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Knowledge Sharing – Embracing Legal Technology for High-Street law firms

Luke Heydenrych – Director of Operations

As the world continues to move into an ever-evolving digital age, the integration of technology is a vital aspect of all industries, including the legal sector. Embracing new technology can be a daunting task. These are some learnings that may be of interest to others in the industry, specifically smaller, high-street firms which may be looking to integrate new technology into their business for the first time.

  1. Identify Your Firm’s Needs: Before diving into the world of legal tech, take the time to identify your firm’s specific pain points and requirements. Consider areas where technology can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance client services. Is your firm struggling with document management, case management, or client communication? Understanding your needs will help you narrow down the options and make informed decisions.
  2. Research and Evaluate: Once you’ve identified your firm’s needs, conduct thorough research to explore the available legal tech solutions. Consider factors such as functionality, ease of use, compatibility with existing systems, and vendor reputation. Read reviews, seek recommendations from trusted sources, and attend legal technology conferences or seminars to stay updated on the latest trends and advancements. Remember, one size does not fit all.
  3. Start with Small Steps: When integrating new technology, it’s essential to start with small, manageable steps. Implementing a complete overhaul of your systems can be overwhelming and may disrupt day-to-day operations. Begin with a pilot project or select one area of your firm where technology can make an immediate impact. Gradual integration allows for a smoother transition and reduces resistance from staff members.
  4. Training and Education: Introducing new technology requires proper training and education for your team. Ensure that all staff members are familiar with the chosen technology and understand its benefits. Offer training sessions, workshops, or even online tutorials to help employees adapt to the new tools. Encourage open communication and address any concerns or questions raised by staff members.
  5. Data Security and Compliance: As the legal industry handles sensitive client information, data security and compliance are of paramount importance. Before implementing any technology, thoroughly assess its security features and data protection protocols. Ensure that the chosen solution complies with industry regulations, such as GDPR,  depending on your jurisdiction. Regularly update security measures and monitor potential vulnerabilities to safeguard client data.
  6. Measure Success and Adapt: After integrating legal technology, monitor its impact on your firm’s efficiency, productivity, and client satisfaction. Set specific metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology. Seek feedback from staff members and clients to gain insights into areas of improvement. If necessary, be willing to adapt and make changes to maximise the benefits of the technology.

High-street law firms can no longer afford to overlook the potential benefits of legal technology. By understanding their specific needs, conducting thorough research, starting small, providing proper training, ensuring data security, and measuring success, these firms can successfully integrate new technology into their business operations. Embracing legal tech not only enhances efficiency but also empowers firms to provide improved client services in an increasingly competitive landscape. It’s an ongoing process, so don’t think of it as a project with a start or an end, but more of a continuous part of how we do things now.

CJCH takes Welsh business East and West in October 

Cardiff based CJCH Solicitors provides a global consulting service specialising in software anti-piracy to multinational software companies. Since developing this bespoke solution in 2014, Senior Partners Stephen Clarke and Tim Hartland have grown the consulting division to over 60 staff members, speaking over 22 languages and providing analysis, research and compliance services to its clients across 60 countries worldwide.  

 

In October, the executive leadership team of CJCH ventures to Japan and the United States on two trips aimed at growing international business relations, sharing specialist knowledge, and bringing new business opportunities back to Wales.  

 

Luke Heydenrych, Group Chief of Staff, will travel to Austin, Texas with the Firm’s training manager and performance management strategist, to speak at an international software anti-piracy and licence compliance summit, hosted by SmartFlow Compliance Solutions.

 

Heydenrych is sharing his knowledge on the development of specialist skills that CJCH have developed here in Cardiff, in an address entitled “Next Generation Piracy Investigators: Immersive Techniques in Knowledge Transfer and Thought Leadership”. The focus on his presentation is on understanding a unique combination of skills needed to appropriately tackle the challenge of digital copyright theft and misuse of software products. Heydenrych will be sharing the stage with an elite collaboration of speakers including Technology and Privacy lawyers, Cyber Security Specialists, and law enforcement specialists from the FBI.  

 

At the same time, Stephen Clarke, Group Chairman, and Andy Clarkson, Managing Director of the CJCH Legal & Compliance Services division, are bound for Japan to meet with a leading Japanese intellectual property law firm to discuss a collaborative approach to supporting clients’ needs across Europe and Asia.

 

The focus of this trip is to build a strong bond between the two firms and the two regions to allow for cross-border compliance and enforcement activities to be better managed in the future.

 

Clarke has forged similar relationships with firms in other countries such as China, Israel, Brazil, and the UAE. Clarke envisions building a hub for global IP and Copyright protection here in Wales which brings international business and opportunity to our region.  

 

CJCH is no stranger to international business relations, and their team spend a great deal of time working with law firms, consultants, law enforcement and public services organisations across the globe in an effort to share their knowledge and assist in protecting the innovation and development investment made by software companies to produce the products which make modern life possible.