5 Technological Tools that have Sustained the Legal World Through the Pandemic

Back in early 2020 if someone had told us that for the next close to 2 years, we won’t be able to go to work; that we would spend our workdays cloistered in our homes, holed up with our laptops, desperately searching for some quiet time away from the kids, we would have laughed at their face.

As with every other walk of life, the legal industry too has been jolted wide awake by the sudden appearance of the pandemic. When the world shut down overnight, law schools, law firms, courts and other legal institutions were suddenly forced to adopt an entirely new approach to daily activities. Not only did they struggle, stuck in the constraints of a previously traditional practice, but they were also made acutely aware of how underprepared the entire industry was to cope with sudden intrusions to the norm.

Fortunately, as if they had prophesied the entire event, some of the best technological minds of our generation were prepared years in advance. Working together with legal and policy experts, they were able to offer much needed assistance and crucial sustaining solutions at a time of mankind’s biggest emergency. Here are 5 important technological advancements that have helped the legal industry mitigate what would otherwise have been a much dire situation.

•  Customised Management Platforms

Today, remote working has become the norm, and customisable work platforms like LawWare and Clio, that use technology have proved themselves to be the way to go. Offering a variety of services, from case, contract and matter management to enhanced accounting, billing and storage services and host of other third-party integrations, these tailor-made online platforms simplify and streamline critical tasks. They have enabled law firms and institutions to remain functioning even when participants are unable to congregate in person.

• Advanced Video Conferencing Facilities

At a time when law firms are unable to meet clients in person and institutions have closed their doors to the general public, video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet, amongst several others, have made sure that people can always connect with each other. Lawyers are now able to meet virtually with clients; law schools are now conducting classes and seminars online; and even courts have adopted virtual hearings – making sure that law and justice is still accessible to all.

• Quick and Secure Communication Tools

Even with all their employees working remotely, law firms and other institutions have managed to stay connected with each other. With new and improved messaging services like Telegram, Evernote, etc. employees are now able to quickly communicate with each other, exchange files, documents and notes securely and interact with each other dynamically.

• Enhanced Digital Research Systems

With the entire world functioning virtually, it is inevitable that traditional analysis, investigation and research means have also shifted to the online realm. Bringing together authentic, reliable and necessary information with cutting edge technology, advanced research portals and law journals like LexisNexis, Manupatra and Indian Kanoon have enhanced the scope and reach of ordinary research methodologies.

•  Virtual Signing and Witnessing Solutions

Bridging one of the biggest concerns of law firms and institutions, technological advancements today have made it possible so that we can witness and sign documents, participate in legal and administrative proceedings all from the comfort of our homes. Providing added layers of flexibility and security, several e-signature and e-witness portals have fast-tracked a process that would otherwise have taken days, if not weeks.

None of us had expected the pandemic or that it would have such a drastic and lasting effect on almost every aspect of life. But alas, it has, and ironically, it inspired a number of new, innovative and technologically advanced solutions that have made complex processes quick, safe and convenient. All we can say is now, there is no going back.