases and files can be accessed using the system, limiting the need to take paperwork out of the office.

Taking full advantage of the technology lawyers can now easily use and have access to also means that security measures within law firms can be increased, with more safeguarding around data protection and intellectual property.

The Top Benefits of Law Firm Technology

• Increased Efficiency: Law firm technology automates repetitive tasks, streamlines workflows, and facilitates better organisation of documents and information. This enables lawyers and support staff to work more efficiently, freeing up time for higher-value tasks.
• Improved Client Service: With tools such as client portals, communication platforms, and case management systems, law firms can enhance communication with clients, provide real-time updates, and offer convenient access to case-related information. This fosters stronger client relationships and improves satisfaction.
• Cost Savings: Adopting law firm technology can lead to significant cost savings by reducing the need for manual labour, paper-based processes, and administrative overhead. Automation of tasks such as billing, document management, and time tracking can result in higher productivity and reduced operational expenses.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Collaboration tools and platforms enable seamless communication and collaboration among team members, regardless of their physical location. This promotes teamwork, knowledge sharing, and faster decision-making.
• Better Legal Research: Online legal research tools provide access to vast databases of case law, statutes, regulations, and legal commentary. Advanced search capabilities and analytics help lawyers find relevant information more quickly and make informed decisions.
• Increased Compliance: Compliance and risk management software help law firms stay abreast of regulatory requirements, ensuring adherence to data protection laws, ethical standards, and industry regulations. This mitigates the risk of non-compliance and potential legal issues.
• Enhanced Data Security: Cybersecurity solutions safeguard sensitive client data and confidential information from unauthorised access, breaches, and cyber threats. Encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure document automation systems help protect client confidentiality and maintain trust.
• Competitive Advantage: Law firms that leverage technology effectively gain a competitive edge by delivering services more efficiently, offering innovative solutions, and adapting to changing client expectations. This positions them as leaders in the legal market.
• Scalability: Law firm technology solutions can scale with the growth of the firm, accommodating an increasing volume of cases, clients, and workload without significant disruptions or additional infrastructure investments.
• Insights and Analytics: Analytical tools and dashboards provide valuable insights into firm performance, client preferences, and operational efficiency. This data-driven approach enables firms to identify areas for improvement, make strategic decisions, and optimise business processes.

Legal tech to improve client service 

Law practices can leverage technology to revolutionise client service. Secure online portals provide clients with 24/7 access to case updates, documents, and client communication tools. Legal research software empowers faster and more accurate information gathering, benefiting both lawyers and clients. 

Automated tasks like document review can free up time spent on administrative tasks and allow for personalised communication and strategic casework, demonstrating efficiency and commitment to client needs. By embracing these technologies, law offices can enhance transparency, communication, and overall client experience.

Law Firm Technology and the Pandemic

Pre-lockdown, many law firms had started to embrace and utilise new technology, and there was actually a small technological revolution happening within many practice areas. Some firms began making use of technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and website chatbots, to provide legal advice. Many firms have also started utilising software to assist in performing due diligence, as well as increasing efficiency and profitability.

Case management systems, such as Proclaim, have been used by a large number of law firms for some time now. The Proclaim case management system is particularly useful as it can be developed in a number of ways to improve the efficiency of file handlers by automating tasks, optimising workflows, and seamlessly integrating with third-party systems.

Although some law firms had already started to become more tech-focused before the pandemic, there were still many firms that had not embraced technology much further beyond legal document processing and completely rejected the idea of a “paperless system.” The coronavirus pandemic meant that many tech-phobic firms had to adapt and make the most of these new disruptive technologies.

How Can Legal Practice Support Assist?

Legal Practice Support can provide assistance for law firms in accessing their Proclaim and other case management systems remotely. We are also experienced in taking out-of-the-box Proclaim legal services software and developing it to automate processes and reduce administrative tasks, both of which are of great use when having to work remotely.

As a tech company operating in the Legal IT industry for over seven years, we have invaluable experience managing IT systems for firms as small as 30 people all the way up to enterprise clients with over 300. Furthermore, we are accustomed to working with multiple other stakeholders to resolve any IT problems that might arise.

If you would like to discuss how a Proclaim Developer from the LPS team could assist your law firm, please do not hesitate to contact our project managers at enquiries@legalpracticesupport.co.uk for further information.