Technological innovations are reshaping the legal sector and solicitors have huge opportunities to enhance the way they work and the service they offer their clients, according to new research from the Law Society.The report, Capturing Technological Innovation in Legal Services, draws on examples of innovation from across the legal sector to highlight emerging trends and opportunities in legal technology. 'New technologies such as machine learning and advanced automation are reshaping the way the legal sector works,'  said Law Society president Robert Bourns. 'This report pulls together examples and insights from those at the forefront of legal technology, and offers a window into how the legal sector may look in the not-too-distant future.'

Innovation trends

The report focuses in particular on three areas of innovation which are redefining the legal sector:

• product innovation, where technology opens new areas of legal work or responds to new ways of delivering advice to clients to suit their changing needs and expectations
• process innovation, where technology changes the way legal services are carried out such as utilising machine learning and automation to allow technology to boost solicitors' productivity
• strategy innovation, which allows firms to be more transparent with their pricing and more flexible with their resourcing.

Embracing change

Bourns said that taking 'full advantage of the opportunities that new technology offers will mean adapting the way we work and embracing change. We have a strong tradition of innovating to meet our clients' needs. Technology offers lots of opportunities to provide services in new ways and to continue to exceed our clients' expectations.There are also opportunities to work ever more collaboratively in partnership with technology companies or universities to streamline our processes and drive efficiencies.'