For law firms looking to innovative and improve efficiencies there are a number of legal technologies which can drive business outcomes. But what are the top legal software trends for 2022 and beyond?
1. Cybersecurity
With law firms and local councils embracing remote working models in the long term, more cybersecurity threats have emerged than ever before. In 2022 improved cybersecurity will become a primary goal to safeguard legal data from online attacks, or from any unauthorised access. Cloud-based legal case management software with the most stringent security protocols is the best method to mitigate against any data breaches. Data protection and cybersecurity will continue to be a leading concern for legal organisations both domestically and across the globe.
2. Workflow Automation
Implementing legal workflow automation will be another leading software trend for 2022. In fact, according to Deloitte, 100,000 legal roles will be automated by 2036. Legal case management software serves to automate processes and tasks, making complicated legal processes easier to manage and more efficient. Whether it’s data-entry, client communications or document processes, rule-based logic is applied and law firms are rewarded with efficiencies.
3. Remote Time Tracking
With many law firms now managing a remote workforce, eyes will be falling firmly onto remote time tracking tools in 2022. Antiquated time-tracking systems will be thrown out in favour of simple time and expense tracking, which can be managed via a smartphone, tablet or desktop.
4. AI and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) platforms will continue to gain prominence in the legal industry over the next few years, since it is this technology which is leading the way when it comes to improving efficiencies and productivity for law firms. Firms of all sizes can reduce the administrative time spent on tasks, and processes such as contract and document management are streamlined via important innovations in AI legal case management software.
5. Optimised Reporting, Analytics and KPIs
Whether you’re an independent law firm, a large local authority or governmental organisation, insight into the management of your legal operations should be a top priority. Case management software provides optimised reporting tools, analytics and KPIs, which help users meet their goals and modify their working practices to become more productive and efficient. Looking to 2022 and beyond, law firms will be focused on tracking their KPI’s — a process which reduces risk by regularly running and scrutinising data within their ever-evolving systems.
The proportion of legal budgets spent on technology is set to increase drastically by 2025, according to a 2020 Gartner survey . This is because today AI and Machine Learning software enables law firms and local councils to drive smoothly automated legal processes. Try a demo of Lateral today, and experience our industry-leading software for yourself!