P2P

44 P E E R T O P E E R : I L T A ' S Q U A R T E R L Y M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 driven will be a crucial step in democratizing access to justice. Cloud technologies will open up opportunities to adopt more flexible, on-demand business models for law firms that are tailored to the needs of their clients. Law firms will be able to access and serve a wider range of clients, as cloud-based services remove the geographic barriers that limited some firms' reach.Client-centered, online legal services can address the lack of legal professionals in rural areas. Law firms can also leverage a greater number of professionals than those located just in their immediate locale. Together, cloud technology expands both the customer base of law firms and the talent to serve it. This will also allow for online billing and automated payment plans, which will give way for more flexible payment options that make legal services more affordable. Developing new cost and payment structures will enable more consumers to pursue their legal matters and unlock massive market potential for firms. With 80 percent of the civil legal needs of those living in poverty going unmet, according to Stanford University, the disparity in access to justice has never been bigger, and offering multiple payment structures is just one step to help bridge that gap for both firms and clients. Trust in the cloud and its security measures With the growing worldwide importance of data security – and increased legal and regulatory responsibilities ensuring companies safeguard customer data – firms need to be sure that the software they're using protects their customers and staff. Over the past 12 years, the industry has been focused on conversations around security and ethics in the cloud, making sure lawyers and legal professionals have the information they need to feel confident using these tools. Many legal professionals have come around to the reality that the cloud is actually more secure than on- premise software for many law firms. Cloud providers offer enhanced security in a number of ways–dedicated security teams, greater investments in security infrastructure, superior protection against network attacks, more efficient compliance analysis, low-cost disaster recovery and data storage solutions, real-time threat detection, and the list goes on. Not only will this mindset of cloud-based and client- centered practices benefit customers, but knocking down these accessibility barriers will open up new markets for lawyers, especially at a time when we anticipate a wave of continued record-breaking unemployment rates, economic slowdowns and reduced court services. 2021 is the year of the customer – make sure your firm has the technology and tools available to thrive in this new landscape. ILTA Joshua Lenon is the Lawyer in Residence at Clio. An attorney admitted to the New York Bar, Joshua brings legal scholarship to the conversations happening both within Clio and with its customers. Joshua has worked extensively to educate lawyers on technology's capability to enhance their practice, while also teaching tech companies about the unique needs of the legal system. F E A T U R E S

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