Using Weapons Of Mass Communication

Technology survey reveals that legal departments are going mobile

Never underestimate the persuasive power of a global economic meltdown. For years, technology proponents beat the drums for gadgets and gear, claiming that if used wisely, they could boost the legal department’s productivity and lower costs.

In flush times it was an argument met with agreement—and a cozy spot on the back burner. Who, after all, had time to figure out a smartphone when there was all that money to count?

The recession, of course, changed that. Anything that could rein in costs—and better monitor them—was an instant winner.

But according to a 2011 survey conducted by Corporate Counsel, a sister publication of the Law Tribune, technology isn’t just making an impact on in-house legal’s productivity and costs. It’s helping to change the relationship between company lawyers and outside counsel. It’s bolstering trends that we were already seeing before the economic crisis, like the increasing focus, and pushback, on legal fees. And it’s starting some new ones, like companies calling the shots on what technology, and which providers, outside counsel themselves need to embrace.

The survey, drawn from dozens of companies across the nation, also reveals that not all technologies have been equally successful living up to their promise.

Still, it turns out that the proponents were right: Technology can bring big benefits when used wisely. But using it wisely, particularly when there are so many components and options, can be a formidable challenge. “Given the ever-changing landscape of legal technology, it’s very difficult to ensure that all the pieces work well together,” says George Rudoy, CEO of Integrated Legal Technology, a New York–based consultancy that works with both corporations and law firms. “But it’s essential to get it right.”

Laptops Losing Favor

This year’s survey shows that big changes are afoot, particularly in the mobile technology space. It’s not exactly a shocker: Today’s smartphones and tablets are, essentially, handheld computers, enabling users to view and edit documents, surf the Internet, and run a burgeoning assortment of specialized programs, or apps, that do everything from managing to-do lists to finding a reputable taxi service in Cleveland.

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Source: ctlawtribune.com
By: Alan Cohen