A Brief Overview of Technological Shifts in Law In the last decade, technology has been on a vast rise. All businesses have adapted the new technology trend for communication, research, and much more. Similarly, law firms are not exceptional. Many activities have been digitized. This shift has dramatically impacted the field of law by making things such as information retrieval easier. Below are a few technology shifts that have taken place in the area of law. Legal Research Research is a significant element when it comes to law. Law practitioners are always reading law books, previous case files, and verdicts. Most of these law books have now been converted into e-resources. Digitization of these materials has significantly impacted practitioner’s work. Lawyers do not have to visit a physical library any more. They can sit at their desk and retrieve any information they need on the internet. This practice saves on retrieving information and the cost incurred in managing the physical libraries. Information Access Smartphone technology has been on the rise. Almost every household has access to a smartphone. This fact has completely changed how people learn more about legal information. Someone does not have to pay an attorney to get their questions answered. There are websites and apps developed that contain legal documents and information. Some of these technologies also allow a person to ask questions. Through Artificial Intelligence, the applications interpret the legal terminologies, thus helping an individual understand the searched issue. Virtual offices Technology has changed the means of communication. Attorneys do not have to meet physically with people to practice law. Through virtual meetings, lawyers can also have their encounters with clients. This shift saves on the cost incurred to rent office spaces since the law practitioners can do their daily business from the comfort of their premises. The coronavirus pandemic has also impacted the use of telecommunication technologies. With courts being closed, verdicts are made via video conferencing. Technology keeps on growing every day. It is possible that in years to come, law practice will have changed completely. Personal hearings will be based on reading a computer. People will be entirely dependent on artificial intelligence.
However, as much as technology has benefited law practice, some challenges are arising too. Cybersecurity must be implemented. This concern calls for more investment in security. However, with the rising policies concerning cybersecurity, people can sit and reap the technology benefits.