How Technology Will Change the Legal World

Advances in technology have completely changed the law industry and transformed many of its functions. Manual work has been replaced by machine intelligence and modern software that can speedily scan legal documents and streamline communications. Even research is now being carried out electronically using legal research databases. Law firm technology makes operations productive and narrows the scope of making mistakes. 

Changes brought by legal technology impacts the overall industry and the effects trickle down to lawyers. To survive this dynamic landscape, lawyers must be tech-competent and adapt to the new environment. Let’s further understand the deep influence that technology has brought in the law industry at length.  

Digital technology 

Traditional paper invoices are a thing of the past and have been replaced by e-billing and cyberspace with legal blogs and relevant law-related information that was earlier limited to large files. Electronic case management is used for storing and managing documents which has made keeping voluminous case files an easy process and accessing these files electronically through databases streamlines legal work. It also facilitates a detailed analysis of information and allows for effective tracking, searching, editing, and archiving. A strong advantage of law firm databases is the constant backup of all information. 

Data mining in law

Law technology today has taken many forms and one of them is data mining. A voluminous amount of data produced is digitized and firms have started to make use of this untapped resource to gain valuable insights. While still in the preliminary stages, this technology in the legal profession can bring tremendous changes. For one, it can impact how judges treat certain plaintiffs and can help find important evidence imperative to a case. 

Technology in the courtroom

Trials in the courtroom have been impacted by various forms of technology ranging from iPads to computer-generated graphics. The former is helping attorneys store a large amount of information and organize it to take notes, conduct legal research, and transcribe dictation. The latter is currently being used to present a more interactive experience while presenting evidence in the form of graphics. An example of this is using graphics to create imagery of human anatomy to represent a physical injury. 

Law automation 

A lot of low value, tedious, and repetitive legal work that was previously conducted manually is now handled through automation. This time-saving technology for lawyers also means that they need to get tech-savvy in this profession. The testing of automated NDAs by many legal firms is an indication of the future impact this technology will have in the field of law. 

Technology in legal decision making 

The use of AI (artificial intelligence) is being steadily introduced to take care of mundane issues. For instance, in cases of people contesting fines, the software can present clear facts to reach a verdict. In such cases, the stakes are low and mean that people don’t go to court cases over trivial issues. This also helps courts save time and resources over low-value cases so they can focus their attention on criminal proceedings. 

Flexibility 

Law and technology make for a great partnership as this bring a lot of work-flexibility. Lawyers are no longer restricted by physical spaces to perform many of their work functions and can easily carry out online legal research. This improves efficiency and gives professionals a better work-life balance. 

The advent of enhanced software allows lawyers to have 24/7 access to information and gives them the freedom to write summons remotely. 

Digital laws 

The expansion of digitalization has led to a surge of activities in cyberspace that needs to be supervised and regulated. Hence, a new branch of law and rules have been created to ensure no unlawful or criminal activity takes place in the digital world. 

Digital law enforces the usage of technology and online resources in an ethical manner and those who break this rule suffer legal ramifications. This can result in fines, serious penalties, or even a court proceeding. 

Having updated technological knowledge is important to stay relevant in the law industry. A programme like a Diploma in Law by London School of Business and Finance in Singapore with its rich curriculum will help you find a stable footing in this profession. The course is designed to offer future lawyers awareness on current legal issues and develop necessary skills in the process. Click on the link to learn more!