As Sarah Anderson at legallycyber.com states, “Law school teaches young minds that most answers are found in case law. While there are a few courses on practical skills, there is almost zero instruction on computers.”
In today’s ever-changing legal world, it’s essential that as lawyers we continue to adapt and evolve with technology. New technology doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, it should be embraced with the goal of streamlining processes, optimizing your time, and staying ahead of the game (and your competition). More and more lawyers are turning to new technology to grow their practice, and it’s essential you do the same to prevent falling behind. The list below is intended to help you keep up with the latest trends and maintain a modern approach to your legal practice. Here are five tech tips for the to take your law practice to the next level.
1. Stay Abreast on Cybersecurity Threats
Law firms are prime targets for cyber attacks as firms are in possession of highly sensitive client information. Even worse, cyber threats are constantly on the rise, so protecting your client’s data is essential. A good place to start? Investing time in a basic understanding of threats you’re up against, and making sure your staff and colleagues do the same. First establish a base of basic knowledge so you can next take steps to mitigate security risks. Here are some key terms you should become familiar with:
- Data Breaches – When sensitive data is stolen or accessed by unauthorized individuals
- Phishing Scams – When disguised emails and messages are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive personal and company information
- Ransomware Attacks – A cybercrime where a malicious actor infiltrates and encrypts files, then demand payment in exchange for restoring the files and data
2. Invest in Cybersecurity Measures to Protect Client Data
After gaining a baseline understanding of the cybersecurity threats you’re up against, it’s time to take steps towards protecting yourself. And with cyber threats on the rise, a robust cybersecurity defense is non-negotiable for any law practice.
Make sure any plan you make is simple and easy-to-follow, even for the least tech literate employee on your team. Here are some places to start:
- Implement strong firewalls and two-factor authentication for logins
- Regularly perform security audits
- Train your team on cybersecurity best practices
This will ensure that everyone on your team plays a role in protecting client data and there are no weak links. Regular trainings for staff members, like ensuring everyone knows how to spot phishing emails scams, are a must. Don’t assume everyone on your team knows how to spot a phishing attack and common cyber scams.
These are just the first line of defense towards protecting not just your client’s sensitive information but also your firm’s reputation.
3. Leverage Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence isn’t going anywhere, and if used correctly (and ethically), it can greatly boost your practice’s efficiency and free you up to focus on strategy and client relationships. Law firms can utilize AI in a number of impactful ways, specifically in taking on repetitive tasks like: document reviews, legal research, client intake, and contract analysis.
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are a great place to start improving your team’s efficiency. Even better, these tools often come with free versions, minimizing the barrier of entry needed to start optimizing your practice.
4. Embrace Online Continuing Legal Education
Continuing Legal Education (CLE) is mandatory for the majority of US lawyers to stay compliant and maintain their bar license. Post-covid, many CLE providers have shifted to providing their CLE courses online, allowing legal professionals to learn at their own pace from anywhere in the world. An added benefit of online CLE is that it has also opened up unique opportunities to get CLE credits from celebrity instructors and noteworthy attorneys like Craig Conover of Southern Charm and Nicole Lynn, Klutch Sports’ VP of Football. Long gone are the days of in-person training sessions from your local bar association.
5. Utilize Data Analytics for Smart Decision-Making
Data informed decision making isn’t just for major corporations anymore. Modern law firms are embracing data tools to gain insights into case trends, legal research, and general practice efficiencies. A data driven approach that focuses on improving key performance metrics, like win/loss ratios and your firm’s marketing strategies, will give you a competitive edge. Affordable and robust data tools have never been more accessible to lawyers, and as a result, actionable intelligence is easily within reach for your firm.
Wrapping It Up
Embracing technology not only helps you stay compliant and efficient but also gives you a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced legal world. If you keep an open mind and rethink how you deliver legal services, it will ensure that your practice remains agile in a digital age. Take these tips, experiment with new tech tools, and watch as your practice transforms for the better.
