Technology has advanced to the point that professionals are now able to work from anywhere in the world, communicate with anyone, and share files and applications. These advancements have profoundly altered how lawyers work. To remain competitive in the field, lawyers must become proficient in a wide range of technology platforms from document review and management tools to spreadsheet, presentation and billing software. Just as in other business fields, in the legal arena also, technology facilitates the performance of core activities. But is this provided at a certain cost?
Adopting innovative technology has improved legal processes and efficiency, but one downside as pointed out in a recent article is that it is time-consuming as well as increasing workload. Lawyers implementing advanced technology in-house often find themselves working more than they do without the technology. Now, they are accessible at all times to clients and this may prove tiring in the long run.
Legal practitioners are now using electronic filing systems, Smartphones and tablets with law firm apps that serve as client portals, integrating tools such as the ability to access clients, make online payments, contact personnel, access court resources, view calendar deadlines, receive reminders and cloud computing software that assists them with law practice management, time tracking and billing management, virtual lawyering, storage and backup, data management and project management.
The latest legal technology survey from the American Bar Association reports that 31% lawyers are using cloud computing software to manage their law firms. The survey also reports that 85% lawyers use mobile devices in their law practices, of which 91% use Smartphones, 62% use iPhones and 48% lawyers use tablets. Usage of mobile apps such as Fastcase, Westlaw and Lexis are also increasing among lawyers.
Knowledge-based jobs that require the lawyer’s knowledge and skill have to be performed by lawyers themselves. However, for completing non-core tasks such as legal transcription, documentation and other such tasks, they can always rely on a professional outsourcing service provider. Reliable legal process outsourcing services keep pace with today’s dynamic environment to provide their clients with maximum advantages. They work side by side with the clients to understand their methodology and assess their exact requirements. Experienced LPOs offer a great combination of legal expertise along with business acumen and quality services at a cost-effective rate.
