Why lawyers refuse to use new technology

Imagine someone gives you a magic wand which can make all of your work easier. You will be able to complete cases and matters more efficiently. You will have access to at-a-glance information on how each practice group is performing relative to others. The wand has already been paid for, so it won't cost you anything extra. The only catch is that you have to learn how to use it. Training will even be provided to help you master it. What do you do?

Surprisingly, many people decide not to bother. Our research has found that persuading lawyers to use new systems will be the biggest challenge for IT teams in the coming year. Close behind is the challenge of training lawyers on how to use new systems. Why are so many lawyers resistant to using new technology?

There are many potential reasons. Fear of the unknown is a big deterrent - particularly when the process of learning how to use a new system carries the risk of looking foolish, inadequate or incompetent. For senior, distinguished lawyers, it's easier to hide behind an old filing system and call it 'traditional' than to admit they are afraid they may not be able to learn how to use 'newfangled' systems.

However, not all lawyers are technophobic. Many take pride in buying and showing off new gadgets - whether it is the latest smartphone, a car-integrated satnav, or a watch that can be used in outer space. Even they, however, can be reticent about using a new firmwide technology system which they supported when it was promoted by their head of IT. For this group of lawyers, lack of time is often the issue - while they agree that the system is great in theory, they are so caught up in client work that they can't see the forest for the trees.

A big challenge for many lawyers is overcoming their own resistance to changing processes and systems. They are comfortable with the way they do things and enjoy the cushioned walls of their comfort zones, however insane that may seem to outsiders.

Lawyers who are inherently cynical will also question whether a new system will achieve its stated objectives. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is, right? Compounding the problem is that many lawyers have been given unrealistic expectations in the past about new technological systems and no longer trust that they are worth the time and effort.

The best way to overcome lawyers' resistance to new technology is to rely on precedents. Find examples of firms which have successfully used the new system. Next, convince an important (but not overstretched) practice group within your firm to trial it. Test the system thoroughly until all of the bugs have been worked out and it is delivering results for the team. Then, get the team to demonstrate and promote internally the time and cost savings they achieved. Finally, roll the system out across all of your practice groups, one by one, customising it to their needs and requirements. It's a simple process, but it works.

Imagine someone gives you a magic wand which can make all of your work easier. Sometimes, fantasy can become reality. Technology is a gift that keeps on giving.

Until next time,