Client and attorney expectations for legal services are evolving. For law firms to stay competitive in the digital era, they need to adopt technology strategically.
Hear us out: This doesn’t mean overhauling everything at once!
We know most firms are short on time, resources, and leadership buy-in to make meaningful tech improvements. If only you could snap your fingers and magically upgrade your technology.
While we don’t have a magic wand to loan, we are sharing strategic steps to help firms turn common technology challenges into competitive advantages–without massive costs or chaos. Let’s get started!
Challenge #1: Getting Buy-In from Firm Leaders for Tech Upgrades
Law firms often hesitate to invest in technology because it’s a long-term play with a big upfront price tag. But the longer a firm waits, the more expensive and disruptive technology upgrades become.
If your firm doesn’t have an IT leader—or if your IT team is struggling to get buy-in—here’s how to build a strong case:
- Identify a tech champion. If no one is driving IT conversations, appoint a partner or senior staff member who understands the firm’s goals and can advocate for technology that supports them. (If you can’t find someone at your firm to take charge, we can step in and fill this role!)
- Start with pain points by informally asking practice leaders:
- What daily tasks take up the most time?
- Where do inefficiencies slow down client work?
- What feedback have clients shared about their digital experience?
- Link tech to business goals. Instead of pitching tech for tech’s sake, show how small improvements (like streamlining client intake) will boost billable hours, improve client satisfaction, and reduce admin burdens.
- Showcase quick wins. Proposing a full-system upgrade to leaders who are already weary of the project is a quick road to rejection. But starting with an easy-to-implement improvement (like online document signing) that immediately saves time and frustration builds your case for bigger upgrades in the future.
Tip: DocuSign is a great place to start. It’s easy to set up, integrates with most existing systems, and makes paperwork MUCH easier for your clients.
Challenge #2: Managing Enterprise-Level Cybersecurity Standards
Law firms are high-value targets for cyber threats. With corporate and institutional clients increasingly imposing security requirements on their legal partners, firms that fail to meet enterprise security standards are at risk of losing business.
Managing cybersecurity should not translate into playing whack-a-mole with hundreds of small issues. Instead, we recommend approaching it strategically:
- Find the root cause. If your firm’s security audit lists 500 issues, ask: How many stem from outdated systems? Replacing one legacy system could solve dozens of vulnerabilities at once.
- Prioritize high-impact fixes. Stop fixing security checklist items one by one and create a roadmap that aligns cybersecurity efforts with your firm’s biggest risks and compliance needs.
- Make room for IT at the leadership table. Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue, it’s a business risk. Firms need a tech leader or fractional CTO who works directly with decision-makers to stay ahead of security requirements.
- Start small. Not ready for a major overhaul? Begin by tightening access controls, implementing multi-factor authentication, or encrypting sensitive client communications.
Tip: Okta and Entra ID are two great options for authentication and access management. Compare the two options here, or we can help you decide which one is best for your firm!
Challenge #3: Drowning in Inefficient Paper Processes
From client onboarding to case management, legal workflows are often bogged down by manual, paper-based processes. The solution is to automate small, repetitive tasks, which saves time, reduces errors, and improves client experiences without a major software investment.
Here’s how to take the first step:
- Use existing tools first. Your Legal Management System (LMS) likely has automation capabilities you can tap into–if not, chances are upgrading your software is long overdue–or consider integrating automation into your existing workflows with Microsoft Power Platform and UiPath.
- Don’t attempt to digitize everything at once. Try replacing paper intake forms with an online submission tool. This small shift can dramatically reduce administrative delays–a win-win for your firm and clients!
Tip: Start with client intake forms, time sheet approvals, and/or your invoice review process. These are fairly simple tasks to digitize for major efficiency gains. - Track and share quick wins. Once a process is streamlined, document the time saved and share it with leadership. Showcasing measurable benefits will make it easier to get buy-in for larger automation initiatives down the road. (We know these leaders want to see the evidence!)
Challenge #4: What Do We Do About AI?
AI is a hot topic everywhere, but many firms are unsure where to start. While AI won’t–and shouldn’t–replace lawyers, it can significantly reduce administrative burdens and enhance efficiency in non-billable areas.
Here’s how to test AI without disrupting your firm’s workflow:
- Identify a low-risk AI use case. Start with internal, back-office tasks like document indexing, time tracking, or data entry. Since these areas are repetitive and not billable, they’re a great opportunity to test out AI.
- Pilot AI for eDiscovery and document prep. AI-powered tools can significantly speed up legal research, eDiscovery, and contract analysis, helping your team focus on higher-value work.
- Monitor and adjust. AI isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Regularly review AI-driven processes to ensure they align with compliance standards and firm needs. This is a perfect task for that Tech Champion you chose!
Tip: Create an AI policy to help your firm uniformly manage risks and maximize benefits. Don’t worry, you can simply use our sample AI policy template, plug in your organization’s information, and distribute it across your team to strengthen security!
Embracing Tech Transformation One Step at a Time
Many law firms delay technology adoption because they fear the cost and complexity of change. However, small, strategic tech improvements can drive immediate efficiency gains, reduce risk, and improve client satisfaction.
Whether you’re looking to automate a single process, enhance cybersecurity, or build leadership buy-in for tech initiatives, we’re here to help. Book a meeting with one of our tech advisors today to get started.
