4 Themes from the 2024 ALA Conference & Expo Law Firms Should Know

The 2024 ALA Conference and Expo was jam packed with new connections, educational sessions, entertaining festivities, and daily steps! Over the course of three days, our team sat in on several insightful sessions to learn about the direction law firms are heading, specifically when thinking about administration roles. Lucky for you, our team took notes! From the impact of AI to the imperative need of cybersecurity and culture building, here are our takeaways:

Automation is the key to AI in law firms

There haven’t been many advancements when it comes to talks about generative AI in law. Law firms should still be cautious of AI security concerns. Be vigilant about AI hallucinations, data privacy, outdated info, bias, and copyright violations. We were also reminded of the importance of training your administrative staff on how AI can help them be more productive, not replace them. 

However, we did notice a reoccurring theme throughout conversations about AI and Large Language Models (LLMs). The theme is automation. We know the legal industry has been slow to adopt AI compared to other sectors, but there are potential benefits. Integrating AI into a law firm practice comes with its own set of challenges, particularly around security and effective implementation, but none of this is possible without automation. At Actionstep, we believe using AI successfully is not possible without intuitive automation.

A critical precursor to implementing AI is understanding and automating existing processes. Firms that haven’t yet explored automation should start here before jumping into AI. Identifying areas for automation in your workflows will help set a solid foundation prior to bringing in AI technology. Without automation that is intuitive to the user, AI won’t be as effective, or give you the results you want.

Cybersecurity is a pressing priority for law firms

Urgency around cybersecurity was a prominent topic at the conference, with startling statistics highlighting the risk hackers pose to law firms today. Hackers are getting more and more advanced with their tactics to hack into systems by using AI, impersonating colleagues or leadership, voice cloning, and so much more. It takes hackers approximately one hour and twelve minutes to breach a system, underscoring the need for robust security measures.

The ways law firms can protect their data and clients include implementing cybersecurity training for all staff members, conducting constant vigilance, and using secure systems.Implementing cybersecurity training for all staff members is non-negotiable for law firms. This training should cover best practices for maintaining security and recognizing potential threats that they could receive in your typical workday. Running phishing simulations to emulate cyber security attacks on your firm, and team, will help firms test staff awareness and provide an opportunity for firms to harden security assets.

Remember that cybersecurity is not a one-time setup. It’s a continuous process that requires law firms to stay updated with the latest security protocols and technologies to protect their sensitive data and client information.

Law firms are reimagining their practices

A few sessions encouraged law firms to take a step back and evaluate their current practices, suggesting several areas for reimagination. The goal here is to think of areas where your firm can make work more efficient for your administrative team, which in turn supports the firm’s goals. Here are some examples:

• Resource support center: Establish a centralized support resource center that can streamline operations and provide a go-to hub for administrative support roles to easily access materials and documents, enhancing productivity.
• Workflow tools: This ties back to our earlier point on automation. Implementing advanced workflow tools can improve task management and collaboration, ensuring that processes run smoothly, and deadlines are met.
• Platform and training: Invest in platforms such as a law firm management platform or practice management platform that integrates with various tools your firm is already using, to improve efficiency. However, this needs to be paired with comprehensive training for your admin team (and other legal staff) so they can use the technology effectively.
• Remote flexibility: For law firms, embracing remote and hybrid flexibility can not only retain talent, but also attract top talent. With new generations entering the workplace, living in a post-COVID world, and the average turnover of administrative support in law firms being 2-3 years, providing opportunity for a work-life balance and flexibility for your administrative support roles to work remote or hybrid is key.
• Mentorship programs: Develop a mentorship program that can foster growth and development within the firm, helping junior staff learn from experienced professionals. Make sure to lay out what they should know, accomplish, and understand during set periods from their start date.
• Leverage legal tech: Law firms are adapting to how they invest in technology. According to our 2024 US Midsize Law Firms Priorities Report, 65% of midsize law firm professionals say their leadership team has invested more in technology in the past year. Whether it’s exploring automation tools, AI, or other legal tech services that support efficiency, most firms are modernizing their practice by bringing in technology.

A human-centric approach is the heart of a modern law firm

A standout theme from the conference was the importance of applying a human approach to law firm management (yes, even when using AI this doesn’t go away!). We are in the midst of a “humanity revolution” (as opposed to an industry revolution), where a people-first strategy is crucial for success. Some ways firms can explore this idea is through thinking of empathy as a revenue generator, inspiring change, and leveraging your firm’s story.

Viewing empathy as a key component of a firm’s culture can lead to increased client satisfaction and loyalty, which in turn drives revenue. Creating an environment, and culture, that values and inspires employees can lead to higher productivity and morale. It’s not viewed as a bonus to a company, it’s something that individuals are actively seeking and expect when they join a company.

Then there’s change, which can be scary for people. Creating a culture that embraces change, rather than fearing it, is vital. Law firms should foster a culture that sees change as an opportunity for growth and innovation, especially when it comes to bringing in new technology that might be viewed as an annoyance to learn instead of something that is going to benefit the team. Our team gets this, which is why we put together a guide for embracing new technology and managing change. Download your free copy here. 

Lastly, leverage your story. Whether you know it or not, your firm has a unique story that can be used to create a strong, meaningful brand that resonates with clients and staff. This narrative can be a powerful tool in building a cohesive and motivated team.

Ready for next year!

This year’s ALA conference highlighted a glimpse into the future of law firms which lie at the intersection of technology and humanity. By embracing automation, enhancing cybersecurity, reevaluating practices, and centering strategies around the people who work for them, law firms can navigate the challenges and opportunities in the next few years.