Driving technology adoption in law firms: the path to efficiency and innovation
In the fast-paced world of legal services, the adoption of technology is not just a convenience—it’s a strategic imperative. Clients are increasingly expecting their lawyers to have technical knowledge and effectively leverage technology tools to deliver more efficient service. By embracing tools like workflow automation, firms can improve overall efficiency, elevate client service, and ensure client satisfaction. In fact, according to a recent survey, almost half of law firms ranked the need to use technology to improve productivity and efficiency as a top need to meet client demands.
Though law firms and legal professionals recognise the importance of workflow automation and other technology tools, many challenges still arise in driving technology adoption. Here, we explore strategies to overcome these obstacles, so your firm can reap the benefits of legal workflow automation to deliver improved productivity, streamlined operations, and enhanced client service.
Empowering Lawyers to Leverage Technology
When it comes to driving technological transformation, one of the biggest challenges law firms face is a lack of knowledge and skills. According to a 2023Wolters Kluwer survey, about a third of lawyers say they don’t have sufficient skills, knowledge or understanding of how to use legal technology.
One way that firms are overcoming this barrier is by leveraging low-code or no-code solutions. These intuitive technology solutions use visual interfaces with basic logic and drag-and-drop functionality to enable lawyers and staff to quickly and easily build workflows, without the need for IT assistance. Lawyers can easily and accurately construct custom applications to fit their unique requirements, eliminating the need for extensive training.
For example, UK-based law firm Wedlake Bell teamed up with Sysero to develop a no-code application to automate and streamline the process of managing supply chain audits. The firm’s lawyers can use the system to streamline the processing of large amounts of data, efficiently carry out important legal checks, and automated inspection reports- all through an easy-to-use, user-friendly interface.
Providing Customisation & Flexibility
Lawyers often have their own unique requirements and processes, which may deter them from adopting technology that goes against what they are used to. However, using low-code solutions, firms can provide lawyers with user-friendly interfaces and tools, while also having the ability to customise applications to ensure they work in the exact way required. For example, Spoor & Fisher Jersey teamed up with Sysero to build its Sysero Trademark Enquiry Handling Workflow. As a low-code solution, the firm’s internal Database Administrator was able to develop a SQL code that enables the workflow to pull information from across 12 areas of the firm’s IP system to merge into status update email templates.
Overcoming Security Concerns
When it comes to adopting cloud-based technology, cybersecurity concerns can pose a crucial barrier in driving adoption amongst lawyers and staff. Key concerns often include the risk of data breaches, maintaining client confidentiality, regulatory compliance, and encryption standards.
To mitigate these concerns and drive technology adoption, law firms should conduct thorough due diligence on providers, ensure robust encryption, and comply with relevant regulations. Take for example, how Sysero’s workflow automation technology enables firms to embed compliance expertise into daily operations, whilst ensuring data is being obtained, managed, and retained in accordance with data protection and retention policies, such as the EU GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act.
Cloud-based technologies can also be combined with on-premise storage, providing both the flexibility and accessibility of the cloud and the enhanced security of an in-house system. For example, Sysero’s hybrid workflows allow clients to share information with firms via cloud-based workflows and then pull that information directly to an in-house server, where it can be stored safely and securely behind the firm’s firewall.
Driving True Technology Transformation
Implementing technology solutions in law firms can be challenging, but the benefits far outweigh the hurdles. By prioritising usability, flexibility, and security, law firms can successfully embrace the future of legal technology. Ultimately, technology can only be transformative for a firm if its lawyers and staff are willing to use it.
To learn how your firm can successfully implement workflow automation technology, get in touch with our experts.
