Five essential pillars of digital transformation for the modern law firm

From streamlining operations to enhancing client communication and strengthening data security, Kerv offers actionable insights to turbocharge your digital transformation journey and ensure your law firm’s competitiveness in a dynamic legal landscape

The legal profession thrives on precision, trust and the ability to adapt quickly in a dynamic environment. Yet many law firms face growing challenges: integrating secure IT systems, managing hybrid teams and meeting rising client expectations. Firms must adapt to these shifts to deliver exceptional service while remaining efficient and competitive.

The Digital Foundations for Modern Law Firms e-book explores five essential pillars of digital transformation for the modern law firm.

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Dinah Lukasheh

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Maximise efficiency to drive profitability

Automate repetitive tasks and integrate IT systems to free up time for billable work.

Embrace hybrid working

Enable secure, seamless access to systems and data for legal teams working from the office, home, or on the move.

Deliver exceptional client communication

Use technology to enhance real-time client updates, improve collaboration and build stronger client relationships.

Safeguard sensitive data

Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect client information, ensure compliance and maintain trust.

Stay ahead of the competition

Leverage data insights and strategic IT planning to fuel growth, improve decision-making and stay competitive.

Get your free copy of the Digital Foundations for Modern Law Firms e-book now.

Law firms: Seven tips for completing your PII proposal form

Whether you’re applying for PII or renewing your policy, getting your proposal form right can ensure you’re properly covered in the event of a claim, and help to keep your premiums to a minimum, writes Marc Rowson, partner at Lockton

AI-powered legal drafting: The future of work for legal professionals

Legal professionals today face a constant barrage of deadlines and demands. This white paper from Thomson Reuters explores how AI-powered legal drafting tools can transform your workflow and reclaim precious time

AI-powered legal drafting provides relief for those feeling the squeeze.

Do you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? You’re not alone. Legal professionals today face a constant barrage of deadlines and demands. Efficiently delivering high-quality work feels like an impossible feat. Wouldn’t it be amazing to free yourself from the drudgery and focus on what truly matters — strategic thinking and client service?

This white paper explores how AI-powered legal drafting tools can transform your workflow and reclaim precious time. Imagine the ability to:

• Slash drafting time. Reduce drafting time by 25% to 50%, according to recent data from customers.
• Boost accuracy and consistency. Ensure accuracy and consistency by leveraging legal playbooks and receiving clause recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
• Free up your time. Create valuable space in your schedule by automating repetitive tasks with AI. Dedicate more time to the higher-value activities that make a difference, such as crafting winning negotiation strategies and providing insightful client counselling.

Of course, you might have questions. What exactly is AI-powered legal drafting? How does it work? This white paper will also cover:

• The basics of AI-powered drafting. Break down the fundamentals and understand how AI can revolutionise your workflow.
• Choosing the right tool. Explore critical considerations when selecting the perfect AI drafting tool for your needs.
• Championing AI adoption. Discover strategies to effectively advocate for AI implementation within your organisation.
• Smooth implementation. We’ve included a roadmap to help you navigate the process smoothly within your legal team.

Download the white paper today and realise the potential of AI-powered legal drafting. Take control of your time and transform the way you draft legal documents.

How to easily create an electronic casebook with Bundledocs

In today’s landscape of legal digitisation, electronic casebooks offer improved efficiency and organisation for legal professionals. Centralised cloud solutions provide a streamlined approach for firms working across multiple jurisdictions. The legal industry is becoming increasingly dynamic and requires agile responses to evolving requirements.

Electronic casebooks offer rapid updates and enhancements, ensuring that legal teams are always equipped with the latest features and compliance measures. If you are not familiar with what electronic casebooks are or how you can use them, we have you covered.

Electronic casebooks: What are they and where are they used?

Casebooks generally contain most of the evidence used in cases and therefore are a vital part of the court process. Complex cases will require a larger number of documents in addition to precise organisation and detail – often taking up valuable time. Digital solutions can reduce this workload for legal professionals and streamline business processes across the board. Electronic casebooks are widely used in New Zealand and Scottish courts where specific and unique requirements regarding creation and editing are in place. Bundledocs has a range of great features and enhanced functionality that helps to automate this process for our users.

For users based in New Zealand, our solution is fully compliant with the Superior Courts lodgement rules, allowing firms to automatically create court-structured electronic casebooks. Bundledocs automates the process of converting List Numbered documents and hyperlinked references to their Common Bates Numbers, meaning users save time and can use their resources more efficiently.

Importance of having the right tools at your disposal

Whether it’s case management or legal research, electronic casebooks can efficiently organise and edit your documents. Document production and the final output can vary widely depending on the court, so it is important that you are aware of local court requirements. The Bundledocs solution is agile and easy-to-use, meaning you can rest assured that your firm will easily adapt and your team can start creating high-quality casebooks in no time!

Easily create and structure your electronic casebooks

Creating the structure of your casebook is simple with Bundledocs. You can easily create folders, sub-folders and volumes, ensuring complete control over your casebook and court compliancy. With our templates feature, you only need to create the structure once and the next time you need to create an electronic casebook, a new template will automatically be created with the same structure. If you need to rename any items in your casebook, simply double click your mouse.

Organise, customise and utilise integration partners for a seamless experience 

Once you have created the structure, you can upload files from anywhere directly to Bundledocs to start filling out your casebook. Our solution integrates effortlessly with leading document and case management solutions like Actionstep, Clio, iManage and NetDocuments – straight from your browser. Our PDF-editor allows you to automatically convert all files to PDFs while keeping the original file intact. Ensuring a seamless experience, Bundledocs automatically numbers, sections, hyperlinks and bookmarks text, which streamlines what once was an extremely time in-efficient task. Before sending documents, Bundledocs also allows users to redact confidential information in just a few clicks.

Share, download and send to court 

When your casebook is ready, you can download, print, share, or send to the court. With hybrid and remote working becoming the norm across the world, the legal industry has been keen to support more digital alternatives to a traditionally hard-copy industry. It doesn’t matter where your team members are, you can work with them on documents anytime, anyplace and on any device. And what’s more – we offer unlimited changes and no file-limit when sharing documents! You can also choose to export your bundle as a single PDF bundle or as a zip file, containing all documents and the hyperlinked index in PDF format.

Start creating electronic casebooks now 

Cloud solutions are an essential resource to help you succeed and stay ahead in the fast-paced legal sector. Including creating a high-quality electronic casebook, Bundledocs users are always working on the latest version of the file, helping your firm collaborate more efficiently internally and externally while streamlining time in-efficient business processes.

If you would like to start creating high-quality electronic casebooks, contact our team at info@bundledocs.com or visit www.bundledocs.com and get started now.

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Streamlining compliance and cybersecurity in the legal sector

Kerv outlines six key investment and management principles for building out a comprehensive security strategy that keeps sensitive information safe from cyberattack and business reputation in tact

Law firms handle highly sensitive client information, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.

As legal professionals adopt more flexible working models, with teams working from multiple locations and devices, the need for cybersecurity and data protection has never been more critical. IT solutions for law firms, including managed IT services, play a vital role in ensuring compliance while safeguarding sensitive data.

Here we’ll explore the growing threats to law firms’ security and compliance and offer practical solutions for building and maintaining a robust security perimeter that protects client data and ensures regulatory adherence.

The increasing threat landscape in legal cybersecurity

The legal sector has become a top target for cybercriminals, primarily due to the vast amounts of sensitive data it handles. Law firms house a wealth of confidential client information, including personal details, financial records, and privileged legal documents. This makes them attractive targets for cyberattacks such as ransomware, phishing, data breaches, and insider threats.

The rise of hybrid work — with lawyers and staff accessing firm resources from multiple devices and locations — has further complicated the cybersecurity landscape. With teams now working remotely, often connecting to corporate systems from home networks or public Wi-Fi, firms face increased risks of unauthorised access, data leakage, and non-compliance.

Why cybersecurity and compliance matter more than ever

For law firms, the consequences of a data breach or cybersecurity failure go far beyond financial losses — they can result in irreversible damage to reputation, client trust, and compliance standing.

• Reputation damage: A firm that loses client data or suffers a cyberattack can face severe damage to its reputation. Clients may choose to take their business elsewhere, and the firm’s brand could be tarnished for years to come.
• Regulatory penalties: Legal professionals must adhere to a range of regulations and industry standards related to data protection, including GDPR. Failing to meet these obligations can lead to hefty fines and penalties.
• Client trust: Clients rely on law firms to safeguard their confidential information. Any breach of that trust, whether through negligence or cyberattack, can result in clients severing ties and seeking competitors that offer better protection.

Building and maintaining a robust security perimeter

In order to safeguard sensitive information and maintain compliance in the face of growing cybersecurity threats, law firms must implement a comprehensive security strategy that focuses on preventative measures, detection, and response.

1. Adopt a Zero-Trust security model

The Zero-Trust framework assumes that threats are already present inside the network and therefore requires verification at every stage. This approach minimises the risk of data breaches, as every user and device — whether inside or outside the organisation — must authenticate before accessing any system or data. Zero Trust ensures that only authorised individuals can access sensitive client information, reducing vulnerabilities caused by insider threats.

• Key strategies:
  • Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users.
  • Enforce strict identity and access management (IAM) protocols.
  • Regularly review access privileges to ensure that only those who need it can access confidential data.

2. Secure remote work infrastructure

As hybrid work becomes more common, securing remote access to firm resources is paramount. Cloud solutions, virtual private networks (VPNs) and secure access points must be configured to ensure that lawyers and staff can access data from anywhere, while keeping that data secure.

• Cloud security: Leveraging secure cloud-based platforms like Microsoft 365 enables easy remote access, but it’s crucial to ensure that these services are configured with strong encryption and access control protocols.
• Secure VPNs: A secure VPN protects data as it moves between devices and remote networks. Implementing next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) and endpoint protection software ensures that, even when users connect from home networks or public Wi-Fi, their connections remain encrypted and safe.

3. Data encryption and backup

Data encryption is an essential component of any cybersecurity strategy. Encrypting sensitive client data both at rest and in transit ensures that, even if data is intercepted or accessed by unauthorised parties, it remains unreadable without the decryption key.

In the case of a ransomware attack, having a reliable backup system in place is crucial for business continuity. Firms should ensure they back data up regularly to secure, offsite locations (such as cloud storage solutions) and test backups to ensure they can be restored quickly if needed.

4. Regular security audits and penetration testing

Penetration testing involves simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities within the firm’s security infrastructure. Regularly conducting these tests will help to pinpoint weaknesses in the system before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

Law firms should conduct routine audits to review their security postures and ensure they are complying with relevant regulations, like GDPR or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Audits help firms to identify gaps in security controls, policies, and procedures.

5. Compliance management: automation and monitoring

Compliance with data protection regulations is a continual process, not a one-time task. By leveraging automated compliance management systems, firms can track their obligations and stay ahead of any regulatory changes.

• Automated tools: Using tools like Microsoft Compliance Center allows firms to automate compliance checks, such as data retention policies and document audits. Automated workflows can ensure that compliance tasks are carried out on schedule, helping to reduce the risk of non-compliance.
• Continuous monitoring: It’s important to monitor all systems and networks continuously for signs of cyber threats. Using security information and event management (SIEM) software allows firms to track user activity and network traffic in real time, enabling the rapid identification and response to potential threats.

6. Training and awareness

One of the most effective ways to combat cyber threats is through employee education. Lawyers and staff should be trained on recognising phishing attacks, the importance of strong passwords, and safe internet practices. Building a security-aware culture in the firm helps to prevent accidental breaches caused by human error.

Running periodic phishing tests can help staff to recognise and avoid fraudulent emails, which are often the gateway to larger cybersecurity breaches.

The Future of cybersecurity and compliance in the legal sector

As cyber threats continue to evolve, law firms that prioritise security and compliance will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.

For more insights into leveraging cutting-edge technology to boost performance whilst maintaining a secure environment in the legal sector, download our free ebook: Digital Foundations for the Modern Law Firm.

PEPS, sanctions and conflicts of interest: Is your firm confident at spotting risks?

To support law firms and legal professionals in maintaining their AML training and compliance to the SRA’s latest standards,  Access Legal launches key updates to its PEPs and Sanctions and Conflicts of Interest courses

Global conflicts, evolving regulations and heightened responsibilities have created a ‘perfect storm’ for busy law firms, and those who can’t keep up risk becoming vulnerable to compliance issues.

Client relationships with high-risk individuals or cases with competing interests can quickly put law firms in hot water — but are firms confident in spotting these moments before they arise?

All firms, regardless of their size, must ensure staff are aware of laws relating to money laundering and terrorist financing as per anti-money laundering (AML) and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) standards. But the regulations go beyond awareness, advising that it’s also the firm’s responsibility to train law practitioners on recognising and dealing with these transactions.

Practices should be completing firm-wide risk assessments (FWRAs) to help spot the risks they are or may be exposed to. Despite being an SRA requirement since 2017, only 52% of firms are producing fully compliant FWRAs. Furthermore, 10% of those assessed were entirely non-compliant — up from 7% in the previous year — prompting concerns that some firms may be missing potential risks.

Proactivity, not reactivity

Small and medium-sized law firms may be less likely to deal with high-risk entities and conflicting interests compared to larger counterparts. But with the former typically having much closer client relationships, failure to identify these risks early can have a much greater reputational impact on the firm and individuals involved.

A proactive approach to these issues can help mitigate the risk of improper practice and fines, as well as boost firm reputation. Yet recent SRA findings indicated that most firms respond reactively to regulatory issues, with an over-reliance on the compliance officer for legal practice (COLP).

Ensuring that compliance issues are understood more widely across the business is the first crucial step in building a more proactive compliance strategy. Professionals must be able to spot issues if they are to rectify them.

To assist firms with these challenges, Access Legal Learning has launched key updates to its PEPs (politically exposed persons) and Sanctions, and Conflicts of Interest training courses. Developed in accordance with the latest SRA regulations, the two courses equip legal practitioners with up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and feature real-world scenarios, interactive segments and practical tips, to help legal professionals develop their ability and confidence in handling different situations around PEPs and sanctions and conflicts of interest.

PEPs and sanctions

Politically exposed persons are typically people who are in a prominent position — or close to someone who is — such as those in government or senior military roles. Thanks to their personal connections, PEPs are generally classed as high-risk individuals, presenting higher risks of bribery or corruption.

Correctly identifying them is essential to comply with know your customer (KYC) and AML requirements. It’s worth noting, however, that not all PEPs will present the same risk and firms should assess on a case-by-case basis for the most accurate picture. The risk of each PEP can also shift over time.

Therefore, reviewing PEP statuses throughout the client relationship may be more beneficial than a single one-off check, ensuring firms always have the latest information for better decision making and increased protection.

High-risk individuals may also be found hiding in sanctions lists, which are published by governments and international bodies. And in today’s geopolitical landscape – for example, the continued conflict between Ukraine and Russia – adhering to the lists has never been more crucial.

For local operation, checks can be carried out by referring to the UK Sanctions List. Those working on a more global scale must, however, ensure they are checking the sanctions list of all relevant countries and their allies. These checks are again an essential part of the customer due diligence (CDD), KYC and AML processes.

With the right training, legal practices can understand their obligations when working with high-risk clients, and support early identification of these individuals to ensure they aren’t taking on more risk than they bargained for. It gives legal practitioners the confidence to recognise the best approach for dealing with PEPs, as well as complying with sanctions legislation and learning how to employ best practice for sanctions.

Conflicts of interest

Recognising and dealing with conflicts of interest is more vital than some may realise. In recent years, some law firms have made headlines for failures to identify and declare conflicting interests, facing hefty fines and damaging their reputations. In fact, the SRA’s review into probate and estate administration in December 2024 suggested that despite most firms being aware of the risk of conflicting interests in their cases, only half had additional measures in place to mitigate or avoid the risk.

Due to the sensitive nature of their work it’s important for practices to be able to recognise a conflict of interest before it arises, and just as much about knowing how to deal with one. The correct training can prepare legal practitioners for spotting the signs early, and knowing how to overcome them.

Putting a plan in place ensures matters are dealt with to the letter of the law, with no possibility of the conflict developing again further down the line.

Stay prepared

Ultimately, rather than relying wholly on one or two key members of a legal practice trained to recognise different risks, it’s beneficial for all practitioners to have the understanding to identify and handle potential compliance issues in each situation. It can support their personal development too, equipping them with the right knowledge to overcome the challenges in their role and adding to their skillset.

This proactive approach in training all individuals within a law firm protects them from compliance issues and reputational damage, while also boosting their productivity and efficiency, to ensure they maintain high quality standards and deliver the best possible legal services to their clients.

Master the business of law: Fundamentals and best practices

James Markham and Darren Mee, authors of  The Legal MBA, share their expert insights on mastering the business side of law, offering practical advice for running a successful firm, on episode 12 of Osprey Approach‘s Empowering Law Firm Leaders podcast

In this conversation, James Markham and Darren Mee, authors of The Legal MBA, discuss common pitfalls to avoid, standout practices from top-performing firms, strategies to thrive in a competitive market, and the critical role of aligning team behaviours with the firm’s strategic goals.

In this episode we cover:

• Strategies to differentiate your firm beyond “people”
• How to align team behaviours with your strategy
• Creating and implementing effective service propositions
• Tips for creating effective process maps
• How to decide what tasks are worth automating

Essentials for being successful in the business of law

Markham and Mee highlighted four key examples of exceptional practices they’ve observed in SME law firms:

• Prioritisation and delegation — Markham shared a case study of a practice group leader who successfully balanced a full fee-earning portfolio, managed a large team, and maintained personal responsibilities. The key? Clarity on what to focus on and effective delegation.
• Financial hygiene — Mee stressed the importance of timely billing and managing work-in-progress (WIP). “Getting their financial hygiene right is crucial for maintaining cash flow and avoiding financial pitfalls.”
• Client-centric approach — Firms must clearly define their target clients and align their services accordingly. Mee explained, “Successful firms answer two questions well: Who do we serve? What do we offer?”
• Strategic focus — Markham and Mee agreed that a clear vision, combined with disciplined execution, is vital. “It’s not about saying no to good ideas, but knowing when to say ‘not now.’”

Differentiating your firm beyond ‘people’

Markham and Mee argue that relying solely on the quality of your people isn’t enough. Markham advised, “Step outside your internal view and look at your firm from the client’s perspective.”

Mee emphasised the power of specialisation: “The narrower your focus, the more effective you become. Being the go-to firm for M&A in chiropractic care centres, for example, allows you to market, hire, and structure services more effectively.”

Aligning team behaviours with strategy

Aligning daily behaviours with strategy is critical for maintaining a consistent brand and client experience. Markham highlighted common mistakes firms make, including failing to clearly communicate their strategy.

Mee discussed managing the tension between good ideas and strategic alignment: “It’s about having a clear vision and executing it consistently.”

Creating effective service propositions

A service proposition must clearly outline the problem, how the firm solves it, and the journey from problem to solution. Mee explained, “It should also have a fixed fee or value-based pricing model to improve efficiency and profitability.”

Markham suggested building a value ladder, where services range from free educational content to high-value bespoke solutions. This ensures that clients receive value at every stage.

How SME law firms should invest their IT budget

Many SME firms are increasing their tech spend, but how should they allocate their budgets to maximise ROI?

Markham and Mee advise firms to:

• Map processes first – Understand your current workflows before investing in tech.
• Prioritise automation for repeatable tasks – Automate high-frequency, time-intensive activities.
• Use business intelligence tools – Leverage analytics to drive better decision-making.

Markham warned, “The goal is to ensure that the time saved by automation is greater than the time spent implementing it.”

How to encourage experimentation and innovation

Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering change. Markham noted, “The people at the top must actively support innovation. Encouraging and empowering change-makers within the firm is essential.”

Mee highlighted the need for better training budgets, explaining that firms must help their teams become better users of technology and managers of their own time. “We must train people in skills like design thinking and minimum viable product (MVP) development.”

Preparing for the law firm of the future

To navigate an increasingly competitive market, SME firms must focus on:

• A client-centric approach
• A clear strategic vision
• Effective service propositions
• Smart technology investments
• Encouraging experimentation and innovation

By mastering the business of law, firms can enhance efficiency, improve client satisfaction, and ensure long-term success.

Watch the full interview with James Markham and Darren Mee now to discover more advice on mastering the business of law.

Listen on Spotify, Amazon Music, or YouTube now.  

Legal trends for mid-sized law firms 2025

Mid-sized law firms are emerging as leaders in AI adoption, using technology to stay competitive and meet evolving client expectations, finds Clio in its latest report

Mid-sized law firms are emerging as leaders in AI adoption, using technology to stay competitive and meet evolving client expectations. This shift is accompanied by a growing preference for alternative billing models — like fixed fees — as firms respond to client demands for transparency and predictability in their legal costs. At the same time, they continue to rely on varied hourly billing structures that reflect specialisation within their workforce.

This report examines key trends shaping mid-sized law firms, delivering the data and insights needed for mid-sized law firms to navigate these industry shifts and position themselves for long-term success.

Download the 2025 Legal Trends for Mid-Sized Law Firms report now

Key findings

Hourly billing strategies

Mid-sized firms leverage more billing rates, and charge higher rates, than smaller firms. Is your mid-sized firm one of the 99% that set multiple billing rates for their lawyers? See how mid-sized firms are leveraging multiple billing rates, offering greater flexibility and revenue generation.

The rise of AI

Most mid-sized firms are using AI in some capacity, while over half have adopted AI widely or universally. Nearly all mid-sized law firms are now using AI in some capacity in their practice, while over half have adopted it widely or universally. Explore the rapid adoption of AI across mid-sized law firms and discovery why 90% are now using AI tools to boost efficiency, quality and client engagement.

Trust the leader in legal industry research

• Lead by an expert team of data analysts, researchers, and industry professionals
• Featuring multi-modal research methodologies that support robust analyses and findings
• Including insights from the largest industry data sets—based on aggregated and anonymized data from tens of thousands of legal professionals

Download the 2025 Legal Trends for Mid-Sized Law Firms report now