The practice of law changes every year with each trending development, many of which aim to improve the way law firms operate. With the introduction of AI and machine learning into the modern office and the continuous updating and enhancement of these technologies, there are even more opportunities for streamlining as you plan for the year ahead.

Here are three big trends that will improve workflows and efficiencies in 2020.

Automation and AI

AI advances, and specifically automation, are making major improvements to processes across industries, and they are powerful additions for any practice in any area of the law. Automation decreases expenses by streamlining processes and increasing productivity. Automating tasks that were previously time-consuming allows you and your team to work faster, saving time and money. You’ll free up a lot of time and energy that you can use to focus on other aspects of your practice, like attracting new clients.

Automation can also improve your client communication strategies. For example, with NextChapter’s NextMessage service, you can offer client texting as a fast and easy way to stay in touch and send reminders.

More consumer-facing apps

With apps that both companies and consumers can use, clients will have greater access to legal services, and communication will be faster and easier. For example, those seeking legal services can have every resource they need to find the right legal representation for them with the Modern Attorney Directory, which provides information about attorneys in their area, and allows you to create a comprehensive profile that’s easy to find online.

Subscription-based apps are now a big trend in the legal industry. Another example is HelloDivorce, the completely online tool that helps clients through all stages of their divorce with different levels of monthly memberships depending on the client’s needs.

Outsourcing work

Even while processes are streamlined in the office with automation and digital technologies, work will still require outsourcing in 2020. More and more law firms are understanding the benefits of as a Service (aaS) platform, which allows them flexibility when hiring out the work they need.

One way to take advantage of this trend is to hire a company to handle marketing and outreach services for your law firm, such as Postali, which offers results-driven marketing services for law firms as needed.

At NextChapter, our Paralegal as a Service (PaaS) offering gives you the help of remote, experienced paralegals only when you need them, instead of spending money unnecessarily on a full-time employee to cover these tasks.

If you’re interested to learn more about NextChapter’s legal software for the modern attorney, get in touch with our team today. We’re committed to helping you integrate the latest trends and technologies to improve productivity and streamline processes, saving you time and money.