Peer to Peer Magazine

Winter 2017

The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association

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28 PEER TO PEER: THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF ILTA | WINTER 2017 CASE STUDIES Now Hear This: Adopting Voice Technology for Firmwide Savings Voices for Progress Law firms are typically hesitant to adopt new technology, primarily because aorneys worry that new technology might diminish productivity. However, technology that accelerates productivity and improves efficiency should be a consideration amidst an increasingly competitive marketplace, especially among small and midsize firms. This is a key reason why our firm, McCollum Crowley—a litigation and business support firm with 26 aorneys practicing out of three offices in Minneapolis, Denver, and Rice Lake, Wisconsin— elected to update our document-creation workflow with advanced voice technology. This technological and workflow evolution occurred in three phases: Transitioning from analog handheld tape recorders to digital recording; Implementing speech recognition soware to reduce typing where feasible; Standardizing the firm's document creation process with a firmwide integrated dictation and transcription management soware platform. Although the most recent phase of this evolution occurred only last year, results thus far have been noteworthy. Aorneys and support staff have reported significant time savings on document creation, which allows us to concentrate on expanding our client base, generating additional casework and improving client service through faster results. Gradual Evolution Until 2011, our firm's aorneys utilized handheld analog tape recorders for dictation and transcription. Analog tapes presented numerous workflow inefficiencies and needless administrative expenses. Chief among these included handling and labeling tapes for support staff, replacing obsolete recorders and procuring new microcassees. In addition, the document creation process with analog tapes lacked transparency, which necessitated that aorneys continually inquire of assistants regarding the transcription process. 1 2 3 Many legal professionals remain concerned about implementing new technology and workflows, as the new processes might take time away from billable work as the firm adjusts to new operations. However, that concern could be alleviated by the fact that administrative activities, such as transcription and document creation, consume hours each day that could be spent generating new clients or casework. While all updates in processes should be weighed and measured before implementation, these vital administrative tasks can be automated to help increase time savings and speed up processes. by Dan Singel Now Hear This: Adopting Voice Technology for Firmwide Savings In today's fast-paced legal environment, firms continue to push for greater efficiencies; however, some attorneys remain stuck in old habits, hesitant to adopt new technology.

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