As noted by blogger Niki Black at Sui Generis, 2011 will bring rapid changes in the realm of technology for everyone, lawyers included. Lawyers, however, are a unique subset of the population, and as the trends indicate, lawyers use technology differently.
As Black notes, lawyers will purchase technological tools that will enable them greater mobility and flexibility, predicting that by the end of 2011, most lawyers will own a smart phone. Those in large firms will maintain the conventional use of the Blackberry, while smaller boutique firms or solo practitioners will begin to shift towards the iPhone and other Android options.
The use of tablet computers, quickly gaining popularity in all fields, including the legal field, will increase throughout 2011. One of the big benefits of an iPad (or other PC-based tablet as often chosen by lawyers) is the ability to carry, read, and edit large files on the go. Not only does this mean less weight to lug around, but work can now be taken to virtually any location.
Social media is as prevalent as ever, with studies showing how micro-blogging on sites, such as Twitter and updating ones status on Facebook, have taken the lead in multiple fields. For lawyers, however, the use of Twitter is predicted to decrease throughout 2011 based on its change in usage. According to Black, lawyers are looking for ways to network, a function more aligned with Facebook, rather than the changing use of Twitter, which is now moving more towards information sharing. Blogging is predicted to be on the rise in law firms, not only for the increase it gives in search engine rankings, but also for its ability to showcase a law firm’s legal expertise.
Which, if any, technological trends are followed in your law firm? Which tech tools or social media platforms are you currently using? We’d love to hear from you!
