Successful Legal Technology Depends on More Than the Right Software

Having explored what firms already have in place and who should be involved in technology decisions, the final article in Today’s Media’s three-part series turns to the role of vendors, suppliers and implementation planning.

The article looks at what firms should consider when selecting technology, how vendors can support better outcomes, and why implementation and adoption need to be part of the conversation from the start.

Mark Garnish, COO and co-founder of Xperate, features again alongside David Baskerville, consultant at Baskerville Drummond; Tom Lyes, Founder and CEO of Tom Lyes Consultancy; and Laura Wood, legal technology specialist at Birketts LLP.

 Alongside Mark Garnish, COO and co-founder of Xperate,  the final article also includes insight from  David Baskerville, consultant at Baskerville Drummond; Tom Lyes, Founder and CEO of Tom Lyes Consultancy; and Laura Wood, legal technology specialist at Birketts LLP.

Mark’s comments in the final article focus on the bigger picture behind successful technology selection. Rather than assessing each product on its own, firms need to consider how any system will sit within the full working environment of the business.

That includes the way information moves through the firm, how different teams interact with the technology, how systems connect with each other, and whether the solution can continue to support the firm as its needs evolve.

This is an important point for law firms. A system may look strong during selection, but if it does not work well within the wider technology environment, support the way people actually work, or adapt as the firm changes, its value can quickly become limited.

The article also explores the role of existing suppliers. Mark suggests that firms should speak to current vendors before going out to market, as existing suppliers may already offer evolving capabilities that firms are not fully using.

For Xperate, this reflects a familiar challenge. Many firms have opportunities to improve performance, adoption and efficiency within systems they already use, but those opportunities can be missed without proactive supplier engagement, practical guidance and proper internal ownership.

The other contributors also highlight the importance of planning, clarity and collaboration.

Laura Wood discusses the need to define outcomes and success measures before investing, so firms can assess whether technology has delivered real value. She also emphasises usability, testing and alignment with day-to-day workflows.

David Baskerville stresses that strategy should come before software, with firms clearly defining their workflows, operational pain points and long-term objectives before selecting a system. He also highlights the importance of vendor transparency, realistic demonstrations and proper planning for implementation.

Tom Lyes focuses on the questions firms should ask before procurement, including what problem the technology is solving, whether it can be customised, what the supplier roadmap looks like, how the contract works and what success will look like in measurable terms.

Across the article, implementation is a clear theme. Even strong systems can fail if they are poorly configured, inadequately tested or introduced without proper training and change management.

Mark notes that even the most capable systems deliver little value if they are not widely used or understood. He also highlights the importance of assessing both technical viability and real-world usability, making sure the chosen solution aligns with how the firm actually operates.

For Xperate, this is where successful legal technology projects are often won or lost. Selection matters, but delivery, adoption, integration and ongoing support are what determine whether the investment creates lasting value.

The message for law firms is clear. Choosing legal technology should involve more than comparing software features or licence costs. Firms need clear objectives, honest supplier conversations, realistic implementation planning and a strong understanding of how people will use the technology day to day.

When firms take that approach, technology is far more likely to support better workflows, stronger adoption and long-term operational improvement.

Read the full article on Today’s Conveyancer’s website here.

You can also read our summaries of edition one here and edition two here.