The legal profession is known for its reliance on documentation—contracts, case files, discovery documents, briefs, and more. Traditionally, managing these documents has been labour-intensive, requiring careful organization, filing, and retrieval. If you’re in the legal field and still relying on outdated processes, you’re likely wasting valuable time and missing opportunities to serve your clients better. In this blog, we will explore how app modernization helps legal professionals improve document management and boost collaboration with clients.
Automating Document Management: Goodbye to Paperwork Nightmares
Document management is one of the most time-consuming aspects of legal work. Searching for documents, organizing files, and ensuring version control can be daunting without the right tools. A recent study found that 68% of contract professionals search for completed contracts at least once a week while 90% believe finding a specific document is a challenge.
According to a survey, it takes an average of 45 minutes to locate a contract, and 84 minutes to find the relevant section or language. That’s a total of over 2 hours spent just locating a single contract, without even analyzing or applying the information! What’s worse is that 46% of organizations are sometimes unable to locate contracts at all.
That is where modern document management systems (DMS) come in, leveraging cloud technology, AI, and machine learning to take the hassle out of managing legal documents. Imagine not having to dig through endless email chains or manually search for that one elusive contract!
With a modernized DMS, legal teams can quickly access documents, maintain version control, and automatically tag files by case or client. Additionally, advanced search features allow for retrieving information in seconds—saving hours of billable time.
AI can turn 3 hours of contract review into 45 minutes, saving valuable time and resources. Automated document management can categorize files, track changes, and even suggest next steps based on previous case patterns.
Moreover, automation reduces human error. Whether it’s ensuring that deadlines are met, the right documents are reviewed, or compliance regulations are adhered to, automation guarantees fewer mistakes and improved workflow efficiency. This shift away from manual document handling frees up legal professionals to focus on higher-value work, like strategy and client interaction.
Enhancing Client Collaboration: Bringing Clients into the Fold
Legal professionals know that client communication can sometimes be a challenge. Email is no longer sufficient for the level of collaboration that today’s clients expect. They want transparency, quick updates, and easy access to case documents—without the back-and-forth. According to a 2022 report about legal trends, 79% of clients expect regular updates and communication regarding their cases. App modernization can make this a reality.
Modern legal applications feature client portals where clients can log in, review their case documents, upload necessary paperwork, and communicate securely with their legal team—all from a single platform. These portals can be customized to offer real-time updates, share progress on case milestones, and even integrate with calendars for appointment scheduling.
Additionally, cloud-based collaboration tools enable lawyers to work on documents alongside clients or colleagues in real time, regardless of location. This means changes can be made, discussed, and approved instantly, eliminating delays in the legal process.
By enabling greater transparency and real-time collaboration, law firms can build trust and improve client satisfaction. When clients feel like they are part of the process, rather than on the outside looking in, they are more likely to be engaged and satisfied with the outcome.
The 2022 Clio Legal Trends Report revealed that 67% of legal clients find timely communication from their lawyer significantly impacts their overall satisfaction with the legal service.
Integrating Modern Apps with Legal Workflows
The key to successful app modernization lies in choosing platforms that integrate seamlessly with existing legal workflows. Modern legal applications offer robust API capabilities, meaning they can connect with practice management software, billing systems, and even eDiscovery tools. Integration ensures that information flows smoothly across the legal ecosystem, reducing data silos and improving overall efficiency.
For example, a modernized app might automatically populate billing software with the time spent on document revisions or client calls, reducing the need for manual input. Similarly, integrating with eDiscovery platforms can streamline the collection, preservation, and review of electronically stored information (ESI), speeding up case preparation.
Felix Solutions, with a leadership team boasting over 150 years of collective expertise, is at the forefront of app modernization. Leveraging AI-driven technologies, Felix transforms outdated applications into agile, efficient systems tailored for the modern digital landscape across all industries. With a proven track record of creating over $1Bn in enterprise value, the company’s app modernization services streamline workflows, automate tasks, and enhance user experiences, enabling clients to remain competitive in a cutthroat market.
The Bottom Line: App Modernization is an Investment in the Future
As evidenced by undeniable statistics throughout the blog, modernizing legal applications has proven to be a key driver of efficiency and client satisfaction. By automating routine tasks, modernizing document management, and enhancing client collaboration, legal professionals can focus on what they do best: practising law. In today’s digital age where clients expect more, improved efficiency and streamlined operations lead to better outcomes, not just for the firm but for the clients they serve.
Modernization may require an upfront investment, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. So, if your firm is still stuck in the past with outdated processes, it’s time to take a hard look at app modernization. The legal landscape is evolving—make sure you evolve with it.
Felix’s commitment to delivering practical, trusted, and impactful AI-based services sets us apart as a reliable partner on your journey to digital transformation. For more information, please write to info@felixsolutions.ai.