26 September 2023
In the rapidly evolving landscape of personal injury law, the intersection of technology and traditional legal processes presents both challenges and unprecedented opportunities. During a recent presentation at the PI Futures event in Leeds (UK), I explored this exciting frontier and what it means for PI law firms.
Having begun my career as a PI Lawyer, my journey has taken an exciting turn. I’m not a trained technologist, but a lawyer who has both benefited from and been challenged by technology. Through my experiences, I’ve embraced the mission of guiding other law firms to derive the most value from tech solutions.
The legal fraternity’s current sentiment echoes a mix of dissatisfaction and optimism. While there’s a palpable momentum to change systems and adopt novel standards, many are intrigued by the potential of AI and advanced systems like Chat GPT. This era presents an excellent opportunity for law firms to reimagine their workflows and client interactions through technology.
For law firms looking to maximize the return on every pound spent on technology, the pivotal question is, “Why?” Understanding this underlying motivation—whether it’s to increase profits, gain market share, or boost team morale and productivity—is fundamental. Without a clear “Why?”, tech investments can lack direction and fail to deliver expected outcomes.
Technology’s true potential is unlocked when the entire team, from junior associates to partners, believes in its promise. The objectives and benefits of new tech solutions shouldn’t just cater to firm partners; they must resonate with the entire team. Immediate tangible benefits, like quick wins in the first year, are pivotal to fostering trust and acceptance.
A poignant example of a flawed approach comes from firms hastily adopting new systems without a clear goal. When the desired outcomes are vague, and the IT department takes the reins without involving the end-users (lawyers and support staff), the result is typically a poorly utilized system. Such hasty implementations not only frustrate stakeholders but also put undue pressure on decision-makers.
On the other hand, a well-thought-out tech project begins with a clear objective. Take, for example, a firm aiming to expedite the settlement-to-cash-receipt process. By leveraging smart email management tools, building digital dashboards, and communicating the “Why?” to the team, they achieved measurable success. Such well-executed initiatives can lead to remarkable results, such as reducing debtor days by a third.
2023 has seen the rise of discussions around AI’s role in law. However, not every firm is ready or suited for such a leap. Before exploring AI’s potential, it’s imperative for firms to have a robust tech platform. Venturing into AI just for accolades or publicity, without a strong foundation, can be detrimental. Between 2023 and 2025, firms should embark on a tech learning journey, assessing their readiness and refining their objectives.