P2P

19 I L T A N E T . O R G R esults from the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) 2021 Technology Survey show that since 2019, law firms' use of Microsoft Teams has grown exponentially, with more than half of survey respondents reporting that their firms already use the tool for both online meetings and collaboration. It's no surprise that the use of Microsoft Teams is expanding rapidly within law firms and corporate legal departments. The software provides a secure, centralized hub and a single interface for all types of communications, including conferencing and information sharing — both internally and externally — with clients and business partners. As firms enjoy the benefits of increased productivity and streamlined workflows, the need for secure and compliant matter-centric workspaces looms large. Using Microsoft Teams safely and effectively requires firms to ensure that their usage adheres to security and compliance policies, and that integrations with the firm's core systems of record are available. Consolidating information sharing in a single interface Using Microsoft Teams, users can consolidate multiple tools for seamless collaboration; for example, users no longer need single-purpose solutions for chat or videoconferencing. Because Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 applications that law firms are accustomed to using every day — for tasks like creating documents, scheduling meetings, and managing email — users find the interface familiar and easy to use. Solutions that natively integrate with Microsoft Teams help law firms create a matter-centric Microsoft Teams hub where lawyers can access a single source of truth for client and matter data. These types of integrations with Microsoft Teams make it possible to surface information from a firm's project or document management system, CRM, and other applications within a single interface. Addressing common law-firm workplace priorities Because Microsoft Teams shares a common interface across Microsoft 365 applications, users experience greater efficiencies and less frustration. Information-sharing capabilities like videoconferencing and open chat facilitate real-time collaboration for dispersed teams and faster project cycles. Consolidated communication threads and a centralized data repository ensure clarity and inform thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions. Microsoft Teams provides a single user interface that captures information across a range of information sources, such as matter-related materials stored in a firm's document management system, and time recording and billing data captured in practice management and financial systems. The solution also seamlessly connects with Microsoft Power BI business analytics reporting capabilities, providing operations managers with deeper business insights to help them improve productivity monitoring and financial management. Preventing pitfalls with Microsoft Teams Although Microsoft Teams users enjoy the benefits of better collaboration and streamlined workflows, the solution presents challenges for IT departments and compliance officers who have invested significant time and budget into optimizing data management and regulatory compliance. Although typically unintentional, when Microsoft Teams users share sensitive and confidential matter data without appropriate safeguards — or when they forget where information is located — IT loses control over data

• Cover