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Technology & Millennials: Why Your Firm Needs Both

Within the last few years, technology has gradually integrated into all aspects of the legal industry, which means it no longer relates solely to internal functions such as time and billing records. Technology is an essential part of the legal supply chain as it is used to streamline services, reduce costs, and make services accessible to smaller companies. We see technology used in every facet of legal practice, from marketing and client relations to discovery and trial presentation.

So what does this mean for litigators? They must be prepared to use available technology to make their practices more efficient and serve their clients’ needs. Otherwise, litigators risk falling behind in today’s fast-moving legal market.

But what we have seen over and over again are lawyers who don’t embrace new technology. Many live by the mantra, “Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken.” However, as these litigators hesitate to put down their padfolio in exchange for a laptop, they are limiting their effectiveness with a case.

But don’t dive headfirst into an intense study of all the possible technological solutions available. You actually don’t need to worry about understanding the ins and outs of all legal technology. Just hire some millennials.

We have been told countless times that millennials and technology go together like bread and butter. But why are young people and tech so inseparable? Millennials may have fewer walks around the block than you, but those walks have been immersed with technology. They saw the creation of AOL and the advancement of the iPhone; using technology, whether unfamiliar or well-known, comes naturally. Even their time in law school was more technology-infused compared to that of prior generations. The key to success in any industry is to allow millennials to leverage their innate technological abilities.

The best place to start is being willing to grasp new technical concepts; then quickly and efficiently apply the latest technology to the practice of law. Firms of all sizes should rely on their young millennial lawyers to insert technology into their practices wherever possible to avoid falling behind. Strive to provide opportunities for young millennial lawyers to take leadership roles on firm committees designed to bring technological advances to the business. Giving them a voice concerning technology will allow your firm the company to embrace technology for the better. Additionally, it will provide your young lawyers with a chance to take a leadership role in the firm early on in their career, giving them a vested interest in the growth and success of the company.

Working with millennials and technology can be unfamiliar and require some adjustments, but it will make all the difference for your firm, starting now.