3 Takeaways from LegalWeek 2022:
How Are Managed Service Providers Addressing the Changing Legal Landscape?
The 2022 LegalWeek Conference recently took place in New York with thousands of legal professionals and technology vendors ready to tackle the changing legal landscape. The legal world is dependent on technology now more than ever, from artificial intelligence to eDiscovery and remote access capabilities. Managed service providers (MSPs) and technology vendors showed up in force at LegalWeek to share solutions that address evolving law firm needs.
If you missed this event, take a look at 3 of the biggest takeaways from Jim Turner, Frontline’s Executive Vice President of Business Development.
1. Implement Solutions That Support Staff Efficiency and Success
This was the first in-person LegalWeek conference since the start of the pandemic, and there were noticeably more exhibitors, technology solutions and attendees. Our conversations throughout the exhibition hall made it clear that the increase in vendors was no accident. Mid-sized and large law firms have faced new challenges over the past few years, and their employees have had to adapt. Although most CIOs and IT directors are ready to address cybersecurity and infrastructure needs, they are less focused on discussing help desk needs for their employees. However, tech leaders must recognize that law firm staff may need extra support and tools to get legal business done at this time. Leaders who prioritize their staff’s tech needs will be much better positioned for success.
2. Consider Working With a Managed Service Provider to Enhance Firm Security
Now more than ever, law firms are dependent on reliable remote access capabilities for their attorneys and need to make investments in remote access systems to ensure security and reliability. More law firms are considering working with managed services providers to enhance their security. Law firms often do not always have comprehensive expertise-in house when it comes to security, and third party resources can be tremendous assets.
3. Ensure Your Managed Service Provider Is Aligned With Law Firm Strategy
One particularly memorable event was the ILTA education session titled “Managing Managed Service Providers: What You Need to Know to Get the Most from the Relationship”. The big takeaway for law firms is that they should consider partnering with MSPs that align with their overall firm strategy. Traditionally, MSPs play one of two roles:
- Implement and manage new practices
- Manage practices developed by the firm
However, there’s no room for error when it comes to a firm’s IT infrastructure, cybersecurity systems and technical support. Whether MSPs act as additional manpower to expand IT staff resources or help develop and supervise existing IT services, clear expectations should be set when it comes to service delivery, network management, and account management. Law firm CIOs and IT Directors should come to an agreement with their managed services provider prior to onboarding.
This year’s conference provided us with valuable insights on how to rebuild and reinvigorate today’s law firms and legal departments. We enjoyed developing new relationships with IT directors and CIOs across the legal industry and discussing how our solutions can help solve their problems. If your firm needs a partner that can implement, manage, support and secure new technologies, we are here to help.
Jim Turner is the Executive Vice President of Business Development at Frontline Managed Services. As the former CEO of Hilltop Consultants and current sales professional in the legal market with over 25 years of experience, Jim understands the unique nature of law firms. He has spent his career consulting with firms to help them deliver more efficient, effective services.