Susan Cartier Liebel has a great post today called “Technology Challenged? It’s Time to Move Ahead.:
In her post, Susan reminds all of us of a statement quoted by The Greatest American Lawyer and first stated by Dennis Kennedy in his post “legal technology trends for 2007.”
“by the end of 2007, we will be talking about a clear and growing digital divide between technology-forward and technology-backward lawyers and firms and a subtle restructuring of the practice of law.”
The problem, as Susan points out is that “technology can be very daunting and intimidating to lots of lawyers.” However, if we take the statement above from Dennis Kennedy, they had better get over it. If law firms, especially solos and small firms don’t grasp and “fall in love” with the technology available to all of us, they will be left behind. No longer can we ignore the technology trends that seem to change as often as some can be accused of changing underwear.
And as solos and even small firms, we aren’t tied down by the “red tape” involved in “Big Law”. As Susan states:
“solos can move quickly because every decision they make isn’t by committee. That means they can create a state-of-the-art law practice much faster and jump to the top of the heap selling these advancements to their clients long before Big Law can convene a committee to determine if there is even a problem that needs to be addressed”
I for one, could not handle the case load I do if I did not embrace technology as I do. We have to “keep competitive and stay profitable”, if we are going to survive in the coming economy that is creeping upon us all. We have to be efficient in our craft. We have to use that technology which will enable us to provide the instant service the American consumer has come to expect. Lawyers, whether solo, small firm or “Big Law” have to use those tools which are available. And we have to continue to adopt the new technology as it speeds to the front at a rate which seems like it is traveling at the speed of light.
If you don’t, I firmly believe you will be left behind to play catch up as your competition moves forward.
