Why Legatics works even if others won’t join

Legal transaction management platforms like Legatics represent the future of deal management, but technology adoption in the legal industry rarely happens overnight. A common objection we hear from potential users is: “What if our external participants don’t want to use the platform?”. In practice, the majority of matters feature other collaborators and customers generally report very positively on third party engagement. It’s still a valid concern, but perhaps one that doesn’t fully understand the value proposition of Legatics.

Value begins from day one

Legatics makes your existing process more efficient, regardless of external participation. Think of it as a glass that delivers benefits even when half full. You’re already project managing your transactions—Legatics simply streamlines that workflow.

Even with minimal external adoption, you gain significant advantages: quickly generating closing checklists, completion checklists, CP trackers, and enquiries on title trackers by importing legal text or starting from a template. Gone are the days of tedious formatting in MS Word, manually adding rows, merging cells, and color-coding entries. Each additional participant who engages with the platform only increases your efficiency, but the value begins from day one.

Bridging old and new: The best of both worlds 

Legatics understands that legal innovation requires bridges, not cliffs. That’s why the platform allows you to download beautifully formatted, firm-styled checklist versions at any time. Need to engage with a traditionalist who insists on printed documents? No problem—download your checklist as a firm styled Word or PDF and print it out. Legatics provides the flexibility to accommodate both forward-thinking practitioners and those who prefer conventional methods.

Hidden power tools: Value without collaboration

Several Legatics features deliver exceptional value even without external collaboration:

• Electronic signing: With our DocuSign integration, you can manage the signing process through Legatics while external parties simply interact with familiar DocuSign requests. Docusign envelope statuses are automatically synced back, giving the managing lawyer a clear overview of a complex signing. Participants need never know you’re using sophisticated transaction management software behind the scenes.
• Binder creation: Quickly generate comprehensive transaction binders without requiring any external participation. It’s a tedious task, and much of the time spent creating binders is often written off. We’re also soon to offer an expanded binder module with even more export options, further enhancing this standalone functionality.

Client expectations are shifting

Today’s clients expect more than lip service about innovation—they want to see it in action on their matters. Legatics provides a client-facing dashboard that demonstrates your firm’s commitment to efficiency and transparency. This visible proof of modern methodology differentiates your services in a competitive market.

Moreover, clients are increasingly reluctant to pay for inefficiency, particularly when it’s on very visible client facing tasks. When they see project management handled in MS Word, they question your efficiency across all aspects of their matter. Most commercial organizations would never use Word as a project management tool—why should legal work be different?

Business development advantages

The adoption of legal technology has become a critical factor in winning new business:

• RFP success: Legal technology utilization is increasingly appearing in RFP requirements. Demonstrating Legatics proficiency can help secure your place on client panels and win entire streams of business.
• Client mandates: Many sophisticated clients now specifically request Legatics, including private equity firms, real estate developers, banks, and development finance institutions. They recognize the platform’s ability to drive efficiencies and deliver better value.
• Peer pressure: With 95% of AmLaw top 40 firms having used Legatics, many as direct customers, your competitors are likely already demonstrating this value to clients and are familiar with collaborating on the platform. Forward-looking firms like A&O Shearman, Dentons, DLA Piper, Hogan Lovells, BCLP, Nelson Mullins, Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons, Pinsent Masons, Linklaters, and Simmons & Simmons have all embraced the platform.

The inevitable evolution

Remember when data rooms were physical spaces? Today’s lawyers would consider that approach antiquated. Legal transaction management is following the same trajectory. Getting ahead of this curve positions your firm at the forefront of an inevitable evolution in legal practice.

Transaction management platforms will become standard operating procedure, just as electronic data rooms have. The firms that adapt early will develop institutional knowledge and competitive advantages that laggards will struggle to overcome.

Conclusion

The objection that “people won’t use our collaborative platform unless external participants want to use it” misses a crucial point: Legatics delivers substantial value at every level of adoption. From day one, it improves your internal processes. As external adoption grows, so do the benefits—but you don’t need to wait for universal buy-in to start realizing returns on your investment.

In a profession defined by precedent, embracing the future sometimes requires taking the first step. With Legatics, that step delivers immediate rewards while positioning your firm for long-term success in an increasingly digital legal landscape.