The legal sector has experienced many transformations over the last few years. Technology, a profession initially applied in a few industries, has now taken over the legal field and the global market. Technology helps make operations in law firms more manageable and more efficient. Before we look at the role of technology in the legal industry, let’s first understand what legal tech is.
What is Legal Technology?
Legal technology or legal tech refers to the technologies that make the provision of legal services more efficient. As a result, lawyers can achieve compliance and meet regulatory standards effectively, while clients can get justice through quick access to legal competence.
How Does Technology Affect the Legal Industry?
As mentioned earlier, technology has played a vital role in enhancing efficiencies in law practice. It has improved transparency between lawyers and clients since clients can monitor case progress. Here are a few areas of legal practice transformed by technology:
- Hearings
Thanks to modern technology, parties involved in cases can appear before court remotely. Virtual hearings helped courts reduce the backlog of cases during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020. The remote hearings have helped parties save on travel costs and other substantial court expenses. Attorneys can represent clients in various cases and can work in any court present in any part of the country.
- Research on Expert Witnesses
Most lawyers unknowingly waste a lot of time conducting background checks on expert witnesses. Even with the lengthy research, they easily miss essential details that can affect their cases. Thankfully, modern technology has brought legal research solutions to help attorneys access information about an expert witness’ legal involvement and specialist standing.
- Resource Management
Years ago, legal firms employed junior attorneys to gather, manage, process, and store documents or inform attorneys about their schedules. With calendaring and title management solutions, senior lawyers can assign legal tasks to junior lawyers. This helps legal firms effectively use resources (in this case, junior lawyers) to achieve better outcomes.
- Simulations
Computer simulations have helped courts determine the impact and scope of different scenarios, using solutions like ballistic determinations, accident reconstruction, and crime scene reenactments. Besides, computer-generated evidence has helped legal firms save resources on seeking expert witnesses. However, it is always essential for parties to determine whether the computer-generated evidence might be beneficial or distractive to their cases.
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