The Lawmatics Blog

As the world continues to undergo rapid technological advancements, the legal industry has not been left behind (although some lawyers may wish it was). With emerging new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, many people have started considering what legal software might mean for the legal profession’s future.Most lawyers recognize the productivity and efficiency gains brought about by legal technology. To successfully practice law today, they need practical lawyering skills and technological savvy. However, Bloomberg Law’s Spring 2023 Law School Preparedness Survey, which included 936 practicing attorneys, revealed some interesting insights. Time management, professional writing, client communications, and interactions, as well as issue spotting and analysis, are highly valued skills for new attorneys. Surprisingly, the survey found that legal tech, data literacy, and legal operations don't enjoy the same level of recognition and importance."

Perhaps these established attorneys assume that law students and newly-minted lawyers learn what they need to know about tech in law school, but this is not typically the case. Only eight percent of second and third-year law students surveyed by Bloomberg reported taking a legal tech class.While it might seem reasonable to think that today’s lawyers correspond with each other through two-way messaging software, use predictive analytics to drive their decisions, and handle their cases with client relationship management (CRM) systems, the reality is often very different. In some settings, lawyers still work the same way they have for decades—with paper calendars, legal pads, and Post-It notes.Despite the low-tech reality, most lawyers recognize the need for change. Nearly 90% of the respondents to Bloomberg Law’s 2022 Legal Ops + Tech Survey said that “legal tech is important to meeting client demands and improving legal services.” Legal technology and innovation are revolutionizing the practice of law and reshaping the future of the legal profession by allowing firms to improve operations, enhance client service, maximize budgets, and help ensure a profitable outlook.

Is legal technology the future?

Yes, legal technology has already transformed the field and continues to grow as more and more adopt these toolsWhy is legal tech growing? In addition to promoting greater efficiency and productivity, legal technology is also driving an industry-wide shift towards more flexible and convenient legal service delivery, which increases access to justice and benefits all parties involved. Some key trends and developments in the legal tech industry include:

1Automation and AI

Legal tech companies increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to streamline repetitive tasks, such as document review, contract analysis, and legal research.

2eDiscovery

Electronic discovery (eDiscovery) tools continue to evolve, enabling legal professionals to manage large volumes of electronic data more efficiently during investigations and the discovery phase of litigation.

3Online legal services

The rise of online legal service platforms provides tools for creating legal documents, accessing legal advice, and even dispute resolution.

4Blockchain

Blockchain technology can enhance security and transparency in legal processes, including smart contracts and document authentication.

5Cybersecurity and data privacy

Due to the sensitive nature of legal information, the legal tech sector is increasingly focused on cybersecurity and data privacy.

6Collaboration tools

Legal professionals are adopting cloud-based solutions and collaborative tools to enhance communication and workflow efficiency among legal teams.

7Regulatory compliance

Legal tech addresses the growing complexity of regulatory compliance by offering solutions that help businesses stay updated and compliant with evolving requirements.

8Legal analytics

Data analytics in the legal field provides insights into case outcomes, litigation trends, and legal strategy optimization.The legal tech industry is experiencing significant growth and innovation, and Gartner forecasts that 12 percent of in-house legal budgets will be dedicated to legal tech by 2025.

What technology do lawyers use?

Successful lawyers use technology to work more efficiently and securely in an increasingly remote workplace. Here are some common examples of legal technology software used by today’s lawyers:

• Practice management platforms. Systems like Practice Panther offer robust tools designed to make managing and billing cases faster and easier.
• Software as a Service (SaaS). Software-as-a-Service programs like Microsoft 365 provide tools like Word, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and more.
• Word processors. Google Docs, a word processor similar to Microsoft Word, is a good option for attorneys whose work requires collaboration.
• Messaging apps. Platforms like Kenect allow users to directly sync contacts into the system, view a log of text conversations in real-time, and trigger messages based on case status.
• Online payment technology. Lawyers utilize software solutions like LawPay to issue invoices electronically and facilitate online payments.
• Marketing software. Pre-screening marketing software like Lawbrokr standardizes how law firms screen incoming traffic and qualify new leads.
• Video conferencing platforms. Attorneys who want click-to-dial functionality and one-click video conferencing capabilities favor all-in-one platforms like RingCentral for voice and video meetings, team messaging, and collaboration.
• Electronic signature systems. Electronic signature (eSignature) platforms like DocuSign make signing documents faster, easier, and more secure for lawyers and clients.
• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. VoIP platforms like Corvum use an internet connection to offer texting and calling for attorneys in various practice areas and integrate with Clio practice management software.

Lawmatics integrates with these and other popular legal tech applications currently used by many firms. These legal software integrations allow lawyers to automate the repetitive tasks between apps and build a best-of-breed tech stack.

What are the new technologies in the legal field?

The global pandemic required justice systems to turn to technology to function. This transition enabled continued access to justice and required lawyers to adopt technology and embrace emerging technologies in the legal world. Some legal technology trends in 2023 include:

1Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)

ODR platforms enable lawyers to resolve disputes online without in-person meetings or court appearances to save time and money.

2Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

VR and AR technologies enhance legal education and training and provide clients with virtual experiences in areas like real estate and construction law.

3National Language Processing (NLP)

Automating speech or text via software allows legal professionals to gain the insight and scalability required to move quickly through large amounts of documents and data.

4Machine Learning (ML)

Initially used primarily for billing and invoicing, ML is now used to analyze vast quantities of court data to determine the next steps.

5Generative AI

Generative AI is a tool that is still in its infancy, and consequently, the more we learn, the more there is to understand. While Traditional AI aims to perform specific tasks based on predefined rules and patterns, Generative AI strives to create new data resembling human-created content.

Are lawyers likely to be replaced by AI?

No, not according to projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS predicts that the number of jobs for attorneys will grow by 10 percent from 2021-2031, faster than the average for all professions. In addition, many experts say AI has the potential to complement and expedite a lawyer’s work rather than replace it.Although AI tools for lawyers have significantly transformed the legal industry and continue to do so, the role of lawyers involves complex decision-making, interpretation of nuanced information, and human-centric skills that technology cannot replicate. Here are some reasons why legal technology will not replace lawyers:

• Legal expertise: Lawyers provide more than just legal services; they offer expertise, judgment, and the ability to navigate complex situations that involve interpreting laws, understanding the context of cases, and making strategic decisions.
• Advocacy skills: Effective advocacy and negotiation require communication, persuasion, and strategy—human qualities not easily replicated by technology.
• Client relationships: Building relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and providing legal counsel require human skills that involve empathy, emotional intelligence, and understanding of individual circumstances.
• Ethical and moral considerations: Legal practice often involves ethical and moral decision-making. Lawyers reach conclusions that go beyond a strict interpretation of laws, considering the broader impact on society, fairness, and justice.
• Adaptability: The legal landscape is constantly evolving, with changes in laws, regulations, and societal norms. Lawyers are trained to adapt to these changes, stay informed, and apply their knowledge to new and unique situations.
• Complex problem-solving: Legal issues are often complex, involving multifaceted issues that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Lawyers are trained to analyze problems, synthesize information, and develop solutions to complicated legal challenges.

While legal technology, including artificial intelligence and automation, can assist lawyers by streamlining specific tasks, improving efficiency, and enhancing legal research, it functions more as a tool to augment and support the work of lawyers rather than replace them.

How will technology change in the future for lawyers?

The legal profession has always been constantly evolving and adapting to societal changes. From the introduction of computers in the workplace to the rise of the internet, social media, and remote work, lawyers have had to adjust to new technologies to remain relevant. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that for lawyers, the future will involve adapting to new technologies.Because of AI and machine learning, legal research has become more efficient and accurate, meaning that lawyers can now access vast amounts of legal data in a shorter period and with greater accuracy than ever before. However, this does not mean that lawyers will become obsolete; instead, lawyers must become more skilled in using these tools to ensure they provide accurate information. For example, in May 2023, a New York judge imposed $5,000 fines on two attorneys who used fake citations and legal opinions retrieved on the AI website ChatGPT to help write court filings for an aviation injury claim.Legal technology also changes the legal profession by automating manual tasks with AI-powered software. Automation saves time and reduces the risk of human error, but it is not sophisticated enough to replace lawyers. Machines cannot replicate the interpretation of human language and the application of legal knowledge and expertise that human lawyers provide.Technology is also having a positive impact on the way that lawyers interact with clients. With the increased use of video conferencing and other online tools, lawyers can now offer their services to clients regardless of their location, making legal services accessible and affordable to those who may not have been able to obtain them.

Do lawyers need technology?

Yes, technology has become an integral part of the legal profession. Law firms embracing technology increasingly rely on various tools to improve their efficiency, productivity, and delivery of legal services. Here are some of the reasons why lawyers need technology:

• Greater efficiency: Legal technology can automate tasks that consume much of a lawyer’s time, such as document review, legal research, and timekeeping. Document management software, legal research databases, and e-discovery software can automate routine tasks to allow lawyers to focus on more complex legal work, helping firms to work more efficiently and increase billable hours.
• Enhanced customer service: Clients expect their lawyers to provide a modern and efficient experience. Client satisfaction and loyalty often increase when lawyers adopt legal technology to offer faster, more accurate, and cost-effective legal services.
• Competitive advantage: Law firms that invest in legal technology often outdo their competitors in terms of productivity, responsiveness, and innovation to attract and retain clients and increase their market share.
• Cost savings: Technology investments may require an upfront cost, but they often result in significant cost savings over the long term. For example, AI-powered legal research tools can decrease the time and expense that conventional research techniques require.
• Improved security: Legal technology employs robust security measures, including multi-factor authentication, encryption, and intrusion detection systems to combat cyber threats.
• Increased compliance: Legal technology can help lawyers comply with regulatory requirements by providing the best tools for lawyers to manage and track legal documents, deadlines, and other important information.

At a time when law firms face increased pressure to transform their business models, digital transformation in the legal industry enables them to be more efficient and innovative, redefine the value that lawyers provide, and help diminish barriers that keep many from accessing legal services.

Step into the future of the legal profession in the digital era with Lawmatics

Lawmatics is the #1 automation platform for law firms, offering legal client intake, CRM, marketing automation, billing, and much more, all in one easy-to-use software system.

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“Lawmatics is a well-designed and considered CRM, a rarity in legal tech. In my experience, most legal tech is outdated and cumbersome—so Lawmatics really stands out. It’s also surprisingly customizable, allowing you to add hundreds of custom fields with different types. Their automation builder is colorful and simple to use, allowing you to automate almost anything you'd need to do by hand in the tool. As a technologist who helps companies set up and use tools like this, I’m very impressed.”

— Giovanni S.

Technology is changing the legal field. With Lawmatics, law firms streamline their operations, engage and nurture clients, and grow their practices. To learn more about how our cutting-edge platform will prepare your firm for the future in a constantly evolving legal industry, get a demo today.

As 2023 comes to a close, let’s take a look back on some of the top game-changing tools and functionalities released in Lawmatics this year.Designed to push your practice towards higher profits and improved efficiency, these favorite features have been sourced directly from legal professionals of thriving firms with a broad spectrum of practice areas.

1An intuitive user experience

Create From Within was a complete reinvention of our UX (user experience). This revolutionary feature gives users the ability to create any asset or object in Lawmatics from the very place that you intend to use it. It’s just one example of this year’s focus on making Lawmatics easier to build AND use in the day-to-day.

Need to send a new email to Contacts? Now you can create the email right from within the email select menu. Have a new Contact that needs to be added as a relationship to a Matter? Now you’re able to create that Contact right from the Add New Relationship section of a Matter. Anything and everything that you build and add to Lawmatics can be created without navigating to another screen!

2Create better emails with LM[AI]

Earlier this year, we made a groundbreaking announcement: the launch of LM[AI], our very own artificial intelligence generative text tool. With LM[AI], drafting client emails has never been easier — you can do it in seconds. Simply click on the AI button, provide a prompt, and watch as LM[AI] composes a full-length email, complete with merge fields.

You have full control over the generated text, as you can manually edit it to your liking. Additionally, you can instruct LM[AI] to make edits itself, whether it's adjusting the tone to be friendlier or more formal, or rephrasing the content. From nurturing leads to check-ins and promotions, LM[AI] will ensure your email campaigns are engaging and captivating.Click here to learn more about LM[AI] and why it won the LegalTech Breakthrough Award for AI Innovation of the Year.

Tasks

3Manage your Tasks with kanban board

This year we gave the Tasks dashboard the same pipeline visualization you know and love. You can now drag and drop Tasks across your sequence of statuses in the kanban view. With the help of custom Task statuses, this feature helps to keep your Tasks more organized than ever.

Learn more about custom task statuses here.

4Save time with Recurring Tasks

Stay on top of your to-dos with this year’s new Recurring Task capabilities. Create a Task as you normally would – either by itself or within an Automation – then select a custom recurring schedule (monthly, weekly, every 3 days, etc.). When the first iteration of the Task is completed, the next Recurring Task will be created with the same name, description, subtasks, status, priority, and assignee.

5Stay better informed with Task mentions and comments

To ask questions, request extra information, or offer insight on a particular action item, you can now add comments to Tasks. Each comment is logged within the Task along with the name of the commenter, the date, and time for future reference. Want to leave a comment that pertains to a specific colleague? Simply use the @ sign to select any of your users to be tagged in the comment.

Read more about Task comments and mentions here.

6Increase specificity with advanced conditional logic

You can now take your data analysis to the next level by using advanced conditional logic to combine multiple criteria. Available in reports, Automations, documents, and more, you can now layer both “and” and “or” conditions to uncover hidden insights, track trends, and make data-informed decisions. Whether you're running campaigns or segmenting clients, this feature gives you unparalleled control.

Click here to learn more about advanced conditional logic.

7Clean up your CRM by merging Matters

This year, Lawmatics made it easier than ever to deal with the inevitable duplicate entries in your CRM. If at any point you end up with a duplicate Matter, Contact, or Company you can simply click the Merge button on the to combine two entries. Any conflicting fields can be reconciled with the option to overwrite a duplicate Matter’s data.

Driven by user requests, this new feature keeps your pipeline accurate and tidy. Click here to learn more.

Appointments

8Automate efficiently with built-in appointment confirmation

Scheduling and confirming consultations is an essential part of your intake process. While you may be accustomed to using an Automation to confirm or remind clients of their appointments, this year we made this process even easier by adding Confirmations messages as a default function — no need to build a dedicated Automation. Navigate to the Appointments section of the Settings menu and you’ll have the option to create a Custom Email and/or SMS template for confirming each of your various appointment types. This confirmation will be sent automatically at the time the appointment is scheduled.

Learn more about appointments in Lawmatics.

9Schedule meetings around your host availability

Automatic scheduling continues to be a fan-favorite feature among Lawmatics users. This latest update gives you availability options when booking for multiple hosts. Use the “All” option when both hosts must be available for the meeting, or use the “Any” option to showcase the soonest individual availability among the multiple hosts. You will find this option on your booking forms as well as custom forms.

Click here to read up on booking forms.

10Bring people together with event management

So many customers have told us they attract new business by hosting webinars, seminars, luncheons, and other events to engage potential clients. We heard you loud and clear – that’s why we’re still so excited for this year’s event management feature.

With event management, users can set up different event types (like webinars or luncheons), easily create and promote an event, and collect registrants. We’ve added a setting for built-in confirmation and reminder emails, and you’ll find a new entry condition to Automations to trigger a custom workflow when someone registers for your event. No matter how your firm brings people together, you can do it all in Lawmatics.Learn more about using this exciting new feature here.

Messaging Updates

11Simplify client communication with the Message Center

This year we said hello to the Lawmatics Message Center, your all-in-one dashboard for tracking and managing client communication. Stay on top of your inbox with centralized client messages — spanning texts and Client Portal interactions — in a single organized hub. You can filter and sort messages, and even set permission levels for which messages your staff can view. With this powerful feature, staying connected to your clients is hassle-free.

Learn how to get started with the Message Center.

12Tailor your texting with multiple SMS numbers

Your firm can now send text messages using multiple phone numbers via Lawmatics. If your firm has a presence in multiple geographical areas, this feature ensures you can reach out to clients with an area code that feels local, trustworthy, and familiar. To activate this feature, simply email us at support@lawmatics.com and let us know what area code(s) you would like to add.* Once enabled, you can start connecting with each client a bit closer to home.

This release is accompanied by a new Firm SMS Number field, allowing you to manually select which phone number to use for each contact. Learn more here.*Note: Additional fees apply.

13Reply to client emails without disrupting workflow

We live to make your day-to-day tasks easier. This year’s email Quick Reply feature does just that. When viewing emails logged on a Contact or Matter’s activity timeline, this new button allows you to write and send a quick response without disrupting your workflow. Emails generated from this button will go right to your client as part of the existing email thread.**

**Note: In order to use this feature you must have your Mail Sync set up and the Send from Outbox option enabled.

14Improve your outreach strategy with email validation

Earlier this year we released our new email validation feature, allowing you to validate a new contact’s email address prior to sending them anything. This functionality gives you the opportunity to correct any grammatical errors while ensuring contacts don’t miss out on any important emails from your firm. Additionally, we’ve incorporated an option for all email Automation actions, allowing you to decide whether an invalid email address should fail the Automation or be skipped over. Just choose Skip if Target has Invalid Email when building the Automation if you do not wish for an invalid email to fail the Automation.

Learn more about sending emails via Lawmatics here.

Conflict Checking

15Streamline conflict checking with flexible terms

We understand that exact matches are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to conflict identification. That's why our enhanced system now closely examines flexible search term matches as well as Contact relationships on Matters, ensuring that you have a holistic view of potential conflicts. Seamlessly navigate the complexities of your clients' networks, uncover connections, and make informed decisions that safeguard your firm's reputation and ethics. In 2023 we said goodbye to missed connections and hello to a more comprehensive approach to identify potential conflicts that may have been previously overlooked.

16Refine conflict checks with multiple search terms

After introducing flexible search terms in our August release, we also made your conflict check search even more dynamic and inclusive with multiple search terms. Users can now use this feature to create an ‘And’ or ‘Or’ relationship between multiple terms. This will include more relevant data in your search by significantly broadening your conflict check results.

Learn how to conduct more thorough conflict checks here.

17Fine-tune your sales cycle by tracking time in stage

Tracking time isn’t just for billing — it’s instrumental in unlocking the power of data-informed decision making. This year’s new Time in Stage feature allows you to automatically log the duration of time each of your leads spends in each stage of your firm’s Pipeline(s). With this new capability, you can easily identify bottlenecks or delays in your sales cycle. Armed with these insights, you’ll be able to fine-tune your processes and make informed changes that simplify your client journey, ultimately accelerating conversions.

Click here to learn how to start tracking time in a stage.

18New display options for true/false custom fields

Custom fields have always been a staple of the Lawmatics CRM, so why not introduce further customization options? With this feature you can now select from three different display options for your true/false fields: toggle (previously the only option), a checkbox, or a picklist displaying options of “Yes” and “No”. Select the option that is best suited for each custom field to give your clients the best possible experience when filling out your intake forms.

We also introduced the option for true/false fields to be designated as either Required or Required To Be True. This gives you the flexibility to enforce the selection of a ‘true’ or ‘false’ answer - particularly when a ‘false’ response would result in disqualifying a potential lead.

Click here to learn more about custom fields.

19Unlock internal visibility with User Activity Timelines

Earlier this year we met the User Activity Timeline, a dynamic tool that brings enhanced oversight and collaboration to your law firm. With this exciting addition, administrators can access a comprehensive view of each user’s activities, presented in a timeline format. From Matter updates to Task completions, client interactions to internal collaborations, this feature empowers administrators to stay informed and ensure optimal productivity across the board.

Learn how to use the User Activity Timeline here.

20Build more robust integrations with Zapier

This year we added several new Lawmatics Zapier App enhancements to help you further redefine your workflows. Previously, users were limited to syncing Contacts and Matters through Zapier. Now, we’ve enabled the syncing of Companies across applications. This update simplifies data management, ensuring uniformity and consistency throughout.

Access the Lawmatics Zapier App.

Conclusion

As we bid farewell to 2023, we thank you for reminiscing with us about all that the Lawmaticians have innovated for you throughout this year. We have spent countless hours talking to you, our passionate customer, and listening to your feedback.Each of these new tools and functionalities, meticulously crafted to propel your practice towards increased profitability and streamlined efficiency, has been a joy for us to create – and we hope a joy for your firm to use. As we conclude this year's journey, our team here at Lawmatics looks forward to setting our sights on another year of enriching the evolution of legal technology.

Santa made his list, checked it twice, and decided to bring everyone a batch of stellar new features courtesy of the Lawmaticians. Read on to learn all about the sleighload of goods coming your way – no coal, just digital cheer.

Collect e-signatures directly from your client’s phone

Lovers of SMS and automation rejoice! This feature merges the best of both worlds: effortlessly automate e-signature requests via SMS alone, no email address validation needed. When you trigger a signature request via an Automation with the Send as Text option, your client will receive their document as an SMS. This way you can be sure you’re getting documents signed, even if the client doesn’t have an email address.

Learn more about e-signature here.

Optimized conflict checks (yet again!)

After other recent updates to conflict checking – including multiple conditions and flexible search terms – we’re taking conflict checking up another notch. Users can now refine each individual search to results that are either an exact match of the search terms or simply contain the search terms. In addition, conflict checks that yield more than 50 results can be downloaded as a CSV file for easier review. Lawmatics is on a mission to make your conflict checks as efficient and simple as possible, and this latest update does just that!

Beef up your custom reports by adding trust balance fields

For our Time & Billing users: you can now easily view trust balance fields directly in your custom reports. Create the exact report you need to see with a variety of fields to choose from, such as Matter Total Trust Balance, Allocated Trust Balance, and Unallocated Trust Balance. As with all Lawmatics custom reports, they can be exported and/or automatically emailed to you on a set interval.

Maintain detailed trust account records with new Withdraw from Trust option

Another new feature for our Time & Billing system: your trust accounts now come with the ability to log withdrawals. Simply navigate to a particular trust account – either from a Matter or the Trust Accounts page – and click the Withdraw from Trust button. The activity will be logged and the trust balance updated. Now, your records are even more precise.

Not using LMPay yet? Email us at support@lawmatics.com to get started.

Keep clients in the loop with trust fund payment receipts

On the heels of our recent update allowing customized invoice receipts, you can now do something similar with trust fund payments. When requesting trust funds via manual input or online payment, simply click the Send Receipt button to make sure your client receives a record of their transaction, creating a more convenient experience for both you and your client.

As always, we love your feedback and encourage you to reach out with any questions or suggestions. Thank you for being a valued member of our community. Together, we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible for law firms.Sign in or sign up to get started with Lawmatics today.

Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere these days, and it's definitely becoming a regular part of legal software, presenting law firms with advantages and risks that require consideration. Legal AI tools can significantly enhance law firm efficiency by rapidly analyzing document sets, automating workflows, and knocking out tedious tasks. Though not without some risks, AI thoughtfully deployed can prove transformative, allowing your firm to work more efficiently and deliver great client service.

What is the role of AI in the legal profession?

As AI capabilities progress, these tools promise to bring greater efficiency, speed, and optimization to law firms. By automating time-intensive tasks, AI enables staff to focus on high-value strategic work.Law firms can leverage AI while establishing clear boundaries around its application. With proper training and oversight, legal professionals can harness AI to optimize operations and research while upholding rigorous professional and ethical standards. The smart approach is to view AI as a tool that can supplement, but not replace, skilled legal expertise.

Advantages and disadvantages of AI in your law firm

Integrating AI into legal practice presents opportunities and risks that require careful evaluation. Collaborative AI tools, like LM[AI], are designed to augment and manage office workflows. These AI tools can streamline client relations, billing, and back-office functions, enhancing service delivery without ethical concerns. Tools like this present a lower risk profile as they have work based on feedback from your team in setting it up.Extractive AI tools, which are applied to legal research and eDiscovery, carry inherent risks due to their reliance on the data they analyze. If the underlying data is biased, the AI's outputs could potentially perpetuate these biases. For tools like this, your team needs to have high engagement in validating the output for accuracy.Generative AI tools pose the highest risk, especially when producing sensitive legal documents. The confidentiality of client information and the integrity of the content generated can be concerning. Errors or biases in generated documents could have significant legal and ethical ramifications. Therefore, generative AI requires meticulous scrutiny and a robust framework to safeguard against data misuse and maintain client confidentiality.

Rethinking AI’s impact on legal roles

With all of the media attention and fearmongering around AI, it's natural to worry if it threatens to automate legal jobs, making us wonder: will AI eventually replace lawyers? But the reality is that AI empowers legal services - it doesn't replace them.AI excels at tackling repetitive tasks, enabling workers to focus on relationship-building with clients, crafting persuasive arguments, and exercising judgment and strategy.Okay, so will AI replace paralegals? Well, again, AI is transforming legal work itself, freeing up skilled paralegals into strategic roles. With knowledgeable guidance, AI can work in tandem with legal teams - not displace them.

How can lawyers use AI ethically and effectively?

As artificial intelligence tools become increasingly prevalent in the legal industry, lawyers and law firms must implement comprehensive strategies for the responsible adoption and utilization of these technologies. A prudent approach entails thorough risk assessment, extensive training and education, and the development of clear policies and oversight procedures.

1Risk assessment and due diligence

• For collaborative AI systems that seek to enhance workflow and productivity, firms must thoroughly evaluate each tool's security features, ability to safeguard sensitive client information, and potential operational risks. Careful scrutiny is necessary to ensure these technologies integrate smoothly into daily operations without compromising confidentiality or legal ethics.
• When utilizing extractive AI for legal research or eDiscovery, the provenance and quality of the underlying data sources and algorithms require careful vetting to avoid introducing bias or other defects into the legal work product.
• Given the associated risks, using generative AI to produce legal documents warrants the highest due diligence level. Training data and algorithms should be meticulously examined for quality and bias. Ongoing auditing of generative AI outputs is essential to guarantee accuracy, maintain confidentiality, and align with professional ethics and obligations.

2Training staff and knowledge building

• All staff who touch the software must receive training on that software. In addition, it may make sense to train staff on foundational concepts underlying the technologies. Developing this knowledge is key to identifying potential issues, and enabling the judicious use of AI.
• Work with staff to seamlessly integrate current workflows while retaining the human touch in client interactions.
• Create validation tests for any extractive or generative AI tool so that your team is testing and sampling batches of results.

3Policy development and ethical oversight

• Law firms should create clear policies governing the appropriate applications of AI technology within the organization to promote quality control and client confidentiality.
• Policies should be comprehensive and provide guidance on the appropriate uses of AI, ensuring that the technology supports rather than supersedes lawyers' professional judgment.

AI stewardship is paramount. With deliberate adoption strategies centered on risk assessment, education, and policy development, lawyers can leverage AI to enhance legal services while adhering to professional duties. Any potential disadvantages of AI in a law office can be mitigated

What is the future of AI in law

While AI has the potential to transform the legal industry by automating tasks and increasing efficiency, legal professionals must invest time in understanding and leveraging these technologies.If you're ready to explore how AI tools like Lawmatics LM[AI] can transform your firm's operations and marketing, contact us today for a demo.

The investment in the legal technology market has profoundly impacted the legal industry over the last few years. The use of tech in law firms has increased from advances in AI-powered solutions to the proliferation of practice-specific tools like contract lifecycle management tools or practice management software to operational tools like CRMs and billing software.The market size of legal tech is ballooning, underscoring the demand for innovative legal software and its growth potential. This growth signifies a pivotal shift towards the future of legal technology, reshaping client engagement, business operations, and delivery of legal services. Working smarter, not harder, means embracing technological advancements.

What is the legal tech industry?

Technology has profoundly impacted how legal professionals operate, transforming workflows and processes across the board. This rapidly expanding market includes the following:

• Practice management software: Solutions for centralizing client data, calendars, tracking deadlines, documents, tasks, and details for legal matters in one platform.
• Document automation: Tools that generate customized legal documents like contracts, briefs, and forms from templates.
• eDiscovery platforms: Systems for efficiently searching, analyzing, and producing electronic information relevant to legal cases and discovery requests.
• Legal research databases: Comprehensive case law repositories, statutes, verdicts, filings, and other legal data to inform legal strategy.
• Contract lifecycle management: End-to-end platforms for streamlining contract drafting, editing, signing, validating, and monitoring processes.
• Legal billing software: Tools for time tracking, invoice generation, trust accounting, and getting paid faster.
• eSignature applications: Tools for secure, legally binding digital signing of official legal documents.
• Client intake software: Solutions to simplify client onboarding, communication, and client relationship management.

Additional legal technology

• IP management software: Tools to manage intellectual property like trademarks and patents
• Legal holds software: To automate the preservation of information for litigation
• Trial presentation software: For exhibits and documents in trials
• Litigation support software: For document and transcript management

How big is the legal tech industry?

The legal tech industry is a powerhouse, valued at around $23.45 billion globally in 2022. Fundamental shifts in delivering services fueled this growth. AI-driven tools, cloud platforms, and applications have transformed the landscape for legal professionals.And this market influence reaches beyond attorneys and law firms. It's democratizing access to justice through online dispute resolution, DIY tools, and legal advice apps.It's also transforming the justice system through streamlining court processes and making legal information more accessible for the public.

How big is the legal tech market in the US?

As tech continues transforming legal practice and public access, the US legal tech market appears poised for continued dynamic growth while currently representing around 7% of the total legal services marketLawyers are increasingly adopting new tools to manage the rising complexity of legal matters and client demands. Legal tech solutions like practice management software, eDiscovery platforms, and document automation provide greater efficiency and productivity. The automation of repetitive tasks enables lawyers, and legal professionals, to focus on higher-value work.

Is legal tech a growing industry?

Yes, legal tech isn't just growing—it's booming. The US exhibits remarkable growth trends and increasing tech adoption and innovation as legal professionals shift to AI-driven tools, cloud platforms, and legal software solutions. Here are 3 key trends that illustrate this legal tech surge in the US:

• The demand for tools that can automate repetitive tasks and workflows is high. Lawyers are seeking efficiency through legal technology.
• Integrating AI tools like natural language processing, predictive analytics, and machine learning into legal practices is accelerating. AI adoption is transforming how legal professionals approach research, analysis, and strategy.
• The usage of Legal Operations (Legal Ops) to centralize and optimize legal delivery is growing. Ops teams are leveraging technology and processes for enhanced coordination and oversight.

What are the benefits of technology in the legal field?

Legal technology offers transformative benefits that improve efficiency, insight, and access to legal services. Document automation, CRMs, and invoicing tools streamline firm processes. Client portals and mobile apps expand client communication and transparency. Remote collaboration technology facilitates flexible working and seamless client connections.Overall, the right solutions enable law firms to deliver better service quality and productivity, with 70% of clients preferring technologically-enabled offerings like online payments.

How much do law firms spend on tech?

According to the same ABA TechReport 2022, which analyzes findings from the ABA Legal Technology Survey, law firms are investing more in technology, but investment percentages vary.Law Firm SizeAverage Annual Hardware SpendOverall Tech Budget TrendSmall Firms (2-9 lawyers)$1,000 - $4,90056% increased budget in 2022Mid-Sized Firms (10-49 lawyers)17% spend $10,000 - $20,00013% spend $20,000+65% decreased budget in 2022. However, budgets are still rising overallAll Firms$11,514 average in 2022, up from $10,433 in 2021Tech budgets have increased over the last few yearsThe ABA report found that law firms have been steadily increasing their overall technology budgets in recent years, with this trend likely to continue as hardware costs rise and new legal tech emerges. However, the level of tech investment correlates to firm size, as small and mid-sized firms have different budgetary needs and capabilities when spending on technology.

Bringing your legal tech strategy into the future

The legal technology market continues to evolve rapidly, bringing innovations that boost efficiency and access for legal professionals and clients alike. As law firms increasingly embrace new tools and solutions, their tech investments and spending reflect this digital transformation.To future-proof your firm, leverage legal tech that goes beyond point solutions and provides an integrated approach. Lawmatics delivers a robust, all-in-one client relationship manager. Book a demo of Lawmatics today to learn how its legal-specific automation and workflows can propel your firm ahead.

Lawmatics announced today that its game-changing AI tool – LM[AI] – has won the LegalTech Breakthrough Award for LegalTech AI Innovation of the Year. The LegalTech Breakthrough Awards recognize the top technology companies, solutions and products in the legal technology industry today.LegalTech Breakthrough is part of the Tech Breakthrough organization, a leading global market intelligence and recognition platform for today’s most competitive categories of technology. Founded in 2014, Tech Breakthrough creates market intelligence and industry recognition programs for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to early-stage startups in today’s most competitive technology sectors.“As an attorney, my vision for Lawmatics is to create the tools I needed when I ran my own practice,” said Lawmatics CEO and Co-Founder Matt Spiegel. “LM[AI] is just one example of the way we’re innovating a new era of legal experience. We feel this award recognizes our team’s unyielding drive to refocus lawyers from executing mundane tasks to providing exceptional legal services for their clients.” LM[AI] was launched in June 2023 as an intuitive generative text tool to fundamentally transform how law firms execute marketing strategies and allocate resources. The email-drafting assistant writes suggested copy for plaintext emails, seamlessly incorporating personalized details. Users can easily refine the tone, choosing between a more formal or friendly approach. LM[AI] saves legal professionals valuable time and jumpstarts their creativity. Cutting-edge developments like AI are a cornerstone of Lawmatics’ vision for the future at the intersection of technology and the legal client experience. The #1 made-for-legal CRM has established its leadership of the smartfirm revolution with major milestone features, including automated conflict checking, event management, email and SMS message center, a scheduling payment gateway, and robust integrations with the tools legal professionals use every day. “We’re incredibly proud of what our engineering team has accomplished in streamlining workflows for legal professionals,” said Lawmatics CTO and Co-Founder Roey Chasman. “By marrying the power of AI and automation, Lawmatics is modernizing legal operations with an all-in-one CRM that automates archaic processes.”Lawmatics was previously recognized by the Breakthrough Awards as the Overall Case Management Company of the Year in 2022. Lawmatics has also been named as a 2023 Inc. Power Partner, and was awarded Product of the Year by Business Intelligence Group at the 2023 Sales and Marketing Technology Awards.