Page 12 - Dallas Vol 6 No 1

STEVE SOWERS | Legal Technology
5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Legal Tech
Product
With so many legal technol- ogy product options, the question for law rms is no longer, “Do I invest in legal technol- ogy?” Instead, attorneys are asking themselves, “How do I narrow my options to ensure we choose the right technology for our business?”
Most aspects of legal administra- tion can be automated, from billing and hour-tracking to discovery and contract design. Savvy attorneys no longer see technology as a series of individual purchases; they know that successful law rms will incorporate technology in their long-term strate- gies.
Here are 5 ways to evaluate new legal products and their t for your business.
1. How does this Software help us Serve our Clients?
Technology providers claim their products save you time (and therefore money) and those savings are passed to your clients through less expensive services and more individual atten- tion. is is a one-size- ts-all ap- proach. When investigating a new so ware, visualize all the ways your clients will bene t. How much time will it take before your clients will notice your increased speed or better service? Will this technology increase the number of services you can pro- vide? Will this technology help you meet the demands of clients? e next time you consider a provider’s so - ware solution, make sure the technol- ogy ts into your rm’s strategy and that it helps to create a better client experience.
2. Does the Technology Empower our Clients?
It doesn’t mat- ter how great your product is if you don’t focus on what the con- sumer wants. An
attorney’s services may be stellar, but the cost and method of delivery com- bine to shape how a consumer feels about their purchase. Today, Apple is considered one of the most innovative companies. While designing the iPod, Apple gave consumers power by al- lowing them to buy individual songs and receive them instantaneously. Apple believed that consumers would value the ability to purchase songs on an individual basis and the iPod is the end result from the application of that belief. Like Apple in the mu- sic industry, how can technology help attorneys give power back to their potential clients? Details about laws, forms, and fees are free. e value rms provide is their advice and the value given to the client for applying that advice. e value of technologies like the Oh Crap App and Shake is accessible information. However, be- cause they are not attorneys the app designers cannot give advice, they can only provide information.
Successful rms are nding solu- tions to clients’ demands by leverag- ing their valuable advice in conjunc- tion with innovative technology part- ners.
3. Who are Champions of Technology?
Some attorneys and paralegals leap at the chance to use better so - ware. ey are your champions, and they are critical to making technol- ogy work within your rm. Empower these champs by including them in a technology task force. While this group will help evaluate technology before purchase, the real value comes during implementation. And, just like there are champions, there will be plenty of resistance. Having a group of peers teaching and encouraging late adopters will make sure your technol- ogy investment isn’t wasted and that everyone ends up on the same page. Whether you’re the champion or the
partner looking to push your rm in a more digital direction, it could be bene cial to implement a rm-wide commitment to technological invest- ment. With so many improvements at the ngertips of other attorneys, your rm can’t a ord to ignore innovative technology partners. e most suc- cessful rms in the long run will be those that continually become faster, leaner, and more integrated with the technologies on which their clients depend.
4. Does this Technology Power our Brand?
When it comes to the long-term success of your practice, brand recog- nition is key. Currently, there are few legal tools that promote your brand in addition to providing you a digi- tal platform. Consider how technol- ogy helps you compete. Does it help you provide your services, or are you outsourcing the work entirely? While each tactic has its merits, retaining the credit in the mind of your clients will protect you as more transactional legal services become available.
5. Is this Technology designed for Law Firms?
For many practice management tools, the answer seems an obvious yes. However, some providers mar- ket in a variety of industries. While this does not discount a solution, you should make sure the features have been optimized for you, your team, and your speci c tasks as attorneys and paralegals. e more experienced a team is with helping attorneys spe- ci cally, the more they can tailor the platform training and onboarding experience for a law rm. Technology solutions will continue to improve for law rms and for consumers. Is your rm leveraging technology and leading the innovation of how legal services are delivered or is your rm resisting change?
Steve Sowers is the VP of the Trusted Advisors Group at Legalinc Corporate Services, Inc., a Dallas-based SaaS company that delivers technology solutions for corporate law practices. Legalinc is the leading provider of tech- nology-driven registered agent, entity management, and compliance for law rms. Steve lives in Frisco, TX with his wife and three children. When not working, you can nd Steve cheering on his kids and volunteering as a league director for Frisco Soccer Association. Steve can be reached at 972-865-7425 and at [email protected]
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