Technology

Posted on May 22, 2018 by staff

Cloud technology freeing barristers from desks

Technology

Barristers across the UK are transforming the way they work to adapt to the way technology is disrupting the legal system and to adhere to GDPR.

That’s according to Doug Hargrove, managing director at British software and services company Advanced, who believes that mobile and cloud technology innovations are driving these changes.

Although steeped in traditional practice methodology, the legal sector continues to rise to the challenge of delivering a modern justice system and digital courtroom, spurred on by the Ministry of Justice’s £1bn injection into modernisation.

Barristers are increasingly seeking ways in which they can benefit from this digital drive. Around one in 16 barristers (1,000) have changed the way they work by using mobile and cloud collaboration tools.

This gives them access to all of the relevant case management files they need, on their device, without relying on papers or even entering the chambers.

Over 1,000 barristers are already using Advanced’s MLC V fully integrated mobile toolkit to manage all aspects of their work.

With built-in cloud collaboration capabilities and an integrated mobile interface, barristers can save time, reduce reliance on physical documents and work remotely.

“The way the legal system works is transforming with end-to-end digitalisation becoming a prerequisite on the journey to modernisation,” said Hargrove.

“While clerks have had technology innovations at their fingertips for some time, barristers have been restricted to full case management packages that are not optimised to meet the needs of a barrister on the go.

“They no longer want to be tied to chambers, they want a tailored, secure system that will support their mobility as well as help them adhere to GDPR compliance.”

According to Advanced, implementing a collaborative case management and mobile toolkit will empower barristers to maximise their time much more effectively and eradicate a reliance on paper.

It will also grant much more control over the data they’re using thanks to the audit trail within these integrated solutions, supporting the drive towards GDPR compliance.

“The introduction of ‘less-paper’ working gives our barristers, who are traditionally mobile workers, the ability to service clients in a secure and flexible environment, while enhancing the speed and reliability of that service,” said Chris Ronan, chief executive, St Johns Buildings.