Five key IT challenges for law firms and how to overcome them according to oneAdvanced
Law firms are increasingly reliant on technology to stay competitive and efficient. However, this digital transformation comes with its fair share of challenges. We’ll explore five core IT challenges faced by law firms today and provide practical solutions to overcome them.
Staying cybersecure
With increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, maintaining client confidentiality and firm reputation is more challenging than ever.
Law firms handle sensitive information, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. A data breach can have severe consequences, including financial losses, legal penalties, and damage to reputation. Last year the number of cyber breaches at UK law firms increased by 36%, highlighting the need to ensure secure systems.
Enhance data security by:
- Implementing robust cybersecurity processes and technology
- Conducting regular security audits
- Maintaining your technology including performing all available security updates
- Training employees on cybersecurity regularly
Keeping up with the legal productivity boom
The promise of unprecedented efficiency through new technologies is exciting, but it can leave behind firms that fail to adapt. Legal technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and staying current is essential for maintaining productivity and competitiveness, as noted by 85% of legal professionals that say greater use of the right technology improves productivity.
New tools and platforms are continuously being introduced, each promising to streamline operations and boost productivity. However, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, making it difficult for firms to choose the right solutions and ensure they are effectively integrated into their workflows.
To keep up with the legal productivity boom, law firms should:
- Conduct regular technology audits to ensure it’s meeting your needs
- Partner with trusted software and technology providers for peace of mind
- Invest in cloud technology to reduce the risk of inefficiencies through technology
Client expectations
Clients now demand transparency, speed, and personalised service, and when their demands are met, firms see a 20% rise in client satisfaction and recommendations – this therefore raises the bar for law firms but also the rewards.
Meeting these rising expectations requires law firms to adopt new technologies and processes that enhance client communication and service delivery. Failure to do so can result in lost business and damaged relationships.
Exceed client expectations by:
- Implementing client portals and digital communication channels that make accessing information about cases independent and seamless
- Automate onboarding and routine tasks for speed, simplicity and a faster time-to-serve throughout a client matter
- Being transparent in your billing processes, ensuring that you are able to justify the number of billable hours worked through reliable time recording processes
Technological integration
Outdated systems can hinder efficiency and responsiveness, impacting a firm’s ability to serve clients effectively.
Integrating new technologies with legacy systems can be complex and time-consuming. Incompatibility issues and a lack of cohesive strategy can lead to inefficiencies and frustration among staff, with 59% of firms experiencing issues with system integration.
Ensure seamless technological integration by:
- Developing a clear technology and software strategy and talking to technology and software vendors to inform that
- Leveraging tools that integrate well together, including cloud-native tools for seamless collaboration
Regulatory compliance
Evolving regulations and ensuring compliance across multiple professional and technological domains is an ongoing challenge.
Regulatory requirements are constantly changing, and non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal repercussions, Law firms can be fined up to £17.5 million for negligent treatment of client data. Keeping up with these changes requires significant effort and resources.
Stay compliant by:
- Using software that has compliance management built in, such as some practice and case management systems, forms software, and time recording software
- Regular training and updates on compliance for fee-earners
How we help
OneAdvanced Legal is a comprehensive legal software solution that helps law firms navigate and overcome complex technology challenges.
Supporting a secure, agile, cloud-based work environment with 24/7 accessibility that minimises overheads and maximises productivity. OneAdvanced Legal has been developed to deliver cost efficient SaaS technology to firms of every size and managing the many complexities inherent in delivering vital legal services.
This modern portfolio of software has innovative practice and case management capability sitting at the core. Developed to meet the unique functional and compliance requirements of UK and Irish law firms, it provides easy access to the tools and information needed to overcome the challenges of inefficient processes and delayed matter completion.
By investing in a modern, ever-evolving platform you’re protected from system obsolescence and will never have to change your PCMS solution again. To learn more about OneAdvanced Legal, you can learn more about what it offers and the benefits it brings your firm by clicking the appropriate link.
Navigating the top IT challenges facing law firms requires a proactive and strategic approach. By staying current with technology, enhancing data security, ensuring regulatory compliance, integrating new systems seamlessly, and exceeding client expectations, law firms can thrive in a competitive landscape.
