Law firm technology — its not about gadgets

Yesterday I recalled a discussion I had with a partner in a large firm about the effective use of technology in the practice of law. He had just returned from a trip to Japan to meet with clients and other attorneys.  This partner is a self-professed gadget guy and proudly wears the badge of an “early adopter.”

His view on the subject was (is) that technology in a law firm is all about arming the firm’s attorneys with the right gadgets.  “Give everyone a Blackberry so they can answer and send e-mail at all hours of the day!”  A common technology ‘strategy’ amongst larger firms.

His technology strategy worked, apparently, for that particular trip:  he proudly boasted that he had “out-gadgeted” the Japanese counsel, apparently impressing the client.

Reflecting on that discussion made me realize two things:

1.  Effective use of technology in a law firm is not about gadgets; and

2.  Some lawyers and firms believe that it is about gadgets and using them to impress clients and others

I’m a gadget guy myself.  But, as I see it, gadgets aren’t the solution for clients.  Gadgets tend to make my life easier (Tablet PC, wireless keyboard, Blackberry, etc..).  But my technology strategy is for the clients.  It focuses on this question:  What technology tools can we use to make their life easier?

So our technology strategy has nothing to do with gadgets.  Rather, it includes software solutions like MindManager and MovableType:  tools that allow us to deliver new and effective services to our clients.  Soon we’ll be delivering customized RSS feeds.

Don’t get me wrong — I’m not ditching my Blackberry anytime soon.  But, when I think strategically for our clients, I believe non-gadget solutions are more effective and useful.