2022 Trends Review

Back at the start of 2022 we suggested a few trends that would be seen during the year. With two-thirds of the year gone, we thought we would see how we fared. These were not, and are not, earth shattering suggestions by any means, but they have come true. And some other unexpected ones have shown up, too.

Client Needs

Clearly, the core client need hasn't changed. Clients need attorneys to resolve their legal issues, first and foremost. But they continue to grow more comfortable with technology. And the need to access their information, provide their documents, view and pay their invoices online, have all seen growth. In fact, over 85% of invoices are paid online within one week for firms that use a client portal. 

Client experience with portals certainly gained steam during the pandemic. Add to that other areas where portals are used, including patient portals that everyone uses to manage their health records, and the comfort level is cemented. Law firms who offer a client portal make it easier for potential clients to become actual clients, too. The demand for portals has indeed grown over the last year. That's a trend we said would grow, and it has. We see it continuing to grow, too. Bloomberg recently released their 2022 Legal Ops + Tech Survey. When asked the reason their organization needs legal tech, meeting client demands took the third spot, right after improving productivity and workflows. 

If your firm doesn't use a case and practice management software that offers a client portal, well, now is the time. This trend will only continue to grow.

Data Security

Access to the internet continues to grow. The number of internet users around the world is nearly 5 billion people, a 6% growth rate over the prior year, the fastest growth rate since 2019. With all those people online, there is bound to be an increase in cybersecurity threats. In researching the trend, everything we saw says it has grown, but frankly, we don't love the sources. So we will just wait and see on that one. But the issue remains. Data security is a big deal and must be actively addressed.

If you haven't yet completed any online training on how to spot potential data breaches, well, now is the time. There are several online options to ensure your firm knows how to spot potential attacks. The National Cybersecurity Alliance is a great resource.

Technology Adoption

If our experience this year shows anything, law firms are ready to adopt case management software. You may have figured that out too with all the free months of use being offered, some providers offering to buy users out of their existing contracts from other providers, etc. It's a super competitive market that's for sure. So whether people are starting or switching users, there is a lot of buzz in the industry about using case management software.

As we predicted the move from using point solutions, like time keeping and billing software only, to a full practice management platform, like SimpleLaw, is a definite trend. The data silos, inefficiency and challenge in using multiple user interfaces has been enough for law firms to make the leap. From our experience, demand is growing. But not for just any technology. It has to be the right solution for the firm. There will be further shakeout no doubt but demand is growing and firms are more interested now.

Customization

Firms want their software to fit the way they do things. They don't want to change their firm to fit the software. So software that allows for this customization, like SimpleLaw, makes it easier for law firms to adopt the tool. From specific words to workflows and invoice layouts, customization is king. Completely custom software that is scalable simply doesn't exist. But working with the law firms, and delivering the information they need in a format they like, is definitely giving users a better experience.

Expanded Functionality

Function-specific tools continue to be purchased. Existing platforms are adding more features, like the MyCase announcement of adding an accounting tool. Whether through acquisition or built specifically for the platform, expanded functionality from case management platforms will continue. We know there will be more news in the coming months. More investment, more new features, more providers, and more options. Ultimately, that's good for the industry and good for law firms. 

We will see how the rest of the year goes but we are certain it will be a busy year for legal technology.