How Legal Industry Is Being Digitalized

Those in need of legal assistance want accessible resources that they can tap quickly, easily, and most importantly – inexpensively. But when they seek legal guidance, they face either budget-busting retainers or flat figures that are also prohibitively high even for simple legal processes.

When it comes to digitization, the legal industry was a bit of a Johnny-come-lately. While many other industries were rushing to digitize their services for the ease of their clientele, the hubris of many in the legal profession turned a deaf ear to the pressing needs of those they served.

What Does Legal Digitization Entail?

Providing digital tools that are accessible to legal clients increases efficiency and improves the delivery of services to those who need them most. Whereas the legal process as initiated by traditional attorneys and law firms can seem glacially slow due to heavy caseloads and other factors, a digitized legal services provider like GetDispute.com can hasten the path to civil justice.

For instance, many legal cases can be handled cheaply and expeditiously through the small claims courts in your jurisdiction. Yet, because of a lack of knowledge regarding the legal profession and its basic procedures, e.g., writing a demand letter, filing suit, and arranging for service of process to the defendant(s), potential plaintiffs often mistakenly believe that they lack the ability to manage these matters themselves without professional intervention.

But employing technology to produce templates of easily customized, automated documents for each user is a game-changer for the legal profession. From drafting business contracts to filing claims for damages against those liable for your injuries or losses, the process is streamlined and individualized for the best results.

Resistance from the Legal Community

Attorneys and law firms have traditionally been resistant to the idea of digitizing their work product for public use. Many thought that doing so would lower the volume of their legal clients and thus, reduce their bottom lines significantly.

However, there will always be a need for an attorney’s services. Digitized legal documents can never replace the skills, knowledge, and expertise of a trained legal professional who has passed the bar and is able to litigate complex legal cases in front of judges and juries.

The Pandemic Effect

COVID-19 had a major effect on the legal industry, shutting down courts and attorneys’ offices and creating backlogs of cases through which litigants are still slogging, albeit via remote court appearances and testimonies. Because of COVID-19, the legal field has accepted the digital transformation it had so vigorously resisted in the past.

The plain truth is that most basic civil cases can be effectively litigated in a small claims court for a fraction of the money you would spend hiring an attorney to file your case in the civil district court having jurisdiction over the matter.

Still, the legal process can be intimidating for those who have little or no legal training or knowledge. Plaintiffs might think that their damages far exceed the financial limits of the small claims court. While that can sometimes be true depending on your location, in some jurisdictions, limits are as high as $25,000. That sum can cover quite a bit of liability.

Why E-filing Makes Good Business Sense

With new variants of the Corona virus still emerging with each season, it is clear that the legal system faces an operational sea change whether it is ready to embrace it or not. Fortunately, there are many forward-thinking legal professionals and business owners who welcome an easier and less costly alternative for settling their more minor disputes than typical litigation offers.

Digital solutions for civil cases involve reducing the turnaround time waiting for petitions and answers to wend their way through antiquated and overburdened courts. There is no longer a need for last-minute midnight dashes to the post office to get a document mailed before a case proscribes and a civil remedy is no longer available.

Most small claims courts disallow attorneys from filing and arguing cases for plaintiffs or defendants. But there are no prohibitions against using a service like Dispute to draft your demand letter and generate your petition for damages or an answer to a petition served to you as the defendant in a lawsuit. Dispute will also arrange for service of process to assure that everything is handled properly in accordance with all state and local rules.

Don’t spend more than you need to pursue civil justice. Let Dispute do the legal work for you so your case gets swiftly and professionally resolved.