How to Stay Updated with Legal Technology Trends

Legal technology is moving fast and staying on top of the latest trends is crucial for in-house legal teams aiming to get ahead of the game and deliver real value to their organization.  

Understanding emerging tools and innovations can mean the difference between merely managing workloads and driving strategic impact.

Keeping up with legal tech trends can feel challenging. So, here are five strategies to help.

‍

1 – Follow Thought Leaders and Industry Publications

One of the easiest ways to stay up to date with legal technology trends is by following thought leaders and industry publications. Experts in the field often share insights, predictions, and news on platforms like LinkedIn, making them a goldmine for relevant information.

Look for blogs, newsletters, websites, or YouTube channels that focus on legal operations and technology.  

Setting up web browser alerts for terms like "legal technology trends" or "AI in legal" can also help you get updates directly to your inbox without spending hours searching.

So, the key is consistency—spend a few minutes each week skimming these sources to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.

2 – Leverage Tech Communities and Networks

Connecting with others in the legal tech space is a powerful way to stay in the know. Professional communities and networks often share real-world experiences, tools, and updates that you might not find in a formal publication.

Start by joining groups on platforms like LinkedIn that focus on legal operations, technology, or innovation. Many of these communities foster conversations about best practices and emerging trends.  

Slack channels, subreddits, and Quora forums dedicated to legal tech are another great option for more interactive discussions.

Engaging with peers in these spaces can give you a fresh perspective on how others are navigating the ever-evolving legal tech landscape.

3 – Attend Webinars, Conferences, and Training

Staying updated with legal technology often means going straight to the source—events and training sessions.  

Webinars and conferences are excellent opportunities to hear directly from industry leaders, see live demos of new tools, and get a sense of where the market is heading.

Events like the Running Legal Like a Business (RLLB) Conference or the Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) Conference are must-attend gatherings for in-house legal professionals and tech enthusiasts. They bring together experts, vendors, and legal teams to share insights and showcase the latest innovations.

4 – Explore Industry Reports and Case Studies

Industry reports and case studies are useful for understanding how legal technology is shaping the profession.  

• Reports often highlight key trends, adoption rates, and insights into what’s working for legal teams across industries.

• Case studies provide practical examples of how companies are using technology to solve challenges like managing high workloads or improving collaboration. They can offer inspiration and actionable ideas, especially if the featured organization has a similar size or industry focus to yours.

Make a habit of reviewing annual surveys to stay informed and gain a clear picture of how your team stacks up against industry benchmarks. These resources not only keep you informed but also provide insights into efficient legal tech procurement, helping your team achieve greater success and impact.

5 – Experiment and Stay Curious

The best way to truly understand legal technology is to experience it firsthand. Most tech providers offer free demos, trials, or sandbox environments where you can test their solutions before committing.  

Taking the time to explore these tools can give you a better sense of how they fit into your team’s workflows and address your unique challenges (especially when considering legal technology budgeting).

Don’t be afraid to ask questions during demos or request use cases that align with your specific needs. This hands-on approach not only helps you evaluate the tool but also keeps you familiar with what’s out there.

Lastly, foster a culture of curiosity within your team. Encourage colleagues to share insights from their own research and create opportunities for brainstorming how new tools could help scale your impact.  

Staying open to innovation ensures your team is always prepared to embrace what’s next.

‍

‍

Want to experience the future of legal technology? Schedule a call with one of our technology consultants to explore how our in-house legal software can help your team streamline workflows and scale your impact.