Technology has transformed almost every industry, and the legal sector is no exception. If you're a law student considering your future career, then understanding the intersection of law and technology is essential. Our introduction below will help you understand what legal tech is, introduce various types of legal tech and discuss their benefits and impact on the legal profession.
Written by Grant Longstaff. Published 11 February 2025.
What is legal tech?
Legal technology – or legal tech – refers to software and programs which help streamline and enhance legal services and allow lawyers to tackle complex legal processes efficiently and effectively. It’s a rapidly growing field focused on promoting better relationships with clients, cost efficiency and improving accessibility in legal services.
How does legal tech support legal services?
Legal tech offers a range of benefits to clients, lawyers, law firms and organisations. Automation reduces the time spent on repetitive tasks, which improves efficiency and allows lawyers to focus on the more strategic aspects of their work. Streamlining processes with legal tech may also help law firms cut costs, making legal services more affordable and accessible. Using AI can reduce human error and improve accuracy, ensuring more precise outcomes in tasks like contract review and legal research.
One of the biggest benefits of implementing tech is the benefits to clients. For example, online dispute resolution platforms or AI supported legal advice can make legal support available to individuals who might struggle to afford it otherwise.
Different types of legal tech
There’s a broad range of tools under the umbrella of legal tech and each will tackle unique challenges within the legal profession. We look at some of the key areas below.
Contract analysis and review
For many lawyers reviewing contracts is tiresome and this can lead to overlooking potential errors. Supported by AI, some legal tech tools are designed to identify inconsistencies, highlight important clauses and considerations, and can compare contracts against standardised or regulatory requirements.
Data analysis
Legal professionals deal with a vast amount of data. Analysis tools which use AI and machine learning to extract information from large datasets (such as case law), can predict outcomes based on historical data and can help enhance decision making in litigation and compliance.
Document drafting
Drafting legal documents can be time consuming and liable to human error. Document automation can save lawyers time by generating templates for contracts, wills and other legal documents and ensure they comply with current laws and regulations.
Virtual collaboration tools
Collaboration tools have become indispensable, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. Tech advancements allow lawyers to do what would once have been an in-person task, such as working on documents together, remotely.
How to get into legal tech
If you’re hoping to become a lawyer and want to learn more about legal tech, there are several steps you can take to build your knowledge. First of all, ensure the degree you choose has modules on legal tech. For example, our LLB in Law has modules such as Legal Technology and Practising Law in the Digital World.
You can also develop your knowledge of technology by staying up to date with advancements in the area – particularly with how they relate to the legal sector. Speak to lawyers about the tech they use. How does it improve their work? What are the benefits? Look out for any networking opportunities, career fairs or events focused on legal tech and attend those. You could even look for some work experience with a firm who promotes their use of legal technology.
However, with all of this said you’ll only be able to truly harness the power of legal tech if you have a strong understanding of the law. Make the most of your studies and develop a robust legal knowledge. After all, the tech is there to support your work, not do it for you.
What is the future of legal tech?
Legal tech will continue to evolve and become an integral part of legal practice. Our Alumnus Henry Warner spoke about what it’s like working in legal tech and former president of the Law Society points out “the coming of age of generations whose aspirations in life are shaped, at least in part, by technology, [means] legal businesses need to adapt to retain market share and attract and retain talent.”
As a law student you should look to embrace legal tech. It can help open exciting new career opportunities and help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. By exploring legal tech now, you’ll be better prepared to navigate and shape the future of law.
If you’re already a law graduate and looking to enhance your legal tech skills, our MSc in Legal Technology is the perfect course for you.
