Technology has developed quickly over the last decade, improving many facets of our lives. Even the legal profession, which is notoriously slow to change, has adopted certain advances. Nevertheless, compared to other industries, the law remains overwhelmingly behind the curve when it comes to embracing new technologies.
Is your law firm one of the stalwarts hesitant to invest in change? You aren’t alone. However, maybe it’s time to turn a new leaf. Here are just a few reasons why legal tech is worth your investment in 2018.
Technology Improves Your Clients’ Experience
Running a law firm is more than just running a legal practice – it’s running a business. The law is a service industry, based upon successfully helping clients. Whether you practice criminal defense or personal injury, your clients want their law firm to run like a well-oiled machine.
Imagine a future of not scrambling for the paper file when a client calls. Or not being caught unawares on a case because your colleague is home with the flu. Cloud based legal practice management solutions like CASEpeer facilitate communication between staff, and provide managers with firm-wide oversight.
Not only do attorneys and staff feel empowered by effective case management solutions, but your clients sense the difference as well.
Technology Saves Time and Money
The legal tech industry is reinventing how law firms manage everything from lead tracking to mail sorting. Do more with less by investing in powerful solutions for your own practice. Newer computer equipment and faster internet can certainly save your team time, as can the implementation of a powerful legal software.
Many solutions will auto generate letters and forms, facilitate document storage, and enhance task management – improving the efficiency of your staff at every level.
Certain solutions like CASEpeer also come with practice management features including analytics to help your practice run smarter. Read more on how to expand your law firm’s potential here.
Even the ABA Recognizes Its Importance
In 2012, the American Bar Association made an amendment to Model 1.1, Comment 8 in the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. It reads:
“To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology, engage in continuing study and education and comply with all continuing legal education requirements to which the lawyer is subject.”
The ABA gives the same level of importance to continuing legal education as it does to being aware of the technological advances occurring in the field. Although a model rule is only a recommendation and guideline, 26 states have accepted and enforced this model rule as of December 28, 2016.
The bottom line is, it’s an attorneys duty to be knowledgeable about technology, especially when it comes to better serving clients. Staying abreast of technology means knowing when to look at emails, documents, voicemails, video or audio files, social media accounts, and more.
Advanced legal tech solutions can also help you practice run more effectively. From reminders about statutes or alerts about possible conflicts, legal technology can help your law firm avoid costly mistakes. Every year, there are more case and practice management solutions available. Make 2018 a year of growth by investing in technology for your attorneys and staff.
CASEpeer is a legal case management software designed for personal injury attorneys. We are dedicated to helping law firms grow. Follow our blog for more legal technology information and practice management advice.
For more information about CASEpeer and our features, click here.