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Many chambers were already adopting digital technologies before the pandemic. COVID-19 has made the case for transformation more urgent, writes Doug Hargrove
Even before the pandemic struck, a lot of the more progressive chambers were already some way down the road of digital transformation. That direction of travel was well-established.
However, COVID-19 has clearly been a huge accelerant of transformation. Whether they wanted to or not, barristers and clerks alike had no choice but to leave their traditional premises and work from home. Resultantly they embraced a lot of technology that perhaps previously some had only toyed with. They’re now more digitally enabled than they would ever have expected to be. The critical question now is: do they go forward with it, or revert to the old model?
There’s already evidence that some chambers have decided to go forward. For example, supported by the right software, a handful are relocating into smaller, more utilitarian, managed spaces. This recognises that there’s no compelling reason to retain expensive real estate for everyone when remote work has proved viable and a hot-desking model is much more cost-effective.
Another very visible manifestation of digital transformation is found in the chambers that are getting closer and closer to being paper-free. Given the extraordinary volume of paper that traditional chambers handle on a daily basis – it won’t surprise you to learn that one set we work with is saving £350k per annum as a result of shedding its paper, copying, storage, courier and shredding costs. Again, this is enabled by the right digital technology. But what exactly does digital transformation involve, and why’s it now such a good idea?
These days, the adoption of digital is actually remarkably painless and cost-effective. Because most applications are cloud-based, users merely need access to the web and a login. Since there’s no infrastructure to host, there’s no capital cost – only a per-user monthly subscription. Moreover, most of today’s software is so intuitive that training costs are minimal.
As to why it’s a good idea, the benefits are stacked pretty high. For example, software can automate billing and administration; provide a synchronising diary function; streamline time capture and entry; and provide financial dashboards and reporting for chambers management. Crucially, it enables solicitors to securely upload case files that barristers can access instantly, compliantly, and from anywhere, at any time, using any device.
For chambers it means that the admin burden is much lighter. It significantly reduces costs, plus staff time is freed up for people to focus on higher value tasks. For barristers, it considerably increases their productivity, plus users find that they’re also logging around 10% more time.
A significant advantage is that it’s better for business because it improves client service. Solicitors are more likely to instruct chambers that offer the facility of uploading files, rather than wasting their time with copying and couriers. They’d also rather work with chambers that provide a faster, cheaper and more collaborative service. Plus, less paper and no couriers reduce everyone’s carbon footprint – so it’s better for the environment.
Digital transformation will also likely help chambers to future-proof and to secure a competitive advantage that might be critical in the months and years to come.
We end up asking not if chambers should go forward with digital transformation; but rather, can they afford not to?
Doug Hargrove is the Managing Director of Advanced Legal Solutions.
Even before the pandemic struck, a lot of the more progressive chambers were already some way down the road of digital transformation. That direction of travel was well-established.
However, COVID-19 has clearly been a huge accelerant of transformation. Whether they wanted to or not, barristers and clerks alike had no choice but to leave their traditional premises and work from home. Resultantly they embraced a lot of technology that perhaps previously some had only toyed with. They’re now more digitally enabled than they would ever have expected to be. The critical question now is: do they go forward with it, or revert to the old model?
There’s already evidence that some chambers have decided to go forward. For example, supported by the right software, a handful are relocating into smaller, more utilitarian, managed spaces. This recognises that there’s no compelling reason to retain expensive real estate for everyone when remote work has proved viable and a hot-desking model is much more cost-effective.
Another very visible manifestation of digital transformation is found in the chambers that are getting closer and closer to being paper-free. Given the extraordinary volume of paper that traditional chambers handle on a daily basis – it won’t surprise you to learn that one set we work with is saving £350k per annum as a result of shedding its paper, copying, storage, courier and shredding costs. Again, this is enabled by the right digital technology. But what exactly does digital transformation involve, and why’s it now such a good idea?
These days, the adoption of digital is actually remarkably painless and cost-effective. Because most applications are cloud-based, users merely need access to the web and a login. Since there’s no infrastructure to host, there’s no capital cost – only a per-user monthly subscription. Moreover, most of today’s software is so intuitive that training costs are minimal.
As to why it’s a good idea, the benefits are stacked pretty high. For example, software can automate billing and administration; provide a synchronising diary function; streamline time capture and entry; and provide financial dashboards and reporting for chambers management. Crucially, it enables solicitors to securely upload case files that barristers can access instantly, compliantly, and from anywhere, at any time, using any device.
For chambers it means that the admin burden is much lighter. It significantly reduces costs, plus staff time is freed up for people to focus on higher value tasks. For barristers, it considerably increases their productivity, plus users find that they’re also logging around 10% more time.
A significant advantage is that it’s better for business because it improves client service. Solicitors are more likely to instruct chambers that offer the facility of uploading files, rather than wasting their time with copying and couriers. They’d also rather work with chambers that provide a faster, cheaper and more collaborative service. Plus, less paper and no couriers reduce everyone’s carbon footprint – so it’s better for the environment.
Digital transformation will also likely help chambers to future-proof and to secure a competitive advantage that might be critical in the months and years to come.
We end up asking not if chambers should go forward with digital transformation; but rather, can they afford not to?
Many chambers were already adopting digital technologies before the pandemic. COVID-19 has made the case for transformation more urgent, writes Doug Hargrove
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back
