There is no shortage of legal technology software, applications, and platforms to consider when looking to improve operations at your law firm. However, not all legal tech is created equal, and finding cost-effective, efficient options is an important part of crafting a winning formula – for your firm and for your clients.
Having the right tech can help lawyers find the information they need, make critical assessments about that information, and accomplish other important tasks to deliver for clients. To that end, the legal research tools you choose (or do not choose) can play a big role in the outcome of your case. Below, we discuss some of the most important functions of legal research tools and how they can give you the advantage in court.
Technology equals speed
The faster your research gets done, the more time you will have to focus on other responsibilities – both inside and outside the office. Litigation lawyers have an abundance of important tasks to accomplish before going to court. In addition to consulting with their clients, litigation lawyers must often conduct their own investigations into the facts of the case. The result of that investigation will impact what shape litigation takes, or if negotiating a settlement is advisable. Additionally, litigators will also need to draft documents like complaint notices and other formal letters, which can be very time-consuming. For these reasons, having the right legal research tools is critical.
Why is it critical? Because getting legal research done faster (and with greater accuracy) will give you more time and flexibility to handle other important preparation tasks like reviewing evidence, carrying out the disclosure process, and developing strategies for the courtroom.
The right tech can help strengthen your case and your confidence
Good tech does more than just help you organise your work and find key information faster, it also gives you peace of mind. Whether it is staying on top of legislative changes or feeling confident in your answers, the right legal research technology can work wonders on your psyche. Westlaw UK’s Legislation Alerts feature, for example, brings key provisions and updates about their impacts straight to your inbox.
With peace of mind comes another important element of great litigation – confidence. That confidence will come from preparation, hard work, and using best-in-class technology tools such as Practical Law. With Practical Law, you will be able to leverage the practical experience of more than 600 full-time editors from around the world. Further, editor expertise in dedicated practice areas ensures you will have on-point guidance in easy-to-read formats.
This tool is also especially useful when you need an extra boost of confidence in an area of practice in which you may not have extensive experience. When faced with tough questions from clients, or when you are looking to expand the offerings your law firm provides, Practical Law is a must-use tool to gain that expertise.
While there are plenty of low-cost, cursory places where you can seek out information on a particular topic of law, getting that information from a dedicated team of legal research experts will ensure you can serve your clients with the best, most up-to-date information available. That alone will help give you and your client the confidence that is needed when you step into the courtroom.
It all comes down to you
Technology is an important part of the world we live in, and it is an extremely important part of the legal landscape. The biggest reason we have seen such a marked proliferation in the development of legal technology is you. Supporting lawyers to be the best they can be is the principal driving force for continuously improving and advancing these tools.
Saving time helps you personally and professionally, enabling you to deliver a top-tier service more efficiently. Using the powerful research capabilities of Westlaw Edge UK and the expertise and know-how of Practical Law allows you to build your practice exactly the way you want to, gives you a competitive edge in court, and above all – helps you secure wins for your clients.
