Three Traits of a Tech-Savvy Firm
Tech-savvy law firms have at least three distinct traits:
- They use technology efficiently in their practice
- They have technically competent personnel
- They practice in areas that use their tech-spertise
So now that you know, what's the point in reading more? Uh, because most law firms only think they are tech-savvy.
Technology Efficient
Small and mid-size firms, in particular, often lack the basic technology to maximize revenue and be efficient. That's why studies say lawyers bill less than 30 percent of their working day.
In a legal trends report, Clio recently said that attorneys lose most of their day on administrative tasks and client development. Many firms still use outdated methods, such as printing all documents, maintaining physical files, and individually preparing invoices.
Technically Competent
Of course, law practice management is only the beginning for becoming a tech-savvy firm. Fancy software is useless if you don't know how to use and maintain it.
Lawyers have an ethical duty to be technically competent, and that includes having tech support. You may want to hire a tech-savvy lawyer or staffer, but there are benefits to outsourcing legal tech.
Tech-Spertise
Beyond developing tech efficiency and competency, law firms can become bona fide tech-sperts in many evolving practice areas. Cybersecurity, data privacy, and cryptocurrency are a few.
Here are three top tech-niche practices:
- Patent law
- Drone law
- Chatbot law
Whatever you do, be careful about those who claim tech-savvy skills in social media. Facebook law is not really a thing.
Related Resources:
- Uber's $20M Driver Settlement (FindLaw's Technologist)
- Now That Your Windows 7 Is Dying... (FindLaw's Technologist)
- Decision to Compel Password Is 5th Amendment 'Death Knell' (FindLaw's Technologist)
