Advanced illustrates how software meets the biggest challenges that law firms are facing
The legal industry is constantly evolving, and in 2024, law firms will continue to face unique challenges and opportunities. While the challenges are numerous, four of the biggest concerns are employee work-life balance, client demands, AI worries, and cybersecurity threats. There’s good news however, using the right software with trusted providers, and tailored legal AI solutions can assist in alleviating these challenges.
Employee work-life balance
While over half of firms have a desire to increase in office work, they are also seeing a challenge in attracting and retaining talent. Law firms face unique challenges when it comes to managing work-life balance. Lawyers often work long hours, which can result in burnout and poor performance.
Finding a balance of a productive firm with a happy workforce can be hard, but it is made easier with the right tools. Help relieve stress and assist fee earners while working remote with Advanced Practice and Case Management solutions. Additionally for office days schedule in feedback and one to ones, to make everyone feel they have a voice and can progress with the firm. Using Advanced Performance and Talent you can keep feedback continuous with goals and targets.
Utilising software to streamlines workflows, lower administrative burdens, facilitate better one to ones. Demonstrate to employees that you care about their well-being and are dedicated to fostering a healthy work culture.
“A system like Clear Review makes this so easy that you really don’t have the time not to be using it. The process motivates your employees, and this makes them better at their job.” Martin Glover, HR Director – Morton Fraser MacRoberts
Client demands
Clients are becoming increasingly demanding, they want to be able to access their matters at times that suit them and demand more transparency over their case, and charges. This pressure can result in higher stress levels for lawyers and can negatively impact the firm.
Adopting the right software can make all the difference. Many clients are looking for pre-agreed prices and transparency in their billing. With time capture software such as Carpe Diem, clients can perceive and quantify the actual time spent on their legal matter, making it easier for law firms to bill them correctly. Explaining the billing process and providing accurate times from the offset creates a sense of transparency between lawyers and clients.
Fee earners can also track their time more efficiently and prioritise tasks better, resulting in a higher quality, more efficient work. Leading to happy results and loyal clients.
AI concerns
AI can save time and provide lawyers with valuable insights and data. However, some have reservations about the risk AI could pose with less than a third of firms currently using AI.
With only 15% of firms feeling ahead of the competition regarding AI, the race is still very much underway. Partnering with trusted providers utilising AI means robust security measures to alleviate concerns and facilitate the integration of legal AI smoothly. Putting the security measures in safe hands, means firms can reap the benefits of AI while gaining peace of mind that their firm remains secure.
Automate tasks, speed up document searching and contract reviewing, and much more, with Generative AI within a firm’s document management facility. Reducing workload and increasing time to focus on more important legal work. Creating a more productive and efficient firm.
The cyber security threat
As cybercrime continues to be a significant concern, law firms must take proactive measures to protect their client’s sensitive data yet 34% of firms see data security as a daily hurdle. A robust security system is critical to ensure that information is confidential and secure.
A robust security system is a continuous task for a firm to do in house, with the need for servers and staffing to be constantly up to date and ready for threats to arise. With the sheer amount of resources required for this ever increasing threat, the most practical solution is to partner with trusted providers. Keeping data secure and preventing any unauthorised access.
“We’ve gained several advantages, including improved security. We’re much more confident logging into the Azure environment using multi factor authentication. Previously, people were working in their own way, and we couldn’t be sure they were using the correct security protocols to log in and protect the data they control. Now they have no choice.” Keith Plowman, Senior Clerk – 10 Old Square
The challenges law firms will face in 2024 may be complex, but technology can help reduce these obstacles. By adopting the right software solutions, law firms can better manage employee satisfaction, improve client experiences, and increase overall efficiency. Investing in software solutions is imperative to creating a work culture that is positive, productive, and proud.
