Top 10 Use Cases of Legal Tech in a Digitally Transformed Judiciary

The judicial system, long seen as a bastion of tradition and formality, is in the midst of a digital upheaval. Legal technology is no longer just a buzzword thrown around to deflect questions surrounding the complex nuances in the law, but rather it has become the preferred tool that eases out the complexities and allows for an inclusive participation from within the system. It has become a transformative force reshaping the delivery of legal services and the conduct of judicial processes. From artificial intelligence to blockchain, legal technology is revolutionising the legal landscape by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.

While the jury is still out on the actual impact of technology on the future of legal systems, given the evolving nature of said technologies, here, we explore 10 compelling use cases of legal technology within the judiciary, and the impact that is already a reality.

1. e-Filing and Case Management Systems

Gone are the days of lugging around stacks of paper to courtrooms. e-Filing systems allow legal professionals to submit documents electronically, streamlining the entire filing process. Case management systems (CMS) enable courts to handle cases more efficiently by automating scheduling, tracking case progress, and managing case-related documents — all through curated portals that prioritise access and security. According to a report by National Center for State Courts, in the United States, courts that implemented CMS experienced a 25% reduction in processing times.

2. Artificial Intelligence in Legal Research

Legal research is time-consuming, but AI-powered tools are changing the game. These tools can sift through vast amounts of legal data, providing relevant case laws and legal precedents within seconds. A study by McKinsey & Company reveals that AI can potentially automate 23% of a lawyer’s work, significantly boosting productivity.

3. Online Dispute Resolution

The biggest surprise has been the rise of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) systems worldwide. ODR platforms provide an alternative to traditional courtrooms by resolving disputes online. This method is particularly effective for small claims and disputes where parties are in different geographical locations. Fun fact: the European Union’s ODR platforms received over 17,000 requests for dispute resolution in 2020!

4. Smart Contracts

Technology is revolutionising contract management, making them much smarter and super-efficient. Smart, blockchain-powered self-executing contracts with terms directly written in the code are now automatically enforcing themselves when predefined conditions are met. The World Economic Forum reported that blockchain-based contracts can reduce contract disputes by 30% due to their transparency and immutability.

5. Virtual Courtrooms

As the only upside of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual courtrooms got the boost they needed. Technology ensured the continuity of justice even when physical attendance is impossible, and people witnessed first-hand the ease, simplicity, and sophistication of the many options technology today presents us with — so much so that virtual courtrooms continue to remain a permanent fixture in the judicial process post-pandemic.

6. Document Automation & Management

Document automation software streamline the creation of legal documents, reducing human error and saving time. Legal tech solutions, Docupilot & Justice Accelerator, claim that their software reduces document drafting time by 60%, allowing legal professionals to focus on more strategic tasks.

7. Automated, Insightful Legal Analytics

Advanced legal analytics tools today can analyse historical case data to predict outcomes and inform legal strategies. Lex Machina, a leading provider of legal analytics, found that their clients are 50% more likely to achieve favourable outcomes due to data-driven insights. This technology enables lawyers to make informed decisions based on statistical analysis rather than intuition alone.

8. Seamless & Enhanced Communication

All-encompassing client portals are providing secure platforms for clients to access case information, communicate with their lawyers, and manage documents. These portals enhance transparency and improve client satisfaction. A survey by Clio, a legal practice management software company, revealed that 65% of clients prefer to work with lawyers who offer an online portal

9. e-Discovery

e-Discovery tools streamline the process of gathering and analysing electronic data for litigation purposes. These tools use machine learning algorithms to sift through terabytes of data, identifying relevant information quickly and accurately. Gartner, a technological research and consulting firm in the United States, predicted that by 2025, 60% of e-Discovery tasks will be automated, reducing costs and improving efficiency.

10. Compliance & Risk Management

Legal technology assists organisations in managing compliance with regulations and mitigating legal risks. Compliance software automates monitoring and reporting, ensuring organisations remain up to date with changing laws. Reports suggest that companies using compliance software can reduce regulatory fines by at least 20%!

A noteworthy player in the realm of dispute resolution software is Justice Accelerator (JA), a platform that enhances the efficiency and security of legal processes. With modules tailored for courts, arbitration centres, Will registries and membership management across the board, JA offers state-of-the-art solutions for case management, document automation, and virtual hearings. Its blockchain integration ensures secure and transparent transactions, while its AI capabilities provide predictive insights to inform legal strategies. By offering customisable solutions, Justice Accelerator enables legal institutions to navigate their digital transformations with ease and confidence.

A digital revolution within the judicial process is well and truly underway, and legal technology is playing a pivotal role. From streamlining document management to enhancing courtroom accessibility, the use cases of legal technology are vast and varied. As legal professionals continue to embrace these innovations, the legal system becomes more efficient, transparent, and accessible, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. But as technology evolves, so will the legal system that is all but digital transforming itself. Perhaps by better understanding the changes, we could prepare ourselves for the promising future still to come.