Panel Discussion on Navigating Pandemic Through Legal Technology Solutions

BW Legal World brings industry leaders to discuss the use of legal technology solutions for navigating through pandemic and beyond

The pandemic has raised a growing need for the use of digital tools and technology. Most industries are utilizing technology to maximize their productivity and the legal market is no exception to the norm. Law firms are increasingly embracing legal software to better improve communication, streamline entire legal workflows and thereby increase the time to focus on core legal issues. Moreover, the availability of individualized and packaged software solutions, as well as cloud-based applications, allows legal enterprises to address a myriad of business issues, including the needs of small, medium and large law firms and in-house counsel teams. 

Despite the benefits that these legal technologies offer, the industry does face some unique challenges when it comes to incorporating these technologies into its practices and simultaneously maintaining data privacy and security. To navigate the pandemic better through the use of these legal technology solutions, we spoke with some of the industry leaders- Anand Prasad, Founder, AP & Partners; Garima Mitra, Treelife Consultancy; Adv. Dr Prashant Mali, President Cyber Law Consulting; and Dr Pavan Duggal, Advocate, Supreme Court of India; Founder & Owner, Pavan Duggal, Associates & Head - Artificial Intelligence Law, during an event by BW Legal World. The session was chaired by Sreerupa Chowdhury, Legal-tech Evangelist. 

Pandemic affected management of legal and consulting firms

Beginning with how the pandemic affected the management of firms, Ms Mitra expresses, “COVID changed perspective for most of us. Since it happened very quickly, it called for a quick transition too. Our team management changed drastically-from physical to virtual, where tech solutions helped in getting the management right. Since we had our system and data in place post-covid, migration was seamless.  

Hence, for us, the mindset shift was difficult, while technology was in place already.” 

COVID saw the emergence of virtual hearings

During COVID, the emergence of e-courts and virtual hearings came into play. Talking on how well we have embraced technology in litigation, Mr Prasad opines, “We did have problems with the legal system before COVID as well- deployment of technology being a key challenge.  

With the pandemic, the functioning of the courts is triggered by a few steps as to how justice is delivered. From jumping on to zoom calls to learning new technology overnight- all this was not true before the lockdown. Same is the case with courts, that are replaced by e-courts and hearings being carried out virtually. 

This proffers a great opportunity for the government to invest in architecture that comes around since COVID is here to stay for a minimum of 2 years.” 

E-Courts offer a better way for online dispute resolution

Perhaps, the debate around the efficiency of e-courts is bringing different perspectives on the table. While some believe it speeds up the process, some are marred by their inability to use it to the full capacity. Dr Mali believes, “We need to continue with e-courts even with physical courts later. E-courts offer a better way for online dispute resolution.  

However, to avoid chaos, we need to have an infrastructure in place and proper training sessions or a bridge course for lawyers on how to handle technology.”

Cyber Security breaches will lead to a new world order after COVID 

With the increased reliance of law firms on technology, the sheer amount of expected connectivity will make everyone vulnerable. The legal sector is particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to the volume of data, sensitive information, financial responsibility and authority it holds. Expressing his thoughts on cyber security in the legal industry, Dr Duggal says, “These are the transformational times and COVID is a great catalyst. We are sure to witness the maximum impact on the legal industry. I am of a firm opinion that cyber security breaches will happen, that will lead to a new world order after COVID.  

I expect the legal fraternity to comply while providing information and be ready for a new wave. Else, we will face some serious repercussions. The protection and preservation of cyber security is of utmost importance.”

Don’t wait for the law, be proactive in protecting data and ensure compliance with applicable law

We may often be regarded as slow adopters, but the way the legal fraternity has embraced technology, especially in COVID times, is worth the laud. Sharing his thoughts on the future of technology in the legal industry, Dr Duggal urges, “Don’t wait for the law, be proactive in protecting data and ensure compliance with applicable law.” 

The situation demands a greater need for awareness of legal technology and cyber security

Dr Mali and Ms Mitra also believe that there is a greater need for the awareness of legal technology and cyber security. COVID has taught us that the world is a small place and cyber security is important at the fore of our tech advancements. A  shift in our attitude towards technology is the need of the hour.