Technology is rapidly changing the way lawyers practice law. Lawyers who embrace technology are better equipped to represent their clients. Here are some of the ways that technology is helping lawyers win cases:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is rapidly changing the way lawyers practice law. AI-powered tools for lawyers can now be used to:
- Now, commonly in partnership with a medical record retrieval service, they can analyze large volumes of data to identify patterns and trends that may be accounted for as evidence in a case.
- Generate realistic simulations of crime scenes and other events
- Review contracts and other legal documents for potential errors and omissions
- Draft personalized letters and other communications to clients and opposing counsel
Electronic Discovery (eDiscovery)
eDiscovery is the process of identifying, collecting, preserving, and producing electronically stored information (ESI) in a legal proceeding. ESI can include emails, text messages, social media posts, and other digital data.
eDiscovery is becoming increasingly complex and time-consuming, but technology can help lawyers to manage the process more efficiently. For example, eDiscovery software can be used to automatically search for and identify relevant ESI, and to produce it in a format that is compliant with court rules.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing allows lawyers to access their files and software from anywhere in the world, with an internet connection. This is essential for lawyers who travel frequently or who have clients in different jurisdictions.
Cloud computing also makes it easy for lawyers to collaborate with colleagues on cases. For example, two lawyers working on the same case can simultaneously access and edit the same documents.
Social Media
Social media can be a valuable source of evidence for lawyers. Many people don’t realize that their social media posts are publicly accessible, and that they can be used in court to weaken their cases.
Lawyers can use social media to find evidence of wrongdoing, such as posts that contradict a witness’s testimony or that show a party is not being truthful about their injuries.
Other Technology
In addition to the technologies mentioned above, there are many other ways that technology is helping lawyers win cases. Here are a few examples:
Black boxes in commercial trucks: Black boxes in commercial trucks can be a valuable source of evidence in trucking accident cases. These devices record data such as speed, braking, and steering, which can be used to reconstruct the events leading up to an accident. Black box data can also be used to determine whether the truck driver was negligent.
Infotainment systems: Infotainment systems in vehicles can be a valuable source of evidence for lawyers in both civil and criminal cases. These systems track a variety of data, including cell phone data, GPS track logs, light activations, gear shifts, and door openings/closings. This data can be used to reconstruct the events leading up to an accident, to prove that a driver was distracted at the time of an accident, or to track the movements of a vehicle in a criminal case.
Other examples of technology that can be used to help lawyers win cases include:
Drones: Drones can be used to take aerial photographs and videos of accident scenes and other areas of interest. This evidence can be used to help juries understand the facts of the case.
3D printing: 3D printing can be used to create models of accident scenes and other objects. These models can be used to help juries understand the evidence and to reach a verdict.
Virtual reality: Virtual reality can be used to create simulations of crime scenes and other events. These simulations can be used to help jurors understand the facts of the case and to experience the events from the perspective of the witnesses.
Technology is constantly evolving and new tools and applications are emerging all the time. Lawyers who are willing to embrace new technologies are better equipped to represent their clients and to win cases.
