Technology
| The legal industry hasn't embraced or caught up to the technology of today, while other industries are implementing it in every aspect of their business. A lot of people think that legal professionals are merely out of touch, however, there are some interesting reasons why technology hasn't quite found a niche in the legal industry yet. |
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The use of advanced technology is so widespread in some areas, that at times it seems that technology has crept into every aspect of our lives and every functioning industry or business today. Surprisingly however, the legal industry is lagging behind other industries when it comes to utilizing technology. Some might think that legal professionals are merely slow to catch on to current trends when it comes to technology, but there are a few interesting reasons for this noticeable gap. Read on to learn why the legal industry is so far behind when it comes to utilizing technology.
Many Experienced Legal Professionals are Resistant to Change
Being successful in the legal industry requires years of experience. Some of the most powerful professionals in the industry have been practicing law for years and went to law school when there were no computers used in schools. Many of these lawyers are comfortable with their usual methods of doing things, and do not feel the need for technology. Since their methods have been effective for years (oftentimes decades), they do not see a need for implementing technology into their regular system. This could change as older professionals enter retirement and young legal pros rise up with a familiarity with and embracing of technology.It is Difficult for Courts to Update Filing Procedures
Some courts are changing to online filing systems so that a person with access to the system can file documents and pleadings from a computer without even going to the courthouse, but this process can be expensive. While federal courts have made the switch, many state courts lag behind. With an inconsistency in this system, it might be a while before everything is completely digital. Although there is some technology implementation here, this is an extremely slow process.Legal Education has not Changed Much over the Years, Despite Changes
in Technology
Legal education is strongly based in tradition. Students in the United States spend three years reading case law and being questioned by professors through the Socratic Method. Most of a student's time is spent learning to read and analyze cases. When it comes to learning the law, it isn’t always necessary to have a computer, fancy device, or updated software. Students learn about principles and processes that have been in place for a long time, so their education isn’t focused on innovation or how to change these processes. While many people have advocated for a different model of education for law schools, schools themselves have been resistant to change.| Related articles |
Online Legal Research can be Very Expensive
Two of the leading legal research companies, Westlaw and Lexis Nexis train students at many law schools across the country how to use their products. The bad thing about this type of research in actual practice is that it can get very expensive for practicing lawyers. Once students have graduated and no longer have access to the school’s research tools, it is pricey to purchase and use these products in their own practice. Each click can add to research costs, so many lawyers find that buying a set of statute books is much less expensive.Lawyers can still be Effective Using Old-Fashioned Methods
Learning new technology can make things faster and easier for a lawyer, but it is simply not necessary to be effective in court or daily practice. Technology hasn’t found a successful niche within the legal field because it isn’t necessary for survival. While it might simplify or expedite certain processes, you still need a qualified, educated individual to do most of the work—making technology somewhat obsolete.As you can see, the legal industry’s lack of technology use isn’t merely a user problem. Right now, there isn’t a desperate need for highly advanced technology in the legal industry. Perhaps as other technologies develop and become more affordable, lawyers will have more of a need for technology use. For now, many are still finding success without the help of technology, and remain happy with their tried and true methods for law practice. The information for this article was provided by George Washington University, who provides an online paralegal degree for interested students.
| By Dixie Somers | Embed |
Author Bio - Dixie is a freelance writer who loves to write about business, finance and medicine. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters.
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