Posted by Callie Sierra

 January 23, 2017

As we head into 2017, the legal landscape promises new competition, challenges, and technologies for today’s law firms. With an evolving marketplace, a changing workforce, and more demanding clients, the legal industry is ripe for disruption. Here are five emerging technology trends that we think will reshape the modern law firm in 2017.

Automation
As we see clients demand faster, more consistent and high-quality service, firms will have no choice but to turn to automation if they want to stay competitive. Forward-thinking firms are already using automation to minimize the time spent on less-value add tasks and maximize the time lawyers spend on quality, service differentiation and client contact. Automated processes will move from being costly standalone technology solutions to being embedded into firms’ core business activities that fit nicely within custom workflows.

Compliance
Initiatives driven by the EU will make global compliance more complex in 2017. Luckily, technology solutions are making it easier for firms to mitigate risk by embedding compliance into lawyers’ workflows. As firms face the greater reality of litigation risk, many will find themselves turning to technology for the answer.

Analytics
From client data and case details to judicial rulings and precedents, firms house an enormous amount of data that lawyers must sift through to do their jobs. Yet, surprisingly, law firms have lagged in the adoption of data-driven technology. However, as time and cost pressures mount, more firms will look to technology to bring order to their data. Automated technology that can quickly capture, organize and populate transactional data will prove a powerful tool in driving efficiency and cost-savings.

Workflow Optimization
As clients increase their focus on value – namely quality and efficiency – firms will need to improve their processes to meet client demands. Workflow automation can streamline document drafting, speed up negotiations and reduce inefficiencies. By finding ways to automate transactional processes, firms can strengthen the value of their lawyers’ expertise.

Cloud-Based Legal Services
While many small firms have already moved to cloud-based services, large service law firms will start to join the cloud movement. Cloud-based solutions can help firms create unique value for clients through innovative service and knowledge delivery, and uncover new areas of revenue.

Law firms have a challenging year ahead, yet those that are nimble, proactive and tech-savvy are best positioned to be successful in 2017. By improving and streamlining processes through automation, firms can better control costs, reduce risk and deliver greater client value.