The main selling point of legal technology is the increased efficiency and cost savings it brings to the table. Despite this point being emphasized by legal technology providers, many lawyers still believe that incorporating legal technology solutions is a huge investment that is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Despite the numerous advantages of legal technology solutions and digitalization, some law firms are slow to adopt new ways of working. In light of this, this article discusses how the use of technology can lower a law firm’s overall costs while also contributing to higher profits:

What are the overhead costs of a law firm?

It is critical to first understand a law firm’s costs in order to gain insight into how legal technology can help to reduce them.

1. An overhead is any cost that is not directly related to a lawyer’s salary. Office rent, internet and phone bills, utilities, printer costs, office equipment, office kitchen and bathroom facilities, and meeting room equipment are all included.

2. In addition to this, a law firm’s overhead costs can also include non-lawyer staff salaries. This include, Legal assistants, paralegals, researchers, administrative personnel, and other office personnel Simply put, anything a law firm pays for that does not generate revenue is classified as an overhead cost that must be carefully controlled and monitored.

3. Finally, because of the high overheads and operating costs, most law firms charge higher fees but rarely make significant profits. As a result, many small law firms lose 60% or more of their revenue if overheads are not carefully controlled or reduced.

Let’s talk about Remote Working

Due to the pandemic, most law firms have significantly reduced their overhead costs by not using their office space or simply reducing the size of their office. As a result, law firms save not only on rent but also on lower utility bills. Furthermore, as law firms become more digitized, they no longer require large storage spaces for their documentation.

Legal technology software including document management systems, legal billing software and case management systems have all made this possible. Moreover, the use of video conferencing software has also resulted in physical boardrooms not being used as much.

Increasing profits while reducing costs is a top priority for any law firm, regardless of size or practice area. However, achieving this goal will not be easy. In order to continue operating efficiently, law firms must maintain a certain level of overhead costs. This entails not only cutting costs, but also controlling them through a’more for less’ approach. Through the use of legal technology solutions, this approach enables law firms to provide more value to their clients at a lower cost.

Last Words

Trying to adapt to new ways of working and utilizing legal technology significantly lowers a law firm’s overhead costs, allowing for greater profit retention. Legal technology software solutions are incredibly diverse and customizable, meaning that any legal practice can benefit from one, regardless of size, structure, or practice area means that any legal practice, regardless of size, structure, or practice area, can benefit from one. Legal technology allows lawyers to have more capacity because they are no longer tasked with menial administrative tasks that do not contribute to the firm’s billable hours. Law firms must be prepared to use legal technology innovation to reduce costs, increase capacity, and, ultimately, grow their business.