What does the future of legal practice really look like?

Think beyond courtrooms and casebooks. Today’s lawyers are expected to manage complex client relationships, streamline workflows, and adapt to rapid technological change. And at the center of all this? Tools like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software—a must-have for the modern law firm.

At TI:GER (Technological Innovation: Generating Economic Results), we help law students explore how technology, business, and law work together to shape the future of the profession. Understanding tools like CRMs isn’t just about software—it’s about preparing for a legal career that’s strategic, tech-savvy, and forward-thinking.

Why CRMs Matter in Modern Law Practice

Law firms today rely on CRMs to help manage everything from client communication to lead generation. These systems store contact information, track emails and appointments, automate reminders, and centralize client data—all in one place.

For future lawyers, understanding CRM systems means understanding how legal services are delivered in the real world. It means knowing how to:

  • Improve client service
  • Automate administrative tasks
  • Enhance team collaboration
  • Track and grow business opportunities

Whether you plan to join a firm, launch your own practice, or work in legal operations, familiarity with CRM tools gives you a competitive edge.

Popular CRM Tools Used in Law

Here are a few CRM platforms you’ll likely hear about (and maybe even use) during your legal career:

Clio: Designed specifically for law firms, Clio combines CRM features with billing, document management, and scheduling tools. It’s widely used in firms of all sizes.

MyCase: Known for being intuitive and client-friendly, MyCase makes it easy for lawyers to collaborate with clients, manage deadlines, and organize documents securely.

Zoho CRM: While not legal-specific, Zoho is highly customizable. Law firms often adapt it for client intake, task automation, and tracking leads or referrals.

What to Consider When Evaluating Legal Tech

As a law student interested in innovation, it’s not just about knowing which platforms exist—it’s about asking the right questions:

  • How do these tools support ethical, efficient legal practice?
  • What types of law benefit most from automation and CRM systems?
  • How does technology impact client experience, access to justice, and firm economics?
  • What role will you play as a future lawyer in choosing, using, or improving legal tech?

These are the kinds of questions TI:GER students explore—alongside engineers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.

The Bigger Picture: Tech Skills for Tomorrow’s Lawyers

The legal field is evolving fast, and lawyers who understand business and technology are leading the way. At TI:GER, we believe legal education should prepare you for this reality.

From CRMs to AI, from IP strategy to startup advising, our program bridges the gap between the classroom and the real world—training law students to think like innovators, not just practitioners.

Ready to Explore the Future of Law?

If you’re a law student interested in the intersection of technology, innovation, and legal practice, the TI:GER program at Emory University is designed for you. Whether your path leads to private practice, legal tech, or entrepreneurship, we’ll help you build the skills to lead in tomorrow’s legal landscape.

Learn more about the TI:GER program today—and discover how we’re shaping the next generation of tech-savvy, business-minded lawyers.