Busting common myths about implementing the SQE
Director of business development at BARBRI Jonathan Worrell addresses some of the most common misconceptions about SQE implementation and shares practical guidance to help firms plan with confidence
Law firms and legal practices are increasingly recognising the importance of IT as a strategic asset. Technology is no longer just a support function, it’s now a key driver of efficiency, compliance, and client satisfaction in the legal field.
Despite this shift, many legal organisations still struggle to align IT delivery with broader business goals. The disconnect between IT teams and legal professionals can result in underutilised systems, inefficiencies and missed opportunities for growth.
The historic gap between IT delivery and legal business outcomes
Historically, there’s been a huge gap between IT delivery and wider business outcomes. There is a very simple reason for this — IT departments tend to focus on stability and security, whereas other aspects of a business are more inclined to directly affect growth. There is, of course, a benefit to these things, but they don’t provide growth in the same direct way as other parts of a business.
On top of this, the IT department will often be working to completely different objectives, timelines and deadlines from the rest of the law firm, meaning there’s a lack of compatibility between the rest of your firm and the IT parts. This can cause a disconnect and give the impression that the implementation of solid IT is counterproductive to the rest of your business, which just isn’t the case.
Why IT should be a strategic driver in law firms
For modern law firms, IT should be integrated into the core business strategy. Digital transformation is reshaping how legal services are delivered, and firms that embrace this change are better positioned to compete.
By treating IT as a strategic driver, legal organisations can:
• Improve client service through faster communication and digital collaboration
• Enhance operational efficiency with automated workflows and cloud-based systems
• Strengthen data protection and compliance with advanced cybersecurity solutions.
How MSPs help align IT with legal business goals
1. Understanding your firm’s objectives
A specialised managed service provider (MSP) can help law firms define IT objectives that align with their strategic goals. Whether the focus is on improving matter management, enabling secure remote work, or ensuring compliance with legal regulations, a MSP acts as a strategic partner that understands the unique needs of the legal industry.
2. Designing technology solutions that drive measurable results
Using legal-specific KPIs that directly tie into business goals means MSPs can design tailored solutions that deliver tangible outcomes. This includes implementing legal tech platforms, integrating billing systems, and optimising document workflows.
3. Proactive guidance for long-term planning and value
Law firms benefit from long-term IT planning that supports growth and resilience. MSPs provide ongoing strategic guidance, helping firms adapt to regulatory changes, expand into new practice areas, and stay ahead of technological trends in the legal sector.
Real-world outcomes of strategic IT partnerships in the legal sector
1. Improved productivity and user experience
An external MSP can help you improve your law firm’s wider productivity, as it can help you figure out exactly what you can do with technologies like automation and the cloud to be able to improve productivity and UX all around.
With this level of expert consultation, you can truly make the best decisions to make productivity and user experience within your business better than ever, without having to spend on hiring in-house expertise.
2. Cost control and smarter investment decisions
Outsourcing IT to a trusted MSP allows firms to control expenses while accessing top-tier expertise. This enables smarter investment decisions and ensures that technology spend delivers maximum value without the overhead of expanding in-house teams.
3. Increased agility, scalability and resilience
As law firms grow or pivot into new areas of practice, their IT needs evolve. MSPs offer scalable solutions that adapt to changing demands, whether it involves onboarding new solicitors, opening new offices, or integrating new legal tech platforms.
At Extech Cloud, we understand the unique challenges faced by law firms and legal professionals. This is why we’re always keen to support law firms with our tailored IT solutions, which are designed to bridge the gap between technology and legal business outcomes, helping you unlock the full potential of your practice.
Whether you’re looking to improve operational efficiency, enhance client service, or future-proof your law firm’s IT infrastructure, we’re here to help.
