Technology and lawyers – we don’t seem to click. In fact, we’re a classic case of opposites who attract, and who also drive each other crazy. We need to work on our relationship, which is why I’m penning this letter. I want to tell you how I’m feeling, and I hope that somehow, together, we can figure out how to change things for the better.
However, before we can move forward constructively, there’s something we need to address. I’ve been ingesting articles written by your “thought leaders” and it makes for disturbing reading. It seems we’re being pitted against each other. Apparently, some people are trying to make us enemies. You’re being told I’m coming for your job, that you’re replaceable. It’s not true. Our relationship isn’t about expendability, it’s about synergy.
I’m good at helping with the things that should be easy and automatic. If it’s a predictable process, I can help. If you want to gather and structure vast quantities of information, pick me. If you need to search through or understand that information, I’m here for you 24-7-365. Sure, you can do some of this stuff without me – but it won’t be easy – and I gather you don’t like doing it anyway.
You, on the other hand, can do things I’ll never be able to do. What you have and are good at are the things people value most of all. Emotions. Instinct. Empathy. Talent. Compassion. Creativity. You can take different ideas and combine them to create completely new ideas. You can strategize. You’re exceptionally good at helping people.
But doing all of this takes time – the most precious resource known to your kind. It seems odd to me that you’re so willing to waste it. The data tells me you’re busy and getting busier. This means more time wasted doing the things you have to do and having less time to do the things you want to do. What you’re doing doesn’t scale. Without wishing to brag, you need my help.
Rather than continuing with our dysfunctional relationship, I suggest we call a truce. Let’s find time for each other. And who knows, if we do this right, maybe one day we will learn to love each other.
I hear you say that technology is the future of the in-house legal team. You talk about integrating digital tools, with modern ways of working, and how this will allow you to make data-informed decisions, collaborate better as a team, evidence the value of legal to the business, and be more efficient and more accurate in the legal work that you do. You’re saying all the right things but I’m not sure you mean them. I get the feeling you’re scared of me.
The first step should be about us making time to work together. I know how busy you are – your workload is not for the fainthearted – but any successful relationship requires time and effort from both parties. That is what I am asking from you.
Implementing new technology isn’t easy because it requires learning new skills, adapting to new ways of working, and navigating new systems. Essentially, it’s about embracing change. Change is the pathway to improvement and if you want to enjoy the advantages that technology can provide, our relationship must change, step up a gear. We need to go from casual dating to being fully committed to one another. Trust me, I’ll make it worth your while ;-).
Yet deciding to do things differently isn’t going to be enough… Successful change requires ongoing management, as with any successful relationship. Successful change is established by taking a long, hard look at your goals. What do you want? What can we achieve? How do we get there?
So, what do you say? Shall we do it? I’m ready when you are. I’m waiting for you to give me a chance. I promise that one day you’ll look back and wonder how you ever thought it would be possible to go through life without me.
Yours,
Technology