The IT landscape for law firms from a specialist’s point of view
Managed IT · Jul 23, 2024
The Canadian IT landscape for law firms is always evolving as firms are constantly looking to improve efficiency, security and client satisfaction. The adoption of advanced technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to streamline their operations has become a priority as these tools offer a great deal of benefits.
Cloud-based solutions
offer the flexibility and scalability needed to manage large volumes of data securely. AI-powered tools can assist in legal research, document review and predictive analytics can help reduce the time and cost associated with these tasks. The rise of remote work has shown the importance of secure and reliable IT infrastructure. As the legal industry continues to embrace new technologies, staying ahead of technological advancements and maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture is crucial to thrive over competition.The constant investment put into cybersecurity by law firms shouldn’t come as a surprise since they handle a great amount of sensitive data. Some of the most popular and effective measures are advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication and regular security audits.
As technology is constantly changing, law firms have had to improve their
cybersecurity measures to keep sensitive information safe
, especially since more work is done online and from different locations. With that in mind, we invited Brian Mauch, a legal tech specialist and member of the TELUS team, to discuss the impact of remote work and new technologies, such as AI, on the day-to-day operations of law firms. With over 25 years of experience, Brian's background includes a rare combination of law and technology, as he obtained both degrees from University of British Columbia (UBC). Brian founded an IT consulting company in 1997 that focused on helping law firms maximize their use of technology, and it grew to become one of the largest managed service providers for law firms in Canada. Currently, Brian is our legal tech specialist, on the TELUS Fully Managed portfolio.
How did lawyers handle cybersecurity and remote work when you first started working as an legal IT specialist?
Brian: I first began consulting to law firms on technology 25 years ago, fresh out of law school and determined to combine my interest in computers and law. In 1997, the concept of cybersecurity was foreign to law firms, primarily because there was limited access to data from outside the physical office. The internet was in its infancy, and any forms of remote access were so unmanageable.
In your opinion, when did the legal IT landscape start to change?
Brian: With the turn of the century came advances in technology and broadband internet speeds. In the 2000s, lawyers incorporated email and Blackberries into their practices. In the 2010s, lawyers started using remote access via the internet so they could work anytime, anywhere. In the 2020s, lawyers and their staff started working from home more regularly, and got serious about adopting the cloud. This rapid evolution of law office technology, and the ease with which lawyers can access their data from anywhere, has created a storm that all law firms face today.
Do you see any risks when working remotely?
Brian: Enabling multiple forms of remote access without the proper layered cybersecurity strategy and employee training to help prevent data breaches, can be dangerous. Home office environments are generally not as secure as traditional corporate offices, from both digital and physical security perspectives. In a home office, multiple family members may share space and/or computers. Unmanaged and insecure devices may share the home office network. These scenarios may put the corporate data at risk.
With employees
working from home
now more often than not, and the need for stronger cybersecurity, technology continues to play a crucial role for law firms. One of the most exciting advancements is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is changing the way law firms operate, making tasks easier and more efficient.What do you believe to be the role of AI in the legal industry?
Brian: AI is revolutionizing the legal industry by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making processes and providing deeper insights through data analysis. For law firms, AI-powered tools can help transform how legal research is conducted, significantly reducing the time required to sift through vast amounts of legal documents and case law.
In what sense will AI help reduce costs and operational time for lawyers?
Brian: AI algorithms can quickly identify relevant precedents, statutes and legal principles, allowing lawyers to focus on more strategic aspects of their cases. Additionally, AI-driven document review systems are streamlining the discovery process by automatically categorizing and analyzing documents, identifying key information, and flagging potential issues, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Can you see AI helping with other aspects of the business?
Brian: Beyond research and document review, AI is also playing a crucial role in predictive analytics and risk assessment. By analyzing historical case data and outcomes, AI can provide lawyers with probabilistic insights into the likely success of litigation strategies, helping them to make more informed decisions. This capability extends to contract analysis and management, where AI tools can identify potential risks, help ensure compliance and even suggest optimal contract terms. Moreover, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are enhancing client interactions by providing instant responses to common queries and facilitating smoother communication.
What do you expect for the future when talking about AI and law firms?
Brian: As AI technology continues to advance, its integration into law firm operations is expected to deepen, driving further innovation and transforming the practice of law into a more data-driven and efficient profession. Overall, AI is transforming business security solutions and processes by providing advanced threat detection, behavioural analytics, intelligent authentication, automated incident response and predictive risk assessment capabilities. These advancements help empower businesses to stay one step ahead of cyber threats and protect their valuable assets. AI is still a developing field and we haven't yet seen all the ways that it will affect the legal industry, but a specialized IT service for law firms will help lawyers navigate those changes in the years to come.
Why do you think a specialized IT service for law firms is so important?
Brian: IT services for law firms must be tailored to meet their unique needs, which can vary depending on the size of the firm, the number of employees and the types of cases they handle. Such support can help law firms maintain their hardware and software, troubleshoot issues and provide training to staff. This ensures that the firm’s technology is running smoothly, and staff members are equipped with the necessary skills to use it effectively.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of hiring an IT provider that understands the legal industry?
Brian: Efficiency is another critical aspect of IT services in the legal industry. With the right technology, law firms can automate many of their processes, reducing the time and effort required to complete tasks. This can help firms become more productive, allowing them to take on more work and serve their clients better. With the right technology, firms can track their finances, manage their caseloads and monitor their staff’s performance. This allows them to make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement and optimize their operations for maximum efficiency. Technology is constantly evolving, and law firms need to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements to remain competitive, and a trusted partner with on site support and high responsiveness, can help lawyers keep their focus on the core business, their clients and billable hours.
Why partner with TELUS Business
Choosing a managed service provider
that can support law firms on their day-to-day IT can be hard, even more so one that knows what a legal practice needs in terms of hardware and software support, network management, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity
, AI, and more.Most law firms rely on technology to manage their cases, communicate with clients and conduct research. As such, having a reliable IT support system is essential for their success.
TELUS has helped law firms across Canada to
modernize operations
, improve cybersecurity, enhance team collaboration,productivity and heighten operational efficiency.TELUS Business provides companies with day-to-day IT management and support, cybersecurity services, cloud migration and technology strategy. Our Virtual CIO team develops business-aligned IT strategies to drive impact and help you get a higher return on investment. Take IT off your to-do list with TELUS Fully Managed..
