Blog: Applying Legal Tech the Right Way
Technology is an Enabler, Not a Silver Bullet
In legal operations, technology is often seen as the key to efficiency and optimisation. While it can significantly accelerate performance, it cannot fix broken or unclear processes.
The best outcomes occur when technology is applied after processes are defined, clarified, and optimised.
Common Tools Include:
Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) for document automation.
eBilling for transparency in fees and matter budgets.
Workflow automation for approvals, triage, and task assignment.
These tools can deliver measurable gains, but only when processes are already well-structured.
Deploying Tech to Fix Broken Processes
Many teams fall into the trap of deploying tech to fix broken processes. Underperforming legal tech deployments can be attributed to unoptimised or undocumented workflows.
Case Study
A general counsel implemented a self-service NDA generator, expecting instant turnaround gains. But the legal team hadn’t clarified the business rules (e.g. when NDAs require legal review), resulting in confusion and delay. After mapping the process first (scoping thresholds, auto-approval logic, and fallback contacts), the execution time dropped from 12 days to 2. It demonstrated how clarity in process can amplify the impact of technology.
Technology is an accelerator, not a fix-all. It amplifies both clarity and chaos. Consequently, legal teams should:
Map and optimise processes first.
Define decision rules, thresholds, and workflows.
Apply technology to automate, monitor, and scale.
