Can lawyers afford to ignore technology?
16 July 2004
Law firms are working harder than ever to retain existing clients and compete for new business. Success in this competitive environment involves continually refining and reviewing work processes, and integrating new technology to help reduce costs and provide more responsive client service.
Legal practitioners receive strong and continuing pressure from clients to use technology to manage legal services more systematically and securely.
In addition, the geographic expansion of firms throughout Australia and into Asia has increased the importance and usefulness of online legal products and services.
Two new services which have emerged in the last few months are helping the legal industry respond to these demands: CITEC's QLD Magistrates Court Electronic Lodgements and County Court of Victoria eFiling.
As well as offering fast and convenient online information services, through CITEC Confirm, the Queensland Magistrates Court Electronic Lodgements product allows lawyers to electronically lodge claims, minor debt claims and requests for default judgement in selected major Magistrate's Courts throughout Queensland.
The Queensland Magistrates Court provides an immediate accept or reject response to claims and in cases where a defendant does not file a defence to an electronically lodged claim, a request for a default judgement can also be lodged online.
The County Court of Victoria eFiling product uses an intelligent database to compile a case history by enabling legal practitioners to electronically file and process court documents relating to civil cases covered by the County Court of Victoria. These documents are saved in a current, accurate case record available for online review and action at any time.
Research shows lawyers recognise the influential force technology has on the practice of law and they acknowledge their unwillingness to change work habits to fit technology, even when technology makes their work easier.
With clients demanding faster answers and advances in work processes facilitating speedy responses, there is no time for legal practitioners to waste when adopting these new online products.
To stay competitive in the industry, firms need to capitalise on the financial and strategic benefits which are on offer. The opportunity to heighten efficiency and cut costs can no longer be ignored.
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