Global law firm alliance rep says young lawyers can teach tech and small to mid-sized firms often more agile
Relying on younger, tech-savvy lawyers will be crucial for implementing new legal technologies, particularly those based on artificial intelligence, says Corey Garver, Meritas’ legal tech advisor.
Garver also says that small and mid-sized law firms are better positioned to adopt new technologies and more likely to benefit from them due to their agility.
He adds that the key to successful technology adoption is having a comprehensive strategy rather than addressing one issue at a time with different software solutions.
To help firms stay ahead of legal technology, Meritas, a global law firm alliance, recently launched the Meritas Legal Tech Education Program, an extension of its broader tech initiative.
Adopting new tools, especially those based on AI, is challenging for a profession as risk-averse as law, Garver says.
“Reverse mentoring is one of the trends we are seeing. You have this newer generation of very tech-savvy lawyers, creating cohorts to train more senior lawyers,” he says.
He adds that legal technology, particularly AI, is still evolving, so the learning process is happening at all levels.
“You need young, tech-savvy lawyers to facilitate that process. If that is done right, the rising tide will lift all boats,” he says.
Another emerging trend is that law firms are shifting away from solving individual operational problems with standalone software and instead looking for firm-wide solutions, Garver says.
“There are many hidden opportunities for a digital transformation… Many times, firms are focused only on one pain point like accounting or timekeeping,” he says.
He warns that firms often miss opportunities to build a “technology ecosystem” that integrates multiple processes – improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Another common mistake, he says, is adopting new technology without a clear strategy.
“Too many firms chase the shiny object – whatever the new technology is… It’s very important to have a purpose, not just go out and search for retail therapy," he adds.
Garver says that despite the gap in resources, mid-sized law firms often have a competitive advantage in adopting legal technology over larger firms.
"Larger firms have corporate real estate to worry about," Garver says. "Mid-sized firms, on the other hand, are asking, 'How are we going to automate this process and make it faster?’"
He adds that AI also reduces the need for large teams, allowing smaller firms and solo practitioners to remain competitive against larger players.
He also says it’s becoming easier for junior and higher-level associates, as well as junior partners, to strike out independently.
"AI is going to make that easier for them. It won’t require as much workforce," he says
Meanwhile, Garver says that AI-driven legal technology increases the need for stronger vendor customer support.
Traditional software, he adds, has defined input and output, but AI-based tools require additional skills – such as crafting effective prompts – to get the desired results.
“A lot of this technology is very open-ended, and there is no clear input. There are some vendors with a very strong customer success function … but there are some account executives who sign the contract and then not hear from the law firm for 36 months when it’s time for renewal,” he says.
He adds that Vendors that invest in product development and client training will stand out in the future.
Garver says that beyond streamlining legal work, technology is now influencing lawyer recruitment and retention. Firms that fail to provide modern tools risk losing top talent to competitors with better digital infrastructure.
“If you are a lawyer and you are aware that you can’t do your job as effectively as you know you can, you will leave. [Technology] can definitely be used as a recruitment tool,” he adds.
