Integrating technology the new challenge for law firms

Technology is now changing every aspect of the legal sector, from procurement through to document management. For both legal firms and those contracting these services, the demand for transparent, effective software solutions has grown substantially in recent years.

Recent research from GlobalX has underscored how important technology has now become for Australian law firms. Alongside the introduction of e-conveyancing, the company found that cloud-based software, mobility and integration with existing systems are the most attractive qualities for these organisations.

One option for legal firms looking to better manage their relationships with clients is to join an e-procurement marketplace like Yarris Legal Gateway. This cloud-based platform brings together law firms and large organisations to procure, manage and bill clients all through a single piece of software.

So how can each of these three qualities – cloud, mobility and integration benefit legal firms? Here is a breakdown of each.

1) Cloud

The opportunities available through cloud-based technologies have become well known in recent years, but it is worth spelling out it can help legal firms in particular. With the advent of cloud computing, both law firms and clients to access documentation through a single portal. Given the complex nature of legal projects, this ease of access is essential for ensuring work is completed on schedule. The cloud also provides new opportunities for businesses to invest in Software-as-a-Service, where access to technology is subscription-based rather than reflected in a single upfront purchase.

2) Mobility

The nature of modern work is that it can be conducted anywhere and from any device. The increasing capabilities of mobile computing mean that lawyers and their clients can now collaborate on projects from any location and are no longer tied to a desktop. In the case of Yarris Legal Gateway, the platform is accessible through a standard web browser, significantly simplifying the process of accessing important information.

3) Integration

The third factor that is affecting the uptake of technology in a legal environment is the growing demand for integrated services across different verticals. Stand-alone systems that cannot translate work from one format to another are increasingly being phased out in favour of seamless, end-to-end software solutions.

In the case of legal procurement, for example, a single piece of software that covers selecting a firm, collaboration and delivery through to billing is far more useful than four pieces of software for each process.

With these three areas of technology likely remain on the radar of the country’s law firms over the coming months, these systems are only going to become more central to the delivery of legal services.