Technology has changed virtually every industry. It is no different for the legal industry, as advances in technology has changed the way people practice law, and in turn, caused the role of a legal professional to evolve. Today’s lawyers, paralegals and other legal professionals need to know how to use technology in their work in order to keep up and remain competitive. Technology has impacted every aspect of the legal industry, from document management to courtroom operation.
Electronic billing is rapidly replacing traditional paper invoices across many law firms today. Technology has also changed the way law firms handle their documents and manage their paperwork. Rocket Matter (available at https://www.rocketmatter.com) is a great example of a legal billing software that can do both these things.
It is a powerful app that can help law firms increase their revenues by up to 20%. Its host of legal software features make it possible for lawyers to capture time effortlessly with a click of a button. You will never miss a moment of billable time again with an app like Rocket Matter. Creating and sending invoices to clients is made easier than ever, as it allows you to create all your bills in one fell swoop with batch billing features.
Apps like this also make it easier to streamline your workflow and to manage your files. Create and store all your files related to a case in one place, then manage your folders electronically with feature-rich dashboard. This dashboard allows you to quickly view all your case information at a glance. It also makes communication and collaboration between colleagues simpler, and managing deadlines a piece of cake.
Technology is now an essential component in corporate legal departments. More and more companies today are leveraging technology as a key strategic asset. Computer programs and software now exist for a wide range of corporate functions, including preparing budgets, filing trademarks and patents, and managing finances and outside counsel fees.
Advances in technology have even changed the way documents are filed with the court. Both federal and state courts are now posting court filings on web-based databases, which makes it easier for counsel to remotely access court documents.
Technology in the courtroom isn’t just limited to software. Many courtrooms today are equipped with state of the art technology that allows lawyers to present their cases on built-in monitors, and while cameras and other equipment have increased courtroom security.
Lastly, technology has made legal research more efficient and less time consuming. Legal professionals can now access a wide range of legal databases to do their research and verify case laws. While law libraries still do exist, and may not yet be near extinction, electronic research is now the most common method of gathering information.
With all these changes and advantages in technology, and the enormous impact it has had on the legal profession, it is imperative for lawyers, paralegals and other legal professionals to become tech savvy. Those who want to be successful in the legal field must be open to learning about and using new technology in their practices, or get left behind.