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    TECHSHOW Prediction

    by SimpleLaw on
    Case management software ABA TECHSHOW

    After what may have been the most dramatic reason for a pause ever, we are back to ABA TECHSHOW in person next week. We are excited to be together again. The exhibitor floor promises to be full of chatter and activity, both between exhibitors and attendees and as a group of exhibitors. Looking forward to the energy and magic. What will be the big themes revealed by exhibitors? We have some predictions.

    Data Security

    The entire world adapted to being remote over the last couple of years. The rapid expansion of technology to do everything from teaching a class to holding court to legal proceedings, all online, introduced new tools to many people. What was the risk? Data security. We believe many exhibitors providing online services, like SimpleLaw, will announce new security enhancements.

    Even before the pandemic, many firms shunned case and practice management software due to data privacy concerns. The impact of being online for nearly everything has likely increased that concern. And not without justification either.

    Let's be clear here. 95% of data breaches in 2021 were the result of human error. As they say, the best offense is a good defense. Check out the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) website. They offer free online training to educate users to spot potential data issues. 

    The other 5% are the result of hacking and non-user forms of data breaches.

    The use of technology will only expand. The most successful law firms use case management software. Ensuring your choice of software delivers the best data security is key. That will be a central point at TECHSHOW.

    Client Focused Offerings

    We aren't the only ones living online. Clients are very accustomed to accessing portals to manage everything from banking to health. And they expect the same for their legal matters, too. But it's more than just wanting a portal. They want to be part of the solution to their legal issue, not a bystander waiting to hear from their attorney.

    Portals that give the client the option to help complete forms, review notes, submit documents, and review and pay invoices are ideal. Contained data, in one place, to view their matter versus rummaging around their email accounts and creating folders on their computers is a decision point for many. Clients will continue to select law firms that provide those tools. 

    ALSPs

    Alternative legal service providers are growing in acceptance and use. Whether outsourcing electronic discovery, document review, or contract lifecycle management, there are efficiencies to be gained for the firm and client. Partnering with an ALSP lets the firm focus on their expertise - the law - while letting the partner focus on theirs, driving efficiency for all involved.  As ALSPs have become widely accepted, we believe offerings will expand and be introduced at TECHSHOW.

    Platform Expansion

    Case and practice management software benefits are growing. What some platforms offered as an API will now be custom-built. Things like online payment, virtual meetings, and document management will now be built-in. And new tools will be offered via API. The goal for any case and practice management software, like SimpleLaw, is to provide all the tools the firm needs in one platform. With the ever-expanding capabilities of technology, features will expand. Look for announcements of new features and benefits from existing providers. And look for new providers, too. The reality is there is a lot of room in the market for new providers. With law firms continuing to drag their feet in adopting legal tech, new entrants and further investment will continue.

    Masks or not?

    The City of Chicago announced an update to the mask mandate, effective February 28, 2022. The new mandate states facial coverings will not be required in most indoor places with the exception of health care settings, on public transportation, and in other congregate settings when the new mandate goes into effect. So, does ABA TECHSHOW qualify as a 'congregate setting? We believe so. Anywhere large numbers of people are gathered seems like the very definition of a congregate setting.  In our booth, we are masking up. You are welcome in our booth, masked or not. Just know we will be smiling under our masks, happy to see you, welcome you to our amazing city, and introduce you to the beauty that is SimpleLaw. 

    We are certain of one provider, well, ok, it's us, that has some new stuff to show off.  Stop by the booth to see the next generation of SimpleLaw. Sofware that adapts to your firm, not the other way around. You haven't seen anything like it yet(i), but you can at ABA TECHSHOW. Stop by booth 1031 for a preview and enter to win a Yeti tumbler. Not coming in person? No problem. Reach out and book a private preview and you can enter to win a Yeti tumbler, too. 

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