The legal industry is continually evolving and adopting advanced technologies to streamline operations, enhance security, and improve client services. The American Bar Association (ABA) Legal Technology Resource Center has released its 2024 Legal Technology Survey Report, which offers valuable insights into how law firms leverage technology.
Key Findings from the 2024 Survey
The survey asks attorneys questions about five areas of legal technology: online research, marketing and communication, law office technology, litigation technology, and technology basics & security. Some of the most significant trends identified in this year’s report include:
· Legal Research and AI Adoption:
The survey showed that AI and analytics tools are increasingly used to enhance research efficiency and accuracy. The ABA reports, “67% of attorneys rely on fee-based online legal research services, while 55% use free platforms like government websites and legal databases.”
· Marketing and Digital Presence:
When lawyers were asked about their social media usage, the ABA found that 80% of firms maintain a social media presence, with LinkedIn (78%) being the most popular platform, followed by Facebook (53%), Instagram (22%), and X (18%).
· Cloud-Based Legal Tools:
According to the ABA, 73% of firms now use cloud-based legal tools, with document management and practice management software being the most commonly adopted.
· Litigation Technology Advances:
The survey found that AI-driven discovery tools are gaining traction, and 85% of litigators are using electronic court filings.
· Cybersecurity Enhancements:
The ABA states, “60% of firms have implemented formal cybersecurity policies, but phishing and ransomware remain major threats. Multifactor authentication adoption has increased.”
Technology continues to reshape the legal profession. The 2024 ABA Legal Technology Survey Report helps legal professionals stay informed of how their legal industry colleagues use technology, new and old, to enhance efficiency, improve client outcomes, and confidently navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Visit the ABA website to learn more about the survey and how you can obtain a copy to review.
