Maximizing Value in a Software Driven World

Over the last decade, technology has at least conceptually moved from a supporting role to a central role in the legal industry. Law firms market their technology prowess and clients demand investments in systems and expertise to leverage technology on their behalf. It won't surprise any trainers out there, however, to read that law firms continue to face difficulty maximizing effective user behavior, mandating adherence to policies, and even encouraging attendance at training. That difficulty seems to be particularly apparent among attorney users. Client pressures on rates, proliferation of alternative fee arrangements, commoditization of legal services by alternative service providers, mandates by the Bar, and the fear of being called out by a client or a judge for a lack of competence in this area all encourage acceptance of the need for change, but making that happen in a profound way at an institutional level is a challenge.