Managing clients and keeping up with changes in the law is difficult enough. Add to the mix the advancing technology that is now needed to effectively run a firm and it's easy to see how many lawyers will struggle to keep up. This is where an experienced Legal IT services team comes in. 

Nick Nouri, an experienced IT professional working with Vancouver Canada law firms shares five technologies currently used in the legal field that demand managed IT services to run as efficiently as possible.

1. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is now used in everything from data extraction to reviewing contracts. While this can dramatically increase a law firm's efficiency, it can also create new security concerns. Hackers are continually coming up with elaborate schemes that involve artificial intelligence. Hackers could infiltrate AI to create an extensive social engineering plan to deceive the employees in a firm into giving out personal information. If there would be any concerns with artificial intelligence an IT service could be available immediately to deal with any problems.

2. Cloud Technology

Law firms of all sizes are increasingly moving to the cloud. Keeping data in the cloud offers many crucial benefits. Attorneys and legal professionals can now work remotely at any time of the day because of cloud technologies. Lawyers can access documents anywhere while traveling for their court dates. There are, however, a few concerns. These include the ability to maintain clear and consistent internet connections as well as security concerns. A managed IT team can make sure security is always running at optimal levels and connections are smooth.

3. Smart Contracts

In simplest terms, smart contracts are agreements that are written in computer code. They are conditions and terms that are automated, and legal firms are increasingly using them. They run on what is called blockchain and are stored in databases. For all their benefits, they can be complicated from a technology point of view. Managed IT providers are needed to maintain IoT infrastructure, keep up with all necessary compliance, and ensure a quality user experience.

4. Advanced Software

New software can provide attorneys with the necessary tools to more effectively manage their firms and the needs of their clients. There is now software available that can record time automatically or scale a firm's operations. Advanced software can also automate jobs and provide the ability to work more efficiently on mobile devices. These types of software can be elaborate and often require technical expertise to keep them running smoothly and securely.

5. Blockchain

Blockchain provides a decentralized system that allows all parties to participate without the need for middlemen. It is peer to peer business or legal transactions that are carried out without any third party. Processes using blockchain are usually cheaper and faster than a traditional system. Blockchain provides attorneys the ability to keep and share records online that is secure and tamper-proof. While smart contracts run on blockchain, this type of technology can do much more than automate contracts. Blockchain can be used to record events such as charges that are related to a criminal case or information regarding claims to intellectual property. The technology has the ability to record copyright information such as the intellectual property of designer shoes.

The Need for Managed IT Services

The use of advanced technologies in the legal industry is growing exponentially. Lawyers are usually not taught tech strategies in law school and often struggle to keep up with new forms of technology. In order to maintain data security, strictly comply with all current regulations, and increase efficiency while incorporating the latest technology, it's increasingly necessary to employ the services of an experienced IT team. A managed service provider should have extensive experience in cloud technology as well as specific technologies such as smart contracts and blockchain. The right managed IT service can increase a firm's efficiency while keeping their data safe.

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