Trials, depositions, client meetings, and more — how has the legal industry prepared for the future of work? The pandemic changed the way businesses operate, and every industry faced unique challenges. But now, modern law firms are adapting to stay ahead of the curve.
According to Bloomberg law, 75% of employees in the legal industry were working from home during lockdowns. And as we emerge from the COVID crisis, Loeb Leadership found 67% of legal employees want the continued flexibility to work from home. Even more compelling, 37% of legal clients want their first meeting to be virtual. But as we picture traditional law firm offices and court rooms, is flexible work realistic?
The team at Bennett, Bigelow & Leedom said absolutely. They didn’t have the option to pause when the pandemic hit, and have since prepared for the future of law in a digital world. With the right technology, they are empowering their clients and law firm to connect and collaborate remotely. Featured in a recent webinar with the American Bar Association, Jennifer L. Moore, JD, and Heather Munday of Bennett, Bigelow & Leedom, explained how they’ve handled the switch.
3 Tech Considerations
Security
Bennett, Bigelow, & Leedom represents healthcare providers. With the added layer of HIPAA compliance and protecting patient health information, security was of the utmost importance. Security was always a consideration for law firms, but now it must be a priority not a nice-to-have. 29% of legal firms experienced a breach in 2020 and 43% of cyberattacks are targeted at small and medium businesses. If it’s only a matter of when, law firms need to be prepared for the worst to maintain business operation and reputation. Security considerations include:
- Password management, multifactor authentication, and single-sign-on (SSO)
- SOC Type II compliance for data protection
- Agile controls that give easy remote access for admins
Seamless Experience
Technology should make things easier. The right platform will let internal employees and clients get work done, while also maximizing billable hours. Law firms can use video conferencing to capture depositions, conduct interviews, prep clients for trial, and get automatic transcriptions and reporting. Platforms should be easy to join, record, and have full mobile access. It’s important to look for bundled solutions that provide a variety of integrations to streamline day-to-day activities.
Professional and Reliable Platform
The reputation of law firms is always at stake. A reliable platform is essential to ensure quality audio, video, and uptime.
Benefits of using a UCC solution
A UCC solution — or unified communication and collaboration — provides calls, meetings, and messaging on any device. While it might be a necessary platform to keep business moving when we can’t meet in person, it also provides new opportunities for law firms that they didn’t experience before.
Expand pool of experts
When trials are happening online, lawyers can expand their pool of expert witnesses when they don’t have to travel or testify in person. You’re no longer bound by local options for talent.
Minimize travel needs
Instead of getting on a plane and experiencing long travel days to work on one case, lawyers can do more and work more efficiently.
Optimize hiring and onboarding
Video conferencing makes training new staff more dynamic and straight forward. With screen sharing, recorded material, and streamlined scheduling, the experience of onboarding and growing the firm is better than ever.
Practice makes perfect
With legal proceedings trending online since the pandemic hit, it’s important to prep clients and witnesses for the real thing. Seeing how witnesses present on camera and in a virtual setting is very helpful when prepping a case.
Bennett, Bigelow, & Leedom is using GoTo Connect to do their best work from anywhere. GoTo Connect Legal is now available, tailored to address the needs of the legal profession by streamlining collaboration with clients and maximizing billable hours. Learn more at goto.com/legal-communication.