Advocacy-Matters-Fall-2021

Key areas to consider for new software solutions
are:
• cloud-based solutions for common programs;
• PDF editors;
• enterprise solutions (i.e., practice management
or billing software);
• document management software;
• efficiency tools such as legal document
precedent software; and
• e-Discovery platforms and/or outsourcing
e-Discovery, for example with companies
like Heuristica and Innov8.
Lawyers need to be mindful of their professional
and statutory obligations of competency
under the Rules of Professional Conduct and confidentiality
under the Personal Information Protection
and Electronic Documents Act. Law firms
must observe common safeguards when using
cloud computing or legal technologies. As the
saying goes, prevention is the best defence.
Law firms must also remain cognizant of their
responsibilities to maintain proper records by
having appropriate retention policies and technologies
in place.
As litigators, we can best serve our clients
when using the tools and resources around us
competently and efficiently, and in a way that
is compatible with our goal of advocating for
our clients. However, the significant developments
in computer technologies and cloudbased
solutions discussed in this seminar have
allowed firms to practise in ways they could
not have five years ago – and these tools have
allowed boutiques and sole practitioners to
hold their own with large firms. In summary,
technology in a legal practice may give lawyers
a competitive edge and it behooves us all to
adopt and learn how to use some of the incredible
tools available in the market today.
*The video archive of this session will be available
on the TAS Member Resource Library in
December 2021.
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