5 Top Cutting-Edge Legal Technologies You Can Start Using Today

When it comes to technology and the law, the future might not be here yet, but it's on its way. Despite the legal industry's reputation as a cautious adopter of innovative technology, some lawyers are starting to take steps towards integrating cutting-edge tech into their practices.

But you don't have to be a BigLaw firm or a massive tech enthusiast to start testing out technology that could change the legal practice. There are some you can start using today.

1. Clients Want Artificial Intelligence and They Want It Soon-ish

After a lot of speculation about artificial intelligence replacing flesh-and-bone lawyers, AI is starting to make its first, cautious steps into the legal sphere. But machine learning has already been embraced by other industries, and it's likely that they'll be the ones pushing law firms to get up to speed.

2. Robot Editors Are Proofing Your Legal Documents Today

Editing software has come a long way from Word's spelling and grammar check. Instead of passing writing off to interns or support staff to polish, many small firms are starting to employ automated editing programs to act as their robot editors.

3. Are You Ready for Amy, the Robot Secretary?

Don't want to handle your own emails and scheduling? You don't have to. A new startup has created a robot secretary by the name of Amy (or Andrew, if you want to mix it up), to help end the minor pain of scheduling meetings.

4. Slack, for Simplifying Some Aspects of the Law Office

The corporate communications software Slack has taken over many tech and corporate workplaces. A so-called "email killer," Slack mixes social media elements with email, scheduling, and messaging features -- plus, there's plenty of emojis. It's not for all lawyers, but it could be good for some.

5. Start Ups Try to Bring eDiscovery to the Cloud

Over the past few years, cloud-based services have exploded. There are cloud-based apps, cloud accounting, even operating systems that run via the cloud. And now, there's eDiscovery in the cloud, as two new startups have taken the scalability, processing power, and lower cost of cloud computing and put it to work in eDiscovery.

Related Resources:

• Stay up-to-date on legal technology with FindLaw's Legal Technology Center (FindLaw Legal Technology)
• This Recycling System Turns Old Paper Into New, In Your Office (FindLaw's Technologist)
• 5 Microsoft Word Tips to Make Lawyers' Lives Easier (FindLaw's Technologist)
• Does Your Small or Solo Practice Need a Virtual Receptionist? (FindLaw's Technologist)