Law firms have unique requirements and responsibilities regarding technology. They deal with massive amounts of sensitive client data, adhere to strict regulations, and protect against cyber threats that could significantly affect their clients and reputation. Moreover, a significant portion of the industry has started working from home as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This massive shift in working habits has significantly increased the need for law firms to keep up with technology trends to operate effectively. Lawyers now want to have access to their sensitive data anytime and anywhere in a secure way. At the same time, most don’t have dedicated internal IT teams to ensure cybersecurity and enable collaboration and communication so they can operate safely in their online environment.
However, the increased demand for technology has not reduced the expectations placed on law firms to meet all regulatory requirements. The legal profession has always had unique workplace requirements, and the standards expected of legal professionals are very demanding. Lawyers receive and protect confidential information about their clients and their cases, making it crucial to have a robust IT infrastructure. Additionally, rapid regulation of data and privacy via local and federal laws adds another layer of compliance exposure for law firms. Law firm regulatory compliance processes are often difficult to understand, time-consuming, and expensive to implement. With no internal IT teams, law firms struggle to keep up with technology trends while focusing on their work and seeking high profitability.
Almost 44% of small law firms fail to budget for IT, despite over 60% of respondents acknowledging that IT is a pressing concern.
This is where Managed Service Providers (MSP) come in. An MSP can help store and protect your data from cyber threats. On top of that, they can make technology work for you so that your team can perform their tasks more efficiently, and you can focus on billable hours rather than struggling with tech problems. When engaging with a managed IT solution provider, you will receive e thorough assessment of your IT infrastructure and solutions. The next logical step would be strengthening your security regarding data and devices used in the company. And many more.
Top Challenges for Legal Companies when Dealing with Technology and What has changed
One of the most significant changes is the evolving legal landscape, which has impacted how law firms need to consider their relationship with technology. Legal companies must now consider various factors, including the need for secure communication that cannot become a subject of cyberattacks, data loss, and more. Additionally, a stable online presence has become essential as more and more law companies generate their clients online, and everything is going digital. Clients now prefer online consultations and need an online space to store their confidential data. As a result, legal companies must adapt to these changes to remain competitive and meet the needs of their clients.
Cybersecurity: As the number and sophistication of cybercrimes continue to grow, the threat to businesses is increasingly growing. Law firms are particularly vulnerable to such threats due to the sensitive and valuable data they manage and the outdated cybersecurity systems that many firms in the sector still employ. Cybersecurity requires extensive, long-term investment into your IT infrastructure and cybersecurity staff. This may be especially difficult for smaller law firms that might not have the necessary resources to provide adequate protection. MSPs can help law firms by providing a secure cloud to store and protect their data from cyber threats.
Clients’ data protection: Client expectations around data protection are also increasing. Clients are becoming more aware of the risks of having their confidential information reside on an attorney’s unprotected computer. Law firms must create protection policies that secure client data, which can be easy to do with the right tools. However, it is practically impossible if things aren’t set up correctly.
Law professionals expect a hybrid/remote model: The ability to work from anywhere is powerful, and it is also seen as something of a perq by attorneys. Today’s remote staff, need the same environment, whether in the office or remotely. Technology complexity should not distract them from the billable business. Even recruiters must have a story ready to sell potential new hires on how efficiently and effectively the firm’s IT infrastructure supports their ability to work remotely.
Compliance: Compliance is a significant challenge for law companies due to the constantly changing legal and regulatory environment. As new laws and regulations are introduced, law firms must ensure they meet all compliance requirements. This can be daunting, especially for firms operating in multiple jurisdictions with varying regulations. Additionally, the growing use of technology in legal services has increased the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks, making compliance even more crucial. To stay compliant, law firms must adopt modern technology and digital workplace solutions tailored to regulations and meet the needs of lawyers and clients. These innovative solutions ensure the secure exchange and storage of data and facilitate smooth communication between firm professionals and clients to enable more effective collaboration.
Increased Adoption of Managed IT Solutions from Legal Businesses
Managed IT services are becoming increasingly important for law firms to handle their IT needs. From simple issues like forgotten passwords to more serious problems like data loss and security breaches, a managed IT service provider can help ensure your firm runs smoothly and securely. Partnering with a provider offering 24/7/365 support can provide prompt assistance whenever needed. For law firms, data protection, secure communication, and smooth operations are crucial to success. Managed IT solutions can help achieve these goals by offering guaranteed secure email communication, remote management of mobile devices, eliminated downtime, improved security, a move towards the cloud and virtual IT services, a stable online presence to generate new business leads, full IT audit and recommendations, and support when you need it. In fact, according to a survey by Robert Half Legal, 59% of law firms are now outsourcing IT services to managed service providers to improve efficiency and reduce costs. By partnering with a managed IT services provider, legal professionals can ensure data security, privacy, and compliance, streamline eDiscovery and document management, and integrate digital technology with legal processes, ultimately improving the overall success of their firm.
As Your Single-Source Managed Service Provider, CloudScale365 ensures that your infrastructure runs smoothly and safely so you can focus on your core business.
Cloud/VPS: CloudScale365 provides law firms with scalable, reliable, and secure computing resources that can be accessed from anywhere at any time. This enables remote work and allows law firms to store and access sensitive data in a safe environment easily. Cloud/VPS services also offer cost-effective and flexible IT solutions on a pay-as-you-go basis, allowing law firms to optimize their IT infrastructure and decrease capital expenditures.
Microsoft Teams Collaboration: Today’s employees must connect with each other and their customers anytime, anywhere, on any device, via chat or audio and video calls and meetings. Employees must have real-time access to documents and workflows while ensuring the security of sensitive information. Managed Microsoft Teams from CloudScale365 provides a comprehensive solution that facilitates real-time collaboration and communication while adhering to industry regulations. With our service, law firms can improve productivity, streamline workflows, and collaborate securely from anywhere, at any time.
Mobile Device Management: In today’s world, mobile devices are the backbone of remote work. As your Managed Service Provider CloudScale365 helps secure these mobile devices and create a safe environment for remote workers to access their data from anywhere, anytime. With MSPs, law firms can ensure that their data is protected and not vulnerable to attacks.
24/7/365 Helpdesk: CloudScale365 offers 24/7 immediate reaction and fast helpdesk support to our clients. We understand that IT issues can occur anytime, and our team is always available online to provide quick solutions. This saves businesses money that they would otherwise spend on expensive IT teams, as they can rely on us to handle any problems that arise. As your trusted Managed Service Provider, we are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive support and fulfilling your every requirement.
Email Security: Law firms commonly use email for communication, making it vulnerable to cyber-attacks. CloudScale365 Email Security solutions protect sensitive information through various measures such as encryption, advanced threat protection, email filtering, and constant monitoring and support.
IT Audit and Assessment: IT Audit and Assessment services from CloudScale365 allow law firms identify potential security risks, assess your current IT infrastructure, and provide recommendations to improve the technology systems internally. This helps protect confidential client information from cyber-attacks and data breaches. By conducting regular IT audits, law firms can mitigate potential risks, increase productivity, and focus on their core business activities with peace of mind.
CloudScale365 is a reliable Managed Service Provider for law firms looking to improve their IT infrastructure and security. With our expertise, we build and implement customized solutions tailored to meet your business needs and goals. Our solutions are designed to reduce complexity and improve efficiency, allowing you to focus on what matters most – running your law firm.
