REMOTE LAW
same way as those who have been in the industry for 35 years. Even now, the process for legal transactions around conveyancing is exchanging documents. These law firms still want that in place, but now they have people that want to be able to send legal documents digitally within seconds and get a response within minutes, and they have to be able to accommodate both.” Steve Whiter, Director of Appurity, also said that attitudes within legal firms could be slow to change, but cited cyber security and an eye on regulation as a reason for any technological apathy. “There are a number of areas that law firms are concerned about. Cybersecurity is a hot topic, and firms are very aware of ransomware and phishing attacks. “While they are battening down a lot of their systems, they want to ensure that they have increased security on devices, without inhibiting productivity.” Protecting Reputation That eye on regulation is a key reason why UC&C platform adoption in legal may have been later than in other sectors. Often lawyers will be handling sensitive information, and thus, need the appropriate measures in place to protect that data. However, with a quarter of lawyers acting as consultants following the pandemic, the largest risk for law firms is their reputation. As Allen Drennan, Principal & Co-Founder at Cordoniq says: “Working from home comes with risks that can affect both company and employees. The lack of security when collaborating on documents, working with client and employee information, intellectual property leaks and hacks into meetings that are unsecured are all risks that legal services are facing daily. “Client and employee confidentiality in Adopting the use of workplace technology that is “built securely by design” is the best way for legal service providers to ensure the safety of their remote workers and clients.
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the online remote working environment is paramount to the trustworthiness of a legal firm. It is critical that they can secure all data and information while working remotely when using workflow software products. “Utilising secure video collaboration when working with colleagues on contracts, documents and client proprietary information can protect a legal services firm. Secure video collaboration can provide end-to- end encryption, secure recording and data transfer, offer strong administrative host controls and up to military-grade security. Adopting the use of workplace technology that is “built securely by design” is the best way for legal service providers to ensure the safety of their remote workers and clients.” While the video collaboration platforms do have the necessary security to protect businesses from malevolent actors, Raquel Gomes, founder and CEO of virtual legal staffing firm Stafi said that training staff is a key component of keeping data safe. “Confidentiality is of utmost importance for any law firm to ensure the privacy and security of their clients’ information, documents, and evidence. Staff members will be responsible for completing forms, agreements, contracts, and other critical documents necessary to advance a case. Any mistakes made during this process can significantly delay the legal process. “To overcome these challenges, having trained and qualified people working with you is important, but that’s not all. You should also have the time and resources to make sure that your staff is working properly and support
Steve Whiter Director
appurity.co.uk
Allen Drennan Principal & Co-Founder
cordoniq.com
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