Last week, our team had the pleasure of attending the Alternative Legal IT Conference, a standout event that brought together leading law firms, technology providers, and industry experts. The two days were packed with insightful sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and a clear vision for the future of legal services.
The conversations and sentiment from the conference confirm what we’ve been seeing: the legal sector is at a pivotal moment of digital transformation.
A new perspective on legal tech
The most significant shift we observed was a change in how firms view technology.
Technology is no longer being treated as a necessary cost centre; it’s now seen as a crucial investment for future-proofing a firm and maintaining a competitive edge in the market. This perspective signals a strategic move towards leveraging technology to enhance operations, not just support them.
The inevitable rise of AI and the fear of being left behind
AI was undoubtedly the most talked-about theme at the conference. The conversation has moved past “if” to “how” firms are implementing AI. Attendees expressed a significant concern about what their competitors are doing with AI, and a fear of being priced out of the market if they don’t keep up.
This has led to a noticeable trend: many firms have now appointed an “AI leader” to focus specifically on the use cases and toolsets for this technology. We heard from both younger lawyers and seasoned IT professionals, with the consensus being that tech is an essential component of modern legal services. The conference highlighted that AI is not a distant future, but is already actively reshaping the legal profession, from contract review to predictive analytics.
The growing importance of collaboration and data strategy
Beyond structured sessions, the event reinforced the value of networking and informal collaboration. We learned that conversations between firms about their strategic plans are essential.
The discussions also underscored the importance of strong data management and a strategic, unified data approach. Firms are seeking to move beyond data silos and unlock new opportunities for efficiency and innovation through better data strategies.
Conclusion: what this means for our customers
For our customers and those in the legal sector, these trends are more than just buzzwords, they are actionable insights:
- Embrace technology as a strategic asset: View every technology investment not just as an expense, but as a long-term strategic play to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and attract new clients.
- Don’t fear AI, plan for it: The fear of being left behind is real, but a proactive approach is the best way to address it. Whether it’s appointing a dedicated leader or starting with a simple use case, the time to build an AI strategy is now.
- Break down the silos: The industry is moving towards greater collaboration and shared insights. A unified data strategy is key to staying competitive, allowing for better-informed decisions and more seamless operations.
The Alternative Legal IT Conference was a powerful reminder that the legal industry is in a state of rapid, exciting evolution. By staying connected, curious, and proactive in adopting new innovations, firms can ensure they are not just keeping up, but leading the way. We’re already looking forward to seeing how these ideas develop over the next 12 months.
