What is the cloud? The cloud refers to a network of remote servers that store data and run applications over the internet instead of on your local computer or an on-site server. Instead of saving files or relying on software installed on your device, you access everything through the internet—usually via a browser or app. For you as a user, that means you can open your documents, emails, or systems from almost anywhere, on any device, without needing to be tied to a specific

Up until the mid-1990s, legal technology was a mish mash of disparate systems that heavily relied on hard copy documentation—basic digitization into something much closer to automation, analytics, and even prediction today. This transition can be understood in a few phases: 1. 1990s: Digitization and Early Applications Legal tech started with simply replacing paper. Word processing (WordPerfect to Microsoft Word) became standard CD-ROM legal research (like early Westlaw/L

It looks like AI is here to stay. And, yes, AI can increase security risk, but it can also improve security if used correctly. Some of the biggest concerns related to security are: Data leakage – AI tools often process sensitive inputs. Uncontrolled usage – AI tools are easy to access and are usually integrated with core applications. Over-confidence in the accuracy of AI outputs. Law firms can mitigate these risks through prudent implementation and governance. AI itself i

Law firms are increasingly turning to application subscription services to modernize their operations, reduce upfront costs, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. Instead of investing heavily in on-premise software, firms now rely on cloud-based platforms offered through monthly or annual subscriptions for functions like document management, e-discovery, billing, and client relationship management. These services provide scalability, allowing firms to ad

Law firms face a unique mix of cybersecurity challenges because they handle highly sensitive client data (e.g., litigation strategy, financial records, IP) while often operating with limited security resources. Some of the key challenges shaping the legal industry right now are: Targeted cyberattacks Human error and low security awareness Limited IT and security resources Third-party and vendor risk Compliance and regulatory pressure While many law firms are implementing AI s

Artificial intelligence is quickly reshaping how lawyers work. While it won’t replace attorneys any time soon, it is changing how legal services are delivered, priced, and valued. Here are a few ways AI is changing how attorneys work: 1. FASTER RESEARCH AND DOCUMENT REVIEW AI dramatically reduces the time it takes to research case law and review documents. Instead of manually reviewing thousands (or millions) of pages, AI tools can: Identify relevant cases in seconds Prioriti

1.   AI Adoption, Governance, and Responsible Use Why it’s a challenge: AI is rapidly moving from experimentation to everyday workflows (research, drafting, document review, automation), but many firms lack clear strategies and governance around how, when, and which AI tools should be used. Without firmwide policies, attorneys often use consumer AI tools unsanctioned by IT or legal ops, creating data security and compliance risks. Clients increasingly want transparency aro

Recently, a colleague informed me that the law firm she works for is just waiting to “get back to normal.” I am not sure what that means. I have had several conversations since with legal professionals that suggest that whatever the normal was will never be again. For years, we have been told that administrative staff, especially legal assistants, cannot work from home. Apparently, that is not true. We have embraced the concept that rainmakers enjoy the biggest corner offices

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Organizations spend thousands providing training resources and tools for their employees. As an IT trainer and technology support...

In the late 1980s when I joined the legal industry in administrative support roles, most secretaries supported only one or two attorneys....

It’s been almost 20 years since I first started using Microsoft Word in the legal environment. The firm for which I was employed...