Tech and Law: A Collaboration for Efficient Disbursal of Legal Services. An Explainer.

According to The Chief Justice of India himself, D Y Chandrachud, “Technology has become a powerful tool in the legal system in improving efficiency, accessibility and accuracy in the administration of justice.” His statement indicates the integral role of technology in law.

The digital transformation of the economy has left no industry unaffected. This includes the legal profession, which has significantly benefited from the incorporation of technology.

The legal technology industry was estimated to be worth 28 billion dollars globally in 2022, according to Statista, and it is expected to grow much more in the years to come. This is why the top universities of India must integrate courses on technology in their Bachelor of Law LLB curriculums.

Technology has streamlined the legal profession in many ways-

• By optimising administrative duties
• Offering insights on team performance
• Facilitating effective job allocation
• Enhancing communication between law firm divisions

Legal technology solutions enable advocates to communicate more effectively with their clients and each other, thereby removing the obstacles that existed in legal practice before integrating such tools. Examples of these solutions include

• Time-Tracking Software
• Project Management Software
• Practice Management Systems
• Smart Boardroom Technology
• Client Portals

Improving overall operational performance is the main advantage of technology in legal firms. For instance, automation has simplified laborious, repetitive activities and reshaped case management in legal offices. Automated reminders and automated procedures lowered the possibility of mistakes and missed deadlines, allowing advocates to concentrate on more intricate parts of their cases.

Bachelor of Law BA LLB students need to be prepared for an increasingly digitised legal profession once they graduate. The top universities of Rajasthan, like Manipal University, Jaipur, are equipped to assist students in adapting to this new reality.

Read on for a more in-depth look at the usage of technology in law.

1. Digital Transformation of Legal Research

The best universities of India are aware of the digital transformation of the legal profession and have adapted their curriculums to the new digital reality. Legal practitioners can operate more productively because technology automates and assists in time-consuming and repetitive processes like;

• Scheduling
• Document Management
• Legal Research

This results in less work for the administrative staff, more output, and the capacity to manage heavier caseloads.

India has a rich and complex legal framework, and legal professionals often spend considerable time conducting research to navigate through the multitude of laws and regulations. Technology has ushered in a new era of digital transformation in legal research.

AI-powered tools and legal databases tailored to Indian laws can provide quicker and more accurate results, enabling lawyers to stay abreast of the latest legal developments and precedents relevant to their cases. Manipal University, Jaipur Law School teaches its students about Database Management Systems in great detail to ensure that they can utilise these tools effectively.

2. Court Case Management Systems

Technology has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of court processes in India. Several states have implemented digital case management systems, allowing for the electronic filing of documents, allocation of cases, caveat matching, generating notices, and searching case status.

This reduces the paperwork and expedites the judicial process, contributing to the overall efficiency of the legal system. Bachelor of Law BA LLB students have to familiarise themselves with these systems as they are becoming incredibly prevalent in the field.

3. Online Legal Services Platforms

The rise of online legal services platforms in India has democratised access to legal assistance. These platforms leverage technology to connect individuals and businesses with lawyers, making legal advice and services more accessible and affordable.

From drafting legal documents and ensuring compliance to offering consultation services, these platforms bridge the gap between clients and legal professionals. Online Legal Services are particularly beneficial for those in remote areas or have limited access to traditional legal services. Manipal University Law School equips you with the necessary skills to utilise technology to boost efficiency and provide legal services systematically, online or offline.

4. Virtual Courts

Virtual Courts have become popular in India as they save time and cost for all stakeholders involved. Virtual courts resolve matters on a virtual platform without requiring a litigant or advocate to appear in court physically. They make the best use of the court's resources and give litigants a helpful way to resolve minor conflicts. A judge can preside over a virtual court that operates around the clock, with jurisdiction spanning the whole state.

They are likely to become more prevalent over time. As per the Ministry of Law and Justice, 22 virtual courts have processed over 3.26 crore cases (3,26,14,617), and as of June 30, 2023, online fines totalling over 39 lakhs (39,16,405) have been realised in over 39 lakh cases so far. As new Bachelor of Law LLB graduates enter the legal profession, digital solutions like virtual courts will become more ubiquitous.

5. Facilitating Swift Communication

Effective collaboration and communication are essential aspects of practising law. Technology has greatly enhanced communication between lawyers and their clients. Transparency and efficiency have received a boost as a result of communication technology.

It has become possible for lawyers to handle cases for clients with different geographical locations through tools like video conferencing. Technology is thus making justice more accessible in remote areas.

As the legal profession continues to embrace technological advancements, the collaboration between clients and lawyers will only become more seamless and client-centric. This integration not only improves the overall client experience but also enhances the effectiveness of legal services by fostering clear and timely communication. The new generation of Bachelor of Law BA LLB graduates will be able to communicate with clients and collaborate with other lawyers and firms than their predecessors.

Conclusion

The collaboration between technology and law in India is a pivotal force shaping the future of legal services. As India continues to embrace digital transformation across various sectors, the legal profession is not left behind. By leveraging technology, legal professionals in India can navigate the complexities of the legal landscape better, enhance client experiences, and contribute to a legal system that is accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of its diverse population.

The top universities of India, like Manipal University, Jaipur, strive to design their programmes and teaching methods according to the changing needs of the legal profession. The synergy between tech and law in India is indeed a promising avenue for positive change in the realm of legal services.