High-quality IT is essential for the modern business. But IT solutions and services are not always perfect, especially regarding matters of security, privacy, and data management, a prevalent element in the legal industry.
For law firms, there are plenty of concerns, and here are the top ten priorities for IT in the legal industry:
1. Proper budgeting. Understanding the type of capital required for IT is challenging, especially in law. It’s better to have IT that is future proof as opposed to reactive. An example would be having enough server space instead of reacting by only increasing space when the available room runs out.
As such, budgeting for these long-term investments, along with required IT tech and staff, is a big challenge for legal firms.
2. Internet over physical. Many legal firms still meet their clients in person, but it can help to consider the potential of videoconferencing. IT should accommodate the latter to expedite the flow of work and ease of communication between firm and client.
3. Mobile technology. The use of mobile technology is widespread because of its convenience and power. However, when used by a law firm, it involves its own costs and risks. There are security measures to adapt to and regulations to abide by when using mobile tech for legal practices. This is something legal IT teams must be prepared for.
4. Security. While mobile security is its own challenge, in the legal industry, IT faces new challenges with a modernizing world regarding traditional security methods. Law teams must keep their client information safe, so IT must responsibly protect this data from the nuanced and advanced threats occurring on a daily basis.
5. Staff. IT experts, especially in law, are necessary for success in the industry. Law firms, however, may face challenges as experts are harder to find and always in high demand.
6. Technology literacy. IT are prepared with technology, but part of having a strong IT department is educated staff who know all about new methods, software, and apps relating to said tech. This literacy is required to maintain secure measures and abide by regulations.
7. Use of cloud computing. Legal IT making use of cloud computing services brings in a new layer of capabilities and potential. However, there are also challenges that come along with cloud computing related to capital needed, security, and how well it integrates with the goals of a legal firm.
8. Lack of change. IT and cybersecurity are major components of success for a modernizing legal firm. However, one major hurdle for law firms is that some may not change at all and attempt to stay static in an industry that is rapidly shifting.
9. File management. Though it sounds banal, transferring files from the physical to digital is a huge hurdle for IT. The importance of maintaining digital client information is important for streamlined access, but brings its own risks concerning security and storage.
10. Social media management. IT should be ready to employ and secure social media platforms to build brand strength and invite new clients to the law firm. Law firms who manage their social media teams well will have an edge over the competition.
