There are so many lists floating around cyberspace about technology trends and how they can affect attorneys. Which of those trends are actually trending? So we condensed the lists to the top five technology trends.
The number of lawyers using the cloud has increased. With improved privacy and security measures vital in today’s world, attorneys reliably adopt the cloud. So what is the cloud, anyway?
The cloud is a collection of remote servers. Think of them as really big hard drives. Using publicly offered cloud platforms, like Google, maintenance is managed by the owner. As a result, users don't have to worry about maintaining the hard drives. That includes the latest security features, protection from the elements, and more.
Lawyers can host their websites, share files, manage their calendar and documents, all from any connected device. The cloud can improve client experience with real-time case status information, 24/7. Additionally, the cloud improves productivity. As a result, attorney have more time to focus on the law, while ensuring clients needs are met. Looking forward, expect to see offerings expand to “all-in-one” platforms versus options with multiple logins.
Mobility
According to data from American Bar Association, 33% of attorney search comes from mobile devices. Smartphones, wearable devices, and tablets are used to not only find an attorney, but also keep in touch with them. In addition, clients use their mobile devices to stay up to date on their case. Make sure your legal technology software gives clients access to their case, from any device. So, have you asked the question if the legal technology platform you use is responsive design, so the user interface automatically adapts to the screen size being used? This is important for most clients.
CRM Solutions
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. Basically, it's a software solution to track and manage customer interactions. Data from the customer lifecycle, from initial interaction through case completion, is analyzed. The goal is improving relationships with customers and and retaining them. Many law firms use CRMs to help manage and grow their firm. As a result, attorneys better understand their clients' experience. According to a survey, there has been a 70% adoption rate of CRM for law firms. There are many options out there. Make sure to read reviews and look at the cost/benefit relationship.
Podcasts
According to Good2BSocial, 64% of people are listening to podcasts with mobile devices. But, what is a podcast? Simply put, it's a recording of a presentation, with audio only. Podcasts are simple to create and are low-cost. They provide attorneys and legal marketers the ability to create appealing content. Therefore, content is created to target a specific audience. Think about a short discussion on, for example, creating a will. Listeners can get the information when they want it and contact you with questions. PodBean allows users to create professional podcasts in a short time without any programming knowledge.
Analytics Marketing
Law firms can collect information from online interactions with prospects and clients. As a result, they can get actionable insight into the experience. For example, which marketing and business development strategies are providing a strong return and which are not. So, firms can rely on data instead of “gut” instincts. This kind of insight will shift firms from reactive to proactive. In the end, these insights let attorneys anticipate the needs of current and future clients.
So what is the benefit of adopting this technology? Attorneys ensure happier clients with easier real-time access to insight. From beginning to end, the client remains the focus.