Denovo – Legal Tech Adoption: A Football Strategy

As the excitement of Euro 2024 gripped Germany over the past month and football fever swept across Europe, we at Denovo couldn’t help but draw parallels between preparing a football team for a major tournament and the strategic adoption of new technology in a law firm.

Just like a well-oiled football team needs careful planning, dedicated training, and seamless execution to triumph on the big stage, integrating new legal tech into your practice demands a similar approach. Let’s break down how you can tackle this challenge head-on, football style.

Team Formation: Identifying Key Players

1. Management (Coach and Manager):

• Role: Strategise, plan, and oversee the adoption process.
• Responsibility: Ensure the legal tech aligns with the firm’s goals, manage the budget, and monitor progress.
• Key Players: CIO, CTO, Managing Partners.

2. IT Department (Defensive Line):

• Role: Protect and maintain the technical infrastructure.
• Responsibility: Ensure data security, integrate new systems, and troubleshoot.
• Key Players: IT Managers, Cybersecurity Experts, Network Engineers.

3. Legal Team (Midfielders):

• Role: Connect the technical and operational aspects, ensuring smooth adoption.
• Responsibility: Train staff, provide feedback on tools, and ensure compliance.
• Key Players: Senior Lawyers, Associates, Paralegals.

4. Support Staff (Forwards):

• Role: Directly interact with the new tech, driving its practical application.
• Responsibility: Daily usage, reporting issues, and suggesting improvements.
• Key Players: Paralegals, Administrative Staff, Junior Associates.

5. Vendors/Consultants (Substitutes and External Coaches):

• Role: Provide external expertise and support.
• Responsibility: Implement, customise, and offer ongoing support.
• Key Players: Tech Vendors, Consultants, Trainers.

Pre-Season Training: Preparation and Planning

1. Scouting and Selection:

• Identify Needs: Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to understand specific challenges and opportunities.
• Research Solutions: Scout for the best legal tech solutions that fit the identified needs.
• Pilot Programs: Run pilot programs with selected tools to evaluate effectiveness and user-friendliness.

2. Formation Strategy:

• Integration Plan: Develop a detailed plan for integrating new tools with existing systems.
• Budget Allocation: Ensure proper budget allocation for purchase, implementation, and training.
• Timeline: Set realistic timelines for each phase of adoption.

Training Camp: Education and Onboarding

1. Kick-off Meeting:

• Goals: Communicate the objectives and benefits of the new technology to the entire team.
• Roles: Clarify individual roles and responsibilities in the adoption process.

2. Training Sessions:

• Workshops: Conduct hands-on workshops for different user groups.
• Webinars: Organise webinars for continuous learning and addressing common queries.
• Documentation: Provide comprehensive guides and FAQs.

Game Day: Implementation and Execution

1. Initial Deployment:

• Soft Launch: Start with a soft launch to a smaller group to ensure the system is running smoothly.
• Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback mechanism to gather user input and address issues promptly.

2. Full Rollout:

• Monitoring: Continuously monitor system performance and user satisfaction.
• Support: Ensure robust support is available, including a helpdesk and on-site assistance.

Post-Game Analysis: Review and Improvement

1. Performance Metrics:

• KPIs: Define key performance indicators (e.g., efficiency gains, error reduction, user satisfaction).
• Data Analysis: Regularly analyse usage data and performance metrics to measure success.

2. Continuous Improvement:

• Feedback Integration: Incorporate user feedback for ongoing improvements.
• Updates and Upgrades: Keep the technology updated with the latest features and security patches.
• Training Refreshers: Conduct periodic training sessions to keep everyone up to date with new functionalities.

Bill Shankly once said, “At a football club, there is a holy trinity – the players, the man