Five legal technology modernisation pitfalls

1. Lack of strategic planning

Some law firms rush headlong into adopting new technology without taking the time to define a clear strategy. This lack of purpose often leads to overbuilt systems that don’t address the firm’s actual needs. Instead of creating efficiency, workflows become overcomplicated, and teams resist using tools they don’t find useful.

Start with a comprehensive assessment of your firm’s current workflows, pain points, and goals. Engage key stakeholders—including practice managers, fee earners, legal cashiers, administrative staff, and IT teams—to ensure you choose solutions that align with your firm's needs. Define clear objectives for any new technology, such as improving billing accuracy or enabling remote collaboration. Once you have a roadmap, choose tools that integrate seamlessly with existing systems and scale as your firm grows.

2. Poor user adoption and change management

Modernising technology is not just about installing new systems; it’s about ensuring your team adopts and uses them effectively. A failure to manage change typically results in low user adoption, where employees default back to outdated methods and inefficient workarounds.

Successful change begins with team involvement from the outset. Engage staff during the initial stages of tool selection and design to encourage commitment. Once the technology is implemented, provide accessible training that accommodates different learning styles. Solutions with in-product guidance and interactive eLearning modules can help users learn at their own pace, ensuring they feel supported throughout the transition.

3. Choosing the wrong tools

The legal sector is rife with tools claiming to revolutionise operations, but not every solution is the right fit. Overly complex platforms or those that don’t integrate well with existing workflows can frustrate employees instead of empowering them. The result? Wasted budgets and disillusioned teams.

Focus on simplicity and usability when selecting new technology. Look for user-friendly tools that focus on improving specific legal processes, such as client onboarding, financial reporting, or compliance management. Platforms designed for the legal industry and integrated with widely used tools provide a familiar experience, reducing the learning curve. Additionally, adopting a centralised system for data and processes ensures all essential activities, from time recording to document management, can be handled seamlessly from one environment.

4. Neglecting data security and governance

The legal profession deals with sensitive client information, making data security and privacy a top priority. However, security is often neglected during technology upgrades, leaving firms exposed to cyber threats. Additionally, emerging tools like artificial intelligence (AI) demand thoughtful governance to ensure ethical use.

Begin by implementing technology with built-in security, like multi-layered encryption, access controls, and regular updates. A cloud-forward solution can provide proactive security monitoring, ensuring data safety while maintaining compliance with regulations such as GDPR or SRA standards. For AI-related technologies, establish clear governance frameworks for oversight, ensuring their operation aligns with ethical and regulatory requirements. The Ministry of Justice’s recent AI Action Plan highlights the importance of robust governance and ethical standards in AI adoption. Periodic audits of your systems can also help mitigate risks before they escalate.

5. Failure to measure and communicate success

Many firms adopt technology with grand ambitions but fail to measure whether it delivers on its promises. Without clear metrics, even successful projects can seem underwhelming, making it harder to secure buy-in for future modernisation efforts.

From the outset, develop a set of metrics to track the success of your technology, Set measurable goals from the start, focusing on tangible results such as time saved, fewer errors, or increased revenue. Track these metrics regularly to evaluate whether the technology is achieving its intended outcomes. Use dashboards that offer clear reporting on performance analytics, making it easier to communicate success across the firm. Sharing positive outcomes, such as improved client satisfaction scores or streamlined billing processes, fosters trust in the system and encourages continued use.

Modernising successfully

The modernisation of technology in law firms is a complex but worthwhile journey. By addressing these five pitfalls, your firm can unlock the full potential of its tech investments, ensuring streamlined workflows, enhanced security, and improved service delivery.

To aid this process, partnering with a trusted technology provider is paramount. OneAdvanced Legal is that partner, designed to centralise and simplify legal operations, offering integration, robust security, and scalable features tailored to law firms.

 With expert support and innovative tools, OneAdvanced Legal empowers firms to overcome challenges and fully realise their modernisation goals.