As the world continues to change and lawyers find themselves working remotely more often, it’s important to have the right tools in place to set your firm up for success. Technology has become increasingly important for lawyers, and this trend is not likely to disappear anytime soon.
After the worldwide pandemic triggered a year of change and obstacles for the legal profession, many lawyers are now operating in virtual reality—whether they work remotely part of the time or have fully embraced a virtual law firm.
The past year has seen a rapid increase in the use of technology by law firms, while individuals have also rushed to embrace it. According to Clio’s 2020 Legal Trends Report, 58% of customers feel that technology is more essential to them today than it was previously during the coronavirus pandemic. The shift toward remote employment is unlikely to cease once the pandemic has passed, according to the research. What does this signify for lawyers? It’s more essential than ever for lawyers to adopt technology and tools that aid remote work.
In this list, we’ll explore the top tech tools for lawyers in 2022, including eDiscovery tools, Practice Management Software, time tracking and billing solutions, legal research tools and client portals.
1) eDiscovery Tools
The field of eDiscovery is constantly evolving, and as a lawyer, you need to be aware of the latest tools and technologies to keep up with the competition. eDiscovery tools allow you to collect, review, process, and produce data in an electronic format.
There are several different eDiscovery tools on the market, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs. Some of the most popular eDiscovery tools include Relativity, kCura, Logikcull, and Everlaw.
2) Practice Management Software
As a lawyer, you’re likely wearing many different hats. You need a tool that can help you manage your caseload, billing, and deadlines. Practice Management Software is a tool that can do just that.
In 2022, legal practice management software will be an important tool for law firms, especially smaller ones. According to the 2020 Legal Technology Survey Report from the ABA, the use of practice management software was increasing among solo attorneys (from 1% to 29% in 2020) and firms. In fact, the proportion of individuals who use practice management software rose 2% in the last year, to 45% for law firms with 2-9 attorneys.
Although many legal firms may have taken on cloud-based software as a consequence of the pandemic, it appears that they will continue to do so in the future. According to the 2020 Legal Trends Report, 96% of lawyers plan to use practice management software after the epidemic.
3) Time Tracking and Billing Solutions
Time tracking and billing solutions are essential for any lawyer who wants to stay organized and efficient. These tools allow you to track the time you spend on each task and then generate invoices for your clients.
There are many different time tracking and billing solutions on the market, so it’s important to find the one that best suits your needs. Some of the most popular time tracking and billing solutions include Bill4Time and Xero.
4) Legal Research Tools
Lawyers need access to reliable legal research tools to help them win their cases. These tools allow you to search for cases, laws, and other legal documents.
Legal research tools enable you to quickly and easily find the information you need. In 2022, the most popular legal research tools will likely be those that are cloud-based and offer a wide range of resources. Some of the most popular legal research tools include Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Bloomberg Law.
5) Client Portals
A client portal is a secure, online space where you can share documents and communicate with your clients. Client portals are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a convenient way for lawyers and clients to stay in touch. LEGID is the perfect example of a client portal and case management system that leverages the latest AI-powered technology to facilitate communication between lawyers and clients. The result of this approach is genuinely remarkable. Imagine how much time and money you’ll save. As a legal expert explains, some practitioners have seen up to 58% more income and 50% more casework since they’ve started utilizing AI in their workflows.
During the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic, lawyers found that client portal software was particularly helpful, according to the aforementioned report. While a legal professional works remotely, using a client portal is beneficial in several ways. For one thing, it allows them to stay on top of their cases by providing access to all relevant documents and files they need without having to physically be in the office. In addition, client portals help to improve communication by providing a secure space for lawyers and clients to exchange messages.
The study discovered that firms that utilized client portals reduced caseloads by 5% in April, when the pandemic was at its height. In the following months, firms that used client portals outperformed those that didn’t by at least 2%, and there was positive development in June. When it comes to year-over-year revenue growth, firms that used client portals had significantly better results than those that did not.
Conclusion
There are many different types of legal software on the market, and each has its unique benefits. In 2022, the most popular legal software will likely be those that help lawyers manage their caseloads, track their time, and invoice their clients. Legal research tools and client portals will also be popular among lawyers.
In addition, LEGID is contributing to the legal tech industry by pioneering a new legal marketplace, client portal and case management system all in one that connects clients with top legal experts for quality, affordable consultations. LEGID App is always protected by our dispute system, so you can rest assured knowing that you’re getting the best possible service.
Visit our website to learn more about LEGID and how it can help you resolve your legal matter quickly and easily: https://www.legid.app