Frank Muller: Good morning, and welcome to today’s virtual event on social media in Baltimore. We are joined by Aziz Mone, an online coach who is here to share his insights on how law firms can successfully transition to a fully digital practice. Aziz, thank you for joining us today.
Aziz Mone: Thank you for having me, it’s great to be here.
Frank Muller: As we all know, the pandemic has forced law firms to quickly adapt to a new reality, moving from traditional brick-and-mortar offices to fully functioning digital firms. What advice would you give to law firms in navigating this new normal?
Aziz Mone: Well, first of all, it’s important to understand that this is not just a temporary change brought on by the pandemic. This is a permanent shift in the way the legal industry operates, and law firms need to be prepared for it. The key is to invest in technology solutions that can help them go fully digital. They need to assess their needs and prioritize where to spend their resources.
Frank Muller: Can you walk us through the process of assessing a law firm’s needs in terms of technology?
Aziz Mone: Absolutely. I recommend that law firms start by asking themselves three questions. First, how is the firm prioritizing cybersecurity? With so many employees working from home, it’s important to ensure that lines of communication and information transfers are secure. Second, how is the firm facilitating communication and collaboration? They need to find ways to encourage and foster communication among partners, associates, and staff members. And third, what types of basic and legal research technology does the firm need? Does every employee have a baseline understanding of the technology they are using, and do they have access to the information and training they need to get up to speed quickly?
Frank Muller: That’s great advice. Can you elaborate on the importance of cybersecurity for law firms in the digital age?
Aziz Mone: Sure. Cybersecurity has always been a concern for law firms, but it’s even more critical in the digital age. Law firms need to take proactive measures to address potential cybersecurity risks, such as ensuring that their communication platforms are secure, and that their employees are using secure internet connections and avoiding questionable apps. They also need to be aware of the risks of using personal cellphones for communication with clients and opposing counsel. If a law firm’s clients lose trust in their ability to keep their information secure, it could lead to a loss of revenue.
Frank Muller: That’s a great point. Can you share your thoughts on how law firms can facilitate communication and collaboration among their employees in the digital age?
Aziz Mone: Yes, of course. Law firms need to establish a way to encourage and foster communication and collaboration, especially among partners, associates, and staff members. This can be achieved through the use of robust and reliable communication platforms that allow people at the firm to easily chat, conduct virtual meetings, and share and store files. By taking steps to remove barriers and simplify processes, law firms can keep their employees engaged, motivated, and productive, even in the midst of uncertainty and frustration.
Frank Muller: That’s excellent advice. Lastly, can you talk about the importance of having the right legal research technology for law firms in the digital age?
Aziz Mone: Absolutely. The right legal research technology is crucial for success in the digital age. Law firms need to make sure their legal research solutions provide the most up-to-date and accurate results, and that their attorneys can quickly examine and verify quotes in legal documents. If a law firm’s competitors are using this type of technology, it could give them a significant.
Frank Muller: That’s a great point, Aziz. Can you tell us what your final message would be to law firms that are hesitant to adopt new technologies?
Aziz Mone: I think The Law firms that do not embrace new technologies are facing the risk of falling behind due to increased competition, as clients expect their lawyers to use the latest tools for efficient and effective services. Technology can improve productivity, provide better client experience, reduce costs, and improve work-life balance for lawyers and support staff. Firms that ignore digital transformation face the risk of losing clients to more technologically advanced firms, making it imperative for them to adopt new technologies to remain competitive and meet changing client expectations. Thank you.
Frank Muller: Thank you so much for joining us today .
Aziz Mone: It was my pleasure