Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Technology Investments for Law Firms Moving Forward Post-COVID

By Christopher Zegers
September 01, 2020

Our forced experiment in change and technology adoption we are all, for better and worse, participating in can pay dividends: lawyers like their new, flexible work from home capabilities. In fact, most (67%) report they would like their job to stay remote once it's safe to return to the office, even if it's only a few days a week. (See, "Loeb Leadership COVID Survey Findings Report.")

A substantial benefit to a revisioned workforce is real estate reduction. Firms spend approximately 6% – 8% of gross revenue on real estate costs in major metropolitan areas. The new Cushman & Wakefield study on the ripple effects of COVID posits that law firms might be looking at a long term 40% reduction in 'in-office' personnel — which means real estate. (See, Cushman & Wakefield Bright Insight 2020; https://cushwk.co/3lgwgOn). This "right sizing" of the legal sector, that currently occupies two to three times the square footage per employee than other industries, is a sector correction that is long overdue. Ibid.

All of this points to increasing technology investments and, unsurprising, the Cushman & Wakefield survey also predicts a 10% increase in technology investment across firm size. We're never going back the way we were — and this will be to the benefit of firms, profitability, clients and lawyers if we make the right technology investments. Here's some specific ways firms can capture these benefits.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
How Secure Is the AI System Your Law Firm Is Using? Image

In a profession where confidentiality is paramount, failing to address AI security concerns could have disastrous consequences. It is vital that law firms and those in related industries ask the right questions about AI security to protect their clients and their reputation.

COVID-19 and Lease Negotiations: Early Termination Provisions Image

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some tenants were able to negotiate termination agreements with their landlords. But even though a landlord may agree to terminate a lease to regain control of a defaulting tenant's space without costly and lengthy litigation, typically a defaulting tenant that otherwise has no contractual right to terminate its lease will be in a much weaker bargaining position with respect to the conditions for termination.

Pleading Importation: ITC Decisions Highlight Need for Adequate Evidentiary Support Image

The International Trade Commission is empowered to block the importation into the United States of products that infringe U.S. intellectual property rights, In the past, the ITC generally instituted investigations without questioning the importation allegations in the complaint, however in several recent cases, the ITC declined to institute an investigation as to certain proposed respondents due to inadequate pleading of importation.

The Power of Your Inner Circle: Turning Friends and Social Contacts Into Business Allies Image

Practical strategies to explore doing business with friends and social contacts in a way that respects relationships and maximizes opportunities.

Authentic Communications Today Increase Success for Value-Driven Clients Image

As the relationship between in-house and outside counsel continues to evolve, lawyers must continue to foster a client-first mindset, offer business-focused solutions, and embrace technology that helps deliver work faster and more efficiently.