‘The failure to innovate can damage a firm’s reputation’

In conversation with Lawyers Weekly, Law In Order corporate client relationship manager Stefan Steenveld said those who delay adopting legal tech face a range of significant risks that could directly impact competitiveness and client satisfaction, particularly in the current market.

“Clients now expect digital-first, transparent, and highly efficient services, and firms that can’t meet these expectations risk dissatisfaction and churn. Meanwhile, tech-enabled competitors are delivering faster, more accurate, and cost-effective solutions, drawing business away from those relying on outdated methods,” he said.

“Operational inefficiencies from manual processes not only increase costs but also heighten the risk of human error. In a regulatory environment that continues to evolve, lacking tools like e-discovery, contract analytics, and advanced security measures exposes firms to compliance issues and cyber security threats.”

Without utilising legal tech, firms can also appear “outdated and less capable” – with Steenveld emphasising that “the failure to innovate can damage a firm’s reputation”.

This is particularly true as more leading firms adopt emerging tech to drive greater efficiency and client value. Tools like smart contract management, CLM and billing platforms, and document management systems will separate market leaders from laggards in FY2025–26, Steenveld predicted.

“Firms leveraging generative AI for legal research and drafting will significantly reduce turnaround times for contracts, briefs, and memos. Predictive analytics will enable more informed decision making by forecasting litigation outcomes, pricing, and strategy. Automation across workflows, such as matter intake, billing, and compliance, will streamline operations, while client-facing portals and self-service tools will improve transparency and satisfaction,” he added.

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“AI-assisted e-discovery will become indispensable in managing complex litigation, and those offering ESG reporting solutions will stand out by helping clients meet evolving compliance demands. Ultimately, firms that invest in digital skills and legal operations will unlock the full value of their technology and position themselves as forward-thinking, client-centric leaders.”

As such, the relationship practitioners have with legal tech is also set to evolve, with tech amplifying human skills and legal capabilities. This can look like routine tasks such as document review and basic research being increasingly automated – a shift Steenveld said will result in a rise of more varied legal roles.

“This shift will require new skills, including tech literacy, data interpretation, and project management, leading to the rise of hybrid roles such as legal technologists and AI-augmented advisors. Lawyers will collaborate more closely with data scientists, developers, and innovation teams, forming multidisciplinary units that drive better outcomes,” he said.

“As a result, clients will benefit from faster, more tailored, and cost-effective services. At the same time, legal tech will improve access to justice by supporting self-service platforms and scalable legal assistance. Despite these changes, the core human elements such as ethical judgment, critical thinking, and empathy will remain irreplaceable, preserving the essential role of lawyers in navigating complex legal and societal challenges.”

As practitioners’ roles evolve, approaching transformation “strategically and incrementally” is important moving forward.

For firms or legal departments that may feel overwhelmed by the pace of this innovation, Steenveld advised prioritising tools that integrate seamlessly with existing systems to reduce disruption and focusing on long-term progress rather than jumping straight in.

“Start small by targeting a single, high-impact area and scale from there. Focus on solving real operational problems rather than chasing the latest products, and involve end users early in the process to ensure buy-in and usability. Recognise that successful adoption hinges on effective change management, including clear communication, proper training, and ongoing support,” he said.

“Set measurable goals to track ROI and inform future decisions. Delegating tech strategy to a dedicated legal ops or innovation lead can also drive momentum. Most importantly, treat technology adoption as a long-term strategic investment. Steady, sustainable progress will yield far greater benefits than rushed initiatives.”