By contrast, a six-station firm has to commit nearly the entire firm just to evaluate anything. I used to ask him how he could go up against national department stores that carried many of the same brands he did. That same kind of dynamic is what tends to give small firms an advantage with automation. Although statutes and case law can be ephemeral, the mechanics of practicing law are slow to change. By contrast, the quick pace of technology butts up against the plodding nature of law practice.
Small firms gain an edge because they can move more quickly, as technology does.
By the time the purchase was implemented four years ago, it was slightly dated. Installation was three years ago. The machines installed will not be upgraded soon. In a small firm, the concept of upgrading one or two secretaries' machines is no big deal. But it's amazing how competitive a large staff is.