Law firms affected by technology

The Affiliates, a legal staffing service specializing in attorneys, paralegals and other skilled legal professionals, recently announced the availability of a report titled "Dynamic Forces Reshape the Legal Field Today and the Practice of Law Tomorrow" as part of its continuing Future Law Office project. The report’s key findings emphasize the impact of technology on the legal profession and also highlights new management trends, including a move by corporations to consolidate the number of law firms they retain and the implementation of business development strategies such as cross-selling and relationship marketing to gain market share.

"Convergence," which refers to the consolidation of law firms hired by corporations, is the watchword among legal departments intent on trimming legal fees.

Legal departments look to partner with outside firms who will provide them with a higher level of attention, collaboration and feedback than in the past.

In a survey conducted for the Future Law Office, 69 percent of law firms reported that they use print advertising to attract clients; 57 percent of firms surveyed cited public relations campaigns. Many firms rely on branding and relationship marketing, cross-selling, mergers and lateral acquisitions to grow their business.

For its Future Law Office projects, the Affiliates periodically commissions surveys of attorneys and legal administrators, interviews leading experts and conducts extensive research to determine how law offices will operate in the future. The results are available by logging onto www.futurelawoffice.com. For more information on the Future Law Office project or to order a complete copy of the report, please visit their Website.