Future-proofing law firms: addressing the top five challenges of adopting new technology with Exizent
As technology continues to advance at an increasingly rapid pace, law firms across the UK are recognising the importance and benefits of adopting new technologies to enhance their operations and better serve their clients.
However, the adoption of new technology is not without its challenges. In Exizent’s latest article, Philip Nairn, Director of Revenue and Sales, explores the main obstacles confronted by firms and offers insight on effectively preparing for them when undertaking a new initiative.
- Resistance to Change
One of the primary challenges faced by law firms when looking to adopt new technology is resistance to change. Legal professionals who have been accustomed to traditional methods may be hesitant to embrace new tools and processes. Especially when these true and tested methods have survived the department well for many years. Overcoming this natural resistance requires effective change management strategies. Law firms should plan for comprehensive roll out and training programs, ensuring staff understand the benefits of new technology and why this is being adopted. Ongoing support (both internally and from the software vendor) is equally vital to ensure ongoing adoption and utilisation throughout the team. Enabling key users to be involved in the testing and selection process can prove to be a significant benefit, often acting as champions within their peer group.
- Cost Considerations
Implementing new technology often involves significant upfront costs, including software licenses, hardware upgrades, and staff training. These financial considerations can be challenging for law firms, especially smaller ones with limited budgets. To overcome this challenge, firms can explore various options such as cloud-based solutions and software-as-a-service (SaaS) models, which offer flexible payment plans and lower initial investment. Additionally, conducting a cost-benefit analysis can help law firms identify the long-term advantages and potential return on investment (ROI) of implementing new technology, making it easier to justify the upfront costs. Your prospective providers should be able to work with you in a test and trial period to help establish what potential ROI adopting a new system could deliver.
- Data Security and Privacy
Law firms handle sensitive and confidential client information, making data security and privacy a top priority. When adopting new technology, concerns about data breaches and unauthorized access can arise. To address these challenges, law firms should thoroughly evaluate the security measures offered by technology vendors, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001. Implementing robust data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits can help safeguard client information. Developing and implementing comprehensive data security policies and training programs for staff members is also essential to mitigate risks.
- Integration with Existing Systems
Integrating new technology with existing systems and workflows is often a complex process. Law firms may encounter compatibility issues, data transfer challenges, and resistance from staff members accustomed to established processes. To overcome this challenge, firms should conduct a thorough assessment of their existing infrastructure and workflows before selecting new technology solutions. Working closely with technology providers and seeking expert advice can help ensure seamless integration and minimise disruption to daily operations. Investing in training programs and providing ongoing support to employees during the transition phase is crucial to facilitate a smooth adoption process. Another consideration is the practical necessity of integration, this is often seen as a “must have” for any new 3rd party applications added to a firm’s technology stack, but in actuality this added complexity may very well not be needed as an increasing number of new platforms are designed to run in parallel with existing systems without the need for integration work.
- Technical Support and Maintenance
Law firms may face challenges related to technical support and ongoing maintenance of new technology systems. Issues such as software bugs, system updates, and hardware failures can impact productivity and efficiency. They can also significantly diminish the trust in new systems with users and result in a drop in adoption and use. To address these challenges, law firms should carefully evaluate the technical support offered by technology vendors, ensuring prompt and reliable assistance. Developing a strong partnership with technology providers and establishing service level agreements (SLAs) can provide peace of mind and ensure timely resolution of any technical issues. Additionally, implementing regular maintenance and backup procedures is essential to safeguard against potential disruptions and data loss.
While adopting new technology can present challenges for many law firms, overcoming these obstacles is crucial for staying competitive and delivering efficient services in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. By addressing the top challenges many legal professionals face in adoption, law firms can successfully navigate the process, ensuring a smooth transition to what will ultimately be a more efficient process. Embracing new technology not only streamlines workflows and enhances client satisfaction but also positions law firms for long-term success in the digital age.
With many legal platforms now available on the market, it can be difficult to determine the best solution for your company. At Exizent, we understand this and ensure that we work with you and your team, every step of the way, to encourage full adoption that will be of utmost benefit to the team. If you’d like to learn more about Exizent’s cloud-based software and how we can help improve your current processes, get in touch today.
