Peer to Peer: ILTA's Quarterly Magazine
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/1538025
P E E R T O P E E R M A G A Z I N E ยท S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 89 ESTABLISHING DATA AS THE STRATEGIC FOUNDATION While law firms have long had abundant data, transforming this resource into actionable insights remains a persistent challenge. Fragmented legacy systems, inconsistent data standards, and isolated architectures hinder the effective utilization of data. These foundational weaknesses result in poor data quality, delayed insights, compliance risks, and ultimately, reduced client value. A sophisticated, modern data strategy can overcome these obstacles. Law firms must first resolve their underlying data fragmentation by establishing strong governance structures and a clear system of records and sources of truth. This disciplined approach creates a reliable, secure, and coherent data ecosystem. Building upon this foundation, firms can then transition from basic data collection to providing self- service analytics and real-time dashboards, which dramatically accelerate and enhance decision- making capabilities. The ultimate objective is to reach an intelligent platform stage, where AI and machine learning techniques deliver predictive and proactive insights directly into day-to-day workflows, transforming data from a static asset into a dynamic, strategic resource. The Data Value Pyramid provides an insightful framework that illustrates the journey from initial data chaos to a sophisticated competitive advantage. At their core, firms often struggle with fragmented and disorganized data sources, which hinder trust and usability. Advancing upward, the establishment of standardized processes, governance, and an integrated data infrastructure creates a stable foundation. With this foundation, firms gain operational insights through accessible analytics, enabling them to make informed and timely decisions. At the apex of the pyramid lies the intelligent platform, fully leveraging AI and machine learning to provide predictive analytics and proactive insights seamlessly embedded into operational workflows. Platforms such as Aderant's Stridyn Data Platform exemplify this evolutionary progression. By prioritizing interoperability, robust security, and AI readiness, such platforms effectively unify structured and unstructured data within scalable, flexible architectures, thereby facilitating comprehensive and actionable intelligence.