Today's most successful law firms share a common trait: they view technology as a strategic asset, not just an operational tool. The gap between technology-enabled law firms and traditional practices widens daily. Client expectations are evolving rapidly, and meeting them requires a fundamental rethinking of how legal services are delivered.

This was the central theme when Legl's Head of Customer Success, Ellie Devey-Robson, took part in a dynamic panel discussion on digital acceleration and strategic transformation at the British Legal Technology Forum (BLTF) 2025. 

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the key takeaways from this session, exploring how digital transformation is impacting law firms, the increasing role of technology in driving efficiency, and the future of legal innovation.

The speed of change in legal tech

The panel started by discussing the rapid pace of change in legal technology. What seemed cutting-edge just months ago quickly becomes standard practice. With new innovations constantly reshaping how legal services are delivered, firms might be tempted to rush into implementing the latest technology just to keep up with the pace of change.

However, the panel encouraged firms to be strategic when expanding their tech stack. They warned them against simply implementing technology for technology’s sake. Rather, they recommended that firms start by identifying operational pain points before looking for solutions to address these specific challenges. 

Ellie went one step further, suggesting firms adopt tools that enhance entire business processes versus those that only address a single step in their workflows. She used Legl as an example, explaining that it enhances every aspect of the onboarding process for both firms and their clients. 

Communicate the 'why' behind tech implementation

The panel went on to discuss how firms can implement new tools. They explained that resistance to new technology is natural. Fee-earners juggling complex caseloads and client demands might feel hesitant about changing their workflows. This is completely understandable if they’re going to take the time to learn a new tool, then it  better be worth it. 

Ellie explained that firms must be crystal-clear in communicating the value behind new tech initiatives. They should explain why the firm’s processes need to change and how teams will benefit from these new tools. 

The panel agreed, offering tips on how firms can gain buy-in from both back-office and fee-earning employees. They encouraged those in charge of tech initiatives to involve their team early in the selection process, asking for their input when choosing and testing potential new tools. 

The panel also suggested that firms adopt ‘technology champions’ within different teams. colleagues who naturally gravitate toward new tools and can help demonstrate practical benefits to their peers. These informal advocates can supplement formal training sessions, answering their colleagues’ questions and sharing best practices on a daily basis. 

Adopting legal tech: Agility vs. scale

A key discussion point from the panel was how firm size impacts the adoption of legal tech. While larger firms benefit from greater resources, smaller firms often have the agility to implement change more quickly. So, what can firms of all sizes take away from these differences?

Smaller firms tend to make decisions faster, with fewer layers of approval slowing down progress. Larger firms, on the other hand, often have more structured processes. According to the panel, this means larger firms have to take a more methodical approach to implementing new technologies. 

Ellie added that small firms might be more flexible than large firms. Smaller firms might be more willing to experiment with new technology to stay competitive, while larger firms have the advantage of established infrastructure that can support widespread implementation at scale.

One key takeaway from the panel’s discussion? Regardless of size, measuring the impact of change is critical. Smaller firms often see immediate benefits: faster client onboarding, improved cash flow, and a better client experience. For larger firms, however, change can take longer to roll out. Tracking longer-term metrics like client referrals, profitability, and efficiency gains ensures that digital transformation is driving real, measurable results.

The role of AI in legal tech

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming all industries, and legal tech is no exception. During the BLTF panel, the participants explained that AI tools are delivering tangible benefits across firms whether that’s dramatically reducing document review time, enhancing due diligence processes, or improving contract analysis.

Despite this potential, the panel cautioned against AI implementation driven by a fear of missing out rather than strategy. Firms should approach AI with the same disciplined problem-solving mindset they apply to any technology. This means identifying specific operational pain points first, then evaluating whether AI offers the right solution.

Ellie noted that in her experience, successful firms deploy AI thoughtfully across both administrative functions and fee-earning work. This ensures the technology addresses real challenges rather than simply chasing the latest trend.

Predictions for the future

Looking ahead, the panel shared some insightful predictions about the future of legal tech. 

Legacy on-premise systems are quickly becoming obsolete. Today, most firms are embracing cloud-based alternatives, which offer increased flexibility, scalability, and far fewer headaches than traditional hardware.

What’s more, they all agreed that the era of fragmented tech stacks is ending. Instead of juggling dozens of disconnected tools, firms are now looking to consolidate their solutions. They want to create integrated platforms that unite critical workflows—allowing information to flow seamlessly between tools and teams. 

Conclusion

This panel session at BLTF 2025 highlighted one main point: digital transformation isn't about having the most technology, it's about having the right technology. 

Start by identifying specific operational challenges. Bring your team along by clearly articulating why change matters. Implement methodically and measure results consistently. Whether adopting AI or migrating to the cloud, always prioritise solutions that solve real problems over those that simply sound impressive.

Looking to accelerate your firm's digital transformation? Legl's cloud-based platform helps forward-thinking firms streamline client onboarding, enhance compliance processes, and improve cash flow.  

‍Get in touch if you would like to learn more about how Legl can transform your firm’s operations.

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