The conversation around managing the sensitive work of a law firm in the cloud has completely changed over the last decade. Today, running business-critical IT systems for yourself, onsite, is often seen as the riskier option — not to mention a poor use of typically scarce internal transformation bandwidth, pulling in multiple directions towards new and shifting priorities. And firms need to be collaboratively agile to move rapidly, not only responding to force and fluctuation of client demand, but also winds of change blowing in the wider business world.

This LPM special asks how a range of firms are currently faring with their cloud-first strategies or decision-making — and what’s at stake when pursuing the practicalities to unlock the possibilities.

What’s inside?

Can your system value soar?

Journalist Lucy Trevelyan speaks to leaders weighing up their transformation options at Lawfront, Wright Hassall, Boyes Turner and Hunters.

Future-proofing SME law firms

Shruti Kumar, marketing specialist at Tessaract, says a cloud practice management system enables implementation of other cutting-edge technologies to take a firm’s competitiveness to a whole new level.

Cloud and AI working as one

Jenny Hotchin, legal practice lead at iManage, says embrace cloud technologies and AI now as the times keep transforming, but ensure management of the latter doesn’t fuel more problems than it supports with efficiency.

Key considerations for a cloud-first future

Scott Ridley, cloud product and engineering director at Access Legal, outlines why cloud migration is an essential part of SME law firms’ long-term growth — and the key factors they must particularly consider for a smooth transition.

A strategic enabler for modern law firm management

Oliver Tromp, regional vice president UK, Actionstep, draws some insights surrounding the shift to cloud-based practice management from its recent 2025 UK Midsize Law Firm Priorities report.

Smart, secure and scalable

Danny Nicholson, cloud specialist at Iomart, explores how cloud technology is transforming opportunities in today’s legal services landscape, including with the application of artificial intelligence.