While much of the focus on legal technology trends revolves around popular topics like cloud computing and AI, several lesser-discussed insights from the 2024 ILTA Technology Survey deserve attention. These findings highlight the challenges and opportunities that legal professionals face in adopting new technologies and adapting to a rapidly evolving landscape.
1. Resistance to Change: A Recurring Barrier
One of the most persistent challenges identified by legal technologists is user resistance to change. In fact, 54% of survey respondents cited user resistance as a significant hurdle in adopting emerging technologies. This issue has been a perennial theme in legal tech, where traditional practices often clash with the need for modernization. This reluctance to embrace new tools, even those designed to improve efficiency, creates roadblocks for firms aiming to stay competitive.
2. The Importance of Skills Development
Closely related to the resistance to change is the lack of skills or understanding among users, with another 54% of respondents marking this as a major issue. Legal technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and, while firms are keen to implement new solutions, they often find that their teams are not equipped to maximize the potential of these tools. This skills gap is a critical area that law firms must address through targeted training and upskilling initiatives.
3. Balancing IT Resources with New Technology Demands
Another underexplored issue is the strain placed on IT resources when integrating new technology. While tools like Microsoft 365, cloud-based DMS and AI are gaining traction, the ongoing responsibilities of maintaining core IT systems remain. IT departments are tasked with rolling out updates, supporting users, and ensuring that the organization’s infrastructure is secure and operational. This creates a delicate balance, as firms must manage both day-to-day IT needs and the implementation of new technologies.
4. Security as Both a Barrier and Driver for Cloud Adoption
Interestingly, security concerns emerged as both a reason for and against moving to cloud-based systems. While 38% of respondents cited security as a reason for adopting cloud-based Document Management Systems (DMS), 22% of firms still hesitate to make the shift due to security worries. This apparent contradiction highlights the complexity of cloud adoption in the legal sector. Firms must navigate perceptions of risk while balancing the benefits of enhanced security offered by cloud providers.
5. Generative AI: Slow Adoption for Legal-Specific Use Cases
Despite the buzz surrounding generative AI, its adoption within law firms for specific legal tasks remains modest. While 73% of respondents believe AI tools will be most valuable for legal research, only 22% report using tools like Westlaw AI-Assisted Research or Lexis + AI. For more advanced use cases like drafting documents or litigation support, adoption is even lower. This indicates that while AI is on the radar for many firms, its full potential is yet to be realized, particularly for more sophisticated legal functions.
6. The Lingering Reluctance Around Hybrid Work Solutions
Even as remote and hybrid work environments become normalized, some firms are still struggling to adapt fully. While 89% of respondents noted the usefulness of video conferencing tools for hybrid work, only 22% of firms report fully embracing collaborative tools like co-editing. This slow adoption indicates a potential gap in fully leveraging the tools available for seamless collaboration in a dispersed workforce.
Final Thoughts
These lesser-discussed findings from the 2024 Technology Survey offer valuable insights into the challenges that law firms face in embracing technological change. From user resistance to the complexities of cloud adoption and the gradual uptake of AI, legal professionals must continue to address these obstacles to keep pace with the industry’s transformation. By focusing on skills development, fostering a culture of openness to change and balancing day-to-day IT responsibilities with innovation, law firms can better position themselves for long-term success.
With 35 years of legal technology expertise, Innovative Computing Systems provides the strategies, services and support law firm leaders need to make the most of their technology. Contact an Innovative Account Executive to discuss how we can help align your technology with your business goals.
