HyperDraft Hopes for 2022
By: Hyperdraft Ai
Tags: Lawyers, Legaltech, Law, Legal, Legal Services

2021 was a big year for HyperDraft. We onboarded users working within in-house legal departments, small and midsize law firms, and Big Law firms in various practice areas. We heard from our users how HyperDraft allowed them to produce their personal best output while allowing them to have a more flexible work schedule. We connected with hundreds of legal professionals and discussed current issues in the legal community during our continuing Fishbowl Live series. Lastly, our interactions with tired, hard-working attorneys during another busy year inspired us to continue to push forward on our mission to supply legal professionals with the modern tools they deserve.

We are excited about the changes we are starting to see within the legal industry. The modernization of law is happening now, and we cannot wait to see how it continues to evolve in the year to come.

Here are our hopes for what hopefully will be an innovative 2022.

Attorneys Realize that Legal Tech and the Billable Hour are Not Enemies

A common myth that can be a roadblock to Legal Tech adoption is the idea that the billable hour and Legal Tech are enemies. When talking to people about HyperDraft, we are often asked by attorneys if Legal Tech will make them so efficient that they will not be able to meet their billable hour requirement. Our answer always surprises them because they are so used to inefficiency in their day-to-day workflow that it is difficult for them to imagine anything else.

Legal Tech is not the enemy of the billable hour, in fact, when used correctly, it can lead to more billable work being done. Attorneys are so accustomed to working harder for the sake of working harder that they do not realize how routine, low-value work ruins their momentum, negatively impacts their work product, and increases their desire to procrastinate. By focusing on high-value work that is more rewarding, attorneys are more likely to maintain productivity, bill more, and scream at their computer screen less (yeah, we’ve done it too).

Legal Tech aims to automate low-value, routine tasks so technology can keep up with attorneys instead of attorneys having to slow down their process to accommodate out-of-date technology or manual tasks. When not slowed down by technology, attorneys can be more productive, provide more value to their clients, and have more energy and time to professionally develop.

Small and Mid-Size Law Firms Use Technology to Battle Big Law

Increasing costs, geographic flexibility inspired by the pandemic, and various other factors are leading in-house counsel and other clients to look at new options when looking for counsel. Greater client service and more affordable rates make small and mid-size firms look more attractive than ever as legal service providers.

With the evolution of Legal Tech, all attorneys now have access to modern tools that can help them do their work more efficiently and, in some cases, do the work of a larger team with fewer people. Legal Tech gives small and midsize firms the ability to level up their practice to battle Big Law and provide greater overall value to clients.

Hiring and retaining top legal talent is more difficult than ever and more attorneys are looking for work-life balance. The right combination of Legal Tech and lower billable hour requirements has the potential to make mid-size and smaller law firms ideal targets for overworked, talented associates and partners who are looking for a change once their bonuses hit their accounts in early Q1.

While the legal press mainly focuses on Big Law, small and midsize law firms are the unsung heroes of the legal profession. Most legal services in the U.S. are provided by them and their attention and quality of service makes a significant impact on the local economies and communities they serve. It is time for them to shine and receive the growth and recognition they deserve.

More Life is Lived Outside of the Billable Hour

Unfortunately for most attorneys, other than those lucky ducks in-house, the billable hour is a reality they must face head-on. However, the pandemic and the upswing in deals in 2021 has spotlighted the impact of burnout and the importance of mental health in the legal industry. Living a fuller life, inside and outside of work, has never been more important. That is why we are on a mission to bring modern tools to lawyers that can empower them to have a more flexible work schedule or just a lifeline when they are swamped and do not want to cancel plans … again

Life experience makes lawyers better counselors and problem solvers for their clients. It also inspires lawyers to develop and contribute to their communities. We hope that more attorneys will focus on working smarter and not harder so that they can be the best attorneys and humans they can be. Imagine a world full of happier, more productive attorneys? How fun would that be!

Bring on 2022!

HyperDraft is growing and we are just getting started. If you’d like to see HyperDraft in action, schedule a quick demo here. If you have any other questions about HyperDraft or Legal Tech, feel free to reach out to us at info@hyperdraft.ai. Chatting with legal professionals is one of our favorite things to do so don’t be shy! 🤗

This article is brought to you by HyperDraft. Our team of lawyers and engineers have developed tools that enable lawyers and other professionals to maximize their time and deliver greater value to their clients.

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