Law firms are increasingly turning to legal technology like Legatics to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the client and lawyer experience on deals. However, implementing new technology is not just about installing software; it’s about transforming the way people work. This is where we’ve seen change management methodologies become invaluable when law firms adopt Legatics. In this post, we cover the top three reasons why change management is critical for successful legal tech adoption. See our blog post on top 3 change management methodologies for legal innovation teams for which change management metholodogies we’d recommend innovation teams can use.
1. Overcoming resistance to change
The legal profession is steeped in tradition, and there is safety in following precedents. Lawyers can be naturally cautious about adopting new technologies, and arguably the key barrier to legal technology adoption that we’ve seen has been compliance with the status quo. Change management methodologies provide a structured approach to addressing this resistance by:
- Communicating the benefits of the new technology clearly and consistently
- Involving key stakeholders early in the process to gain buy-in
- Addressing concerns and misconceptions proactively
- Providing support and training to build confidence in using new tools
By systematically tackling resistance, firms can create a more receptive environment for tech adoption, leading to smoother implementation and higher user acceptance rates.
2. Ensuring sustainable adoption
Introducing new technology is just the first step; ensuring its continued use is equally crucial. Change management methodologies focus on long-term adoption by:
- Developing comprehensive training programs tailored to different user groups
- Creating a support system for ongoing assistance and troubleshooting
- Establishing new processes and workflows that integrate the technology
- Monitoring usage and addressing any drop-offs promptly
This sustained focus helps embed the new technology into the firm’s daily operations, maximizing return on investment and preventing reversion to old practices.
3. Aligning technology with business goals
Effective change management ensures that technology adoption is not just about the tool itself, but about how it serves the firm’s broader objectives. This alignment is achieved by:
- Clearly defining success criteria tied to business outcomes
- Regularly assessing the impact of the technology on key performance indicators
- Gathering feedback from users and clients to drive continuous improvement
- Adjusting implementation strategies based on evolving business needs
By maintaining this alignment, firms can ensure that their technology investments deliver tangible value and contribute to their strategic goals.
Conclusion
Change management methodologies are not just a nice-to-have; they are essential for successful legal tech adoption. By addressing resistance, ensuring sustainable adoption, and aligning technology with business goals, law firms can maximize the benefits of their tech investments and stay competitive in an increasingly digital legal landscape.
The journey to successful tech adoption is a marathon, not a sprint. With the right change management approach, your firm can navigate this transformation successfully, empowering your team to embrace new technologies and drive innovation in legal service delivery.
Interested to hear more about how you can boost adoption at your law firm? Find out more about onboarding and adoption at Legatics here. We have also created a unique set of Onboarding Resources for our customers available in the Admin System, which include pre-made content and ideas to kick-start your adoption journey and raise awareness of Legatics with lawyers, Partners and clients. Existing customers can contact their Engagement Manager or the Customer Success team to find out more.
