Key Legaltech Trends for 2022

The top key legaltech trends that we believe will shape the legal landscape in 2022

There is no doubt that the past few years have seen a notable surge in technology that has greatly changed the legal sphere. To keep pace with the competition, technology innovation (legaltech) and empathy have to take a front seat in your practice. The question that should be on every legal practitioner’s mind is, what’s next on the horizon? Here are the top key legaltech trends that we believe will shape the legal landscape in 2022.

1. Empathy comes first:

Do you know that by adding that human touch when clients reach out to you via phone, being readily available to answer questions and the ability to ease your client’s anxieties are important factors that will determine how you thrive in the legal field? According to Kate Winker, “Consumers are more wary and anxious than ever; they want quick responses to their concerns but in a compassionate and empathetic way”. Can your law firm have a more human face despite technology adoption? Definitely!

2. AI-Driven document management:

When we talk about an industry that depends on documents, the legal sector is not left out. Thanks to AI-driven document management software that put document control into legal practitioners’ hands, it is now very easy to keep up with documents of all types.

Contract management softwares, are already in the market revolutionizing how contracts are managed. This software has the ability to scan and read your scanned documents, and even sort them out. 2022 should see artificial intelligence implemented throughout larger firms. Firms that are encouraged to join this train as failure to do so may lead to being left behind.

3. Collaboration between law firms and clients:

Client portals according to Wikipedia are a type of collaboration tool that enables law firms and their clients to share instructions and documents, as well as to manage the progress of matters or projects through a shared and secure interface. Looking to the future we expect to see a greater emphasis on seamless collaboration and communication between the law firm and client.

The beautiful part is that the next generation of client portals are not limited to sharing of files or one-way communication flows towards collaborating in real-time and much more. In addition to providing greater transparency and enhancing effective communication and collaboration processes, it also facilitates client experience through customised intelligent intake forms and secure and integrated collaboration workspaces.

4. Leveraging on videoconferencing to serve client needs:

The pandemic brought about an increase in the use of videoconferencing and this method of communication will not become extinct, especially for clients who derive much pleasure in ease. Thus, you need to have at hand your video conference scheduling tools to make it a seamless experience for your clients and to present yourself professionally on that call.   

5. Embracing Cloud-Based Data Storage and data for profitability:

Keeping the vast amount of data organized in an efficient and accessible manner is a necessity. Thus, the importance of Cloud-based data storage for legal professionals cannot be over-emphasized. A recent survey by the American Bar Association survey revealed that 71% of legal departments and 75% of law firms plan to grow their use of data clouds in the coming years.

In addition, law firms have come to the realization that they can get work done with less. This year, there will be more focus on using technology to not only capture the data but converting the easy-to-read data to profits.

6. Optimum maximization of the tools we already have:

Another important trend to watch out for this year is legal practitioners making the most of the tools they have and learning how to get more value from them. A prime example is the full use of tools like Microsoft Word, Primsol, Outlook – saving on new expenses.

7. Increased interest in digitizing court processes:

Virtuality is the new reality. The pandemic led to a shift towards virtual courts and specific court management processes are being pushed online. Thus, lawyers that regularly file processes or other court management activities should keep an eye on the digital interfaces. The adoption of technology in this space can undoubtedly lead to an acceleration in justice delivery as it allows them to do everything from the comfort of home.

A look to the future

As the legal space evolves, technology and innovation will continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of the sector. 2021 saw a dramatic rise in the use of legaltech solutions and 2022 will rise to the occasion with more exciting innovations on the horizon in the legal industry. Pushing the sector towards operational excellence.

Now all you need to do is to properly strategize, prepare ahead and ensure you have all it takes to transform your practice and set your law firm up for success in 2022. You can start the digital transformation journey by downloading our Law Firm Digital Transformation pocketbook for free. Click HERE to download yours.