Notable Tech Trends and Related Legal Influence
As technology advances, so too must the legal industry — though as a general rule, the legal industry tends to lag behind when it comes to the adoption of new technologies and other innovations. In today’s tech-prolific society, the most successful attorneys are those who are not only capable of handling their current responsibilities, but who also keep apprised of various tech trends and how they are shaping the legal industry from top-to-bottom. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities at a firm or in-house, or simply interested in how to improve your prospects while at your current position, you should take some time to understand the technological landscape and identify those aspects that will be relevant to your legal career journey.
Let’s take a look at some prominent tech trends that industry observers believe will have a significant effect on the legal industry and opportunities therein.
Data Analytics
Though firms have been slow to pick up on data analytics technologies, in large part because many firms and legal departments have only moved to fully electronic and mappable data storage (i.e., not just scanned documents) in the past decade. There is undeniable power in being able to comb through troves of client data to identify important trends that might otherwise be invisible to the human eye, and to enable attorneys to conduct lightning fast precision-searches. At this point in time, firms and legal departments moving towards data analytics are innovative leaders in the industry and have made a conscious choice to spend on the infrastructure and training necessary to effectuate the value of such analytics. As such, when hiring, these firms tend to look for attorney candidates who demonstrate tech-savviness and an ability to adapt to novel processes in the workplace.
Cloud-Based Project Management
Cloud-based project management (i.e., Basecamp, Asana, and various legal-specific and firm-specific software) is more than just cloud storage, which many firms use as backup systems for their local storage needs. A well-built project management system that uses the cloud allows teams of attorneys to easily coordinate, even remotely — attorneys can setup and organize tasks (and sub-tasks), share data securely, and develop more efficient workflows that take into account the current progress of other members of the team.
Cloud-based project management software has seen quicker adoption in the legal industry, and attorney candidates who have demonstrated experience working through cloud-based project management software and the unique workflow challenges it represents are at an advantage vis-a-vis their peers.
Cybersecurity — Protecting Against Invasive Attacks
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities have been all over the news for the past few years, which has arguably slowed down the adoption of fully digital solutions in more conservative law firms and legal departments. The likes of Yahoo, Sony, Microsoft, and numerous other large tech companies have been hacked and the personal data of their customers revealed for the public. In the political arena, the Panama Papers leak (which originated from a law firm) has brought to light the confidential dealings of prominent firm clients and has jump-started a serious political conversation about widespread tax evasion.
Firms are serious about protecting their client’s data, and for good reason: a data leak could threaten the reputation of the firm and lead to years of client acquisition issues and potential liability. An attorney who can show that they are aware of cybersecurity and privacy best-practices will generally be at an advantage in the hiring process.
Legal Process Automation and Research Automation
Much fanfare has been made about advancements in artificial intelligence and automation of legal research (e.g. IBM Watson). Experts predict a substantial shift in the legal industry as the role of associates is infringed upon by creeping advancements in AI. The goal for AI in the legal context is to simplify the legal research process. Sufficiently advanced AI software, for example, could scan through thousands of cases and return a summary relevant to an attorney’s specific inquiry in less than a minute. Though AI is not yet at a level where it can be deployed as a service for law firms, deployment is inevitable. Associate attorneys looking to secure their position in the long-term are encouraged to develop their client-engagement skills and other critical soft skills so that their role is not threatened in the future by AI advancements.
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If you’re looking to transition to a new position, whether in-house or in Biglaw, you should speak with one of the Los Angeles legal recruiters here at Garb Jaffe & Associates. We have years of experience successfully placing attorneys with prestigious firms and legal departments across California, and will advise throughout the recruitment process to help you secure an ideal placement.
Call us today at (310) 207-0727 for a consultation.