Legal tech is a tool public authorities can harness to achieve greater value for money from their legal services. All public procurement must be based on value for money, defined as “the best mix of quality and effectiveness for the least outlay over the period of use of the goods or services bought.” Public authorities can deploy legal tech to boost the cost effectiveness of legal processes and lower a range of risks. Here are some ways in which legal tech can contribute to risk reduction:
Automating Routine Tasks
Legal tech can automate routine tasks such as contract drafting, document review, and legal research. This reduces the chances of human error and ensures that repetitive tasks are completed accurately and consistently.
Enhanced Compliance Monitoring
Public authorities are often subject to numerous regulations and compliance requirements. Legal tech can help monitor changes in laws and regulations, ensuring that the authorities stay up-to-date and remain compliant with the latest legislation.
Predictive Analytics
Legal tech can use predictive analytics to assess legal risks associated with certain decisions or actions. By analysing historical data and legal precedents, public authorities can make more informed decisions and anticipate potential legal issues.
Streamlined Workflow
Implementing legal tech solutions can streamline workflow processes, reducing delays and bottlenecks. This improved efficiency can prevent issues that might arise from missed deadlines or delayed responses.
Data Security and Privacy
Public authorities often handle sensitive data and legal tech can offer solutions for secure data storage, encryption and compliance with data protection regulations. This lowers the risk of data breaches and associated legal repercussions.
Electronic Document Management
Legal tech facilitates electronic document management, reducing the risk of losing critical documents and ensuring easy retrieval when needed.
Collaboration and Communication
Legal tech tools enable better collaboration and communication among team members within public authorities. This can help prevent miscommunication and ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding legal matters.
Contract Analysis and Management
Legal tech can assist with analysing and managing contracts, identifying potential risks and inconsistencies. This ensures that contracts are well-drafted and adhere to legal requirements.
Litigation Support
In case of legal disputes, legal tech tools can assist in gathering evidence, organizing case materials, and preparing legal documents, which can improve the chances of a favourable outcome.
Transparency and Accountability
Legal tech solutions can provide audit trails and transparency in legal processes, ensuring compliance by public servants on their duties and the Nolan principles.
Training and Knowledge Management
Legal tech can be used to provide training materials and resources to public authority staff, ensuring a better understanding of legal processes and compliance requirements. At Cleaver Fulton Rankin, we deliver legal tech training to our lawyers and staff as part of our Digital Skills Programme.
Regulatory Tracking and Reporting
Legal tech can help public authorities track regulatory changes and generate reports for regulatory compliance purposes, reducing the risk of missing important updates.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Some legal tech platforms offer online mediation and arbitration services, providing a more cost-effective and efficient way to resolve disputes without resorting to litigation.
It is important to note that, while legal tech can significantly lower risks, it is not a replacement for legal expertise. At Cleaver Fulton Rankin, we consider technology and innovation as part of a three step process: People, Process and Technology. As always, public authorities must use legal experts for complex matters. Public authorities, when implementing legal tech solutions, should carefully plan their processes and ensure they fully monitor tech performance to ensure effectiveness.
Cleaver Fulton Rankin offers legal technology and document review solutions to our NI business clients, English and Welsh law firms and public sector clients. For further information about our Legal Technology services, please get in touch.
This article has been produced for general information purposes and further advice should be sought from a professional advisor.
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