Introducing new technology in a law firm can feel like suggesting a new filing system to people who’ve memorised exactly where every sticky note lives. The resistance is real, the grumbles are inevitable, but the payoff? Absolutely worth it.
The trick is navigating change with a blend of strategy, empathy, and just the right amount of humour to keep things moving. Here’s how to turn sceptics into supporters and ensure your tech rollout doesn’t become an “I told you so” moment.
Involve Key Stakeholders Early (Before the Gossip Mill Gets Going)
If you want buy-in, start by getting the right people involved from the outset. Partners, associates, admin staff, and IT all bring different perspectives - and ignoring them is a guaranteed way to create unnecessary drama. People like to be part of the process, even if their favourite response is, “We’ve always done it this way.”
💡Tip: Recruit “change champions”—team members who aren’t allergic to new technology and can help sell the idea to the rest of the firm. Bribing them with coffee doesn’t hurt.
Communicate the Why (And Skip the Buzzwords)
Nobody gets excited about “synergising workflows” or “leveraging innovative platforms.” What people really want to know is: How will this make my job easier?
Focus on the real, tangible benefits. Will the new tech cut down on late nights reconciling client data? Reduce mind-numbing admin tasks? Help eliminate bottlenecks? Spell it out in plain language.
Example: Instead of saying, “We’re implementing a new CRM,” try, “This CRM will replace the 23 spreadsheets you’re juggling and let you focus on relationships instead of data entry.”
Address Fears and Concerns (Before the Conspiracy Theories Start)
Change brings uncertainty, and uncertainty breeds suspicion. “Will this make my job redundant?” “Is it going to be impossible to learn?” Address these concerns upfront. Reassure your team that the technology is there to help - not replace them.
💡Tip: Hold an open Q&A session where people can voice their concerns. Bonus points if you resist the urge to roll your eyes when someone asks, “But why can’t we just use Excel?”
Provide Practical, Hands-On Training (And Keep It Short)
Let’s be honest: no one wants to attend training sessions. But they’re a necessary evil. The key is to make training engaging, role-specific, and as practical as possible. And, for the love of all things legal, avoid three-hour PowerPoint marathons.
💡Tip: Supplement training with cheat sheets, short videos, and a “tech buddy” system where experienced users help their colleagues. Just don’t forget to thank those brave souls—they’ll need all the encouragement they can get.
Celebrate Small Wins (Because Everyone Loves a Victory Lap)
People need to see proof that the new system actually works. Highlight early successes, whether it’s faster document turnaround times, easier billing, or simply fewer headaches.
💡Tip: Publicly recognise team members who’ve embraced the change and share their success stories. Nothing convinces a sceptic like hearing “Hey, this isn’t so bad” from someone who used to resist it.
Make Change an Ongoing Conversation (Not a One-and-Done)
Rolling out the tech is just the beginning. Keep the momentum going by gathering feedback, addressing hiccups, and showing the team you’re committed to making the system work for them - not just ticking a box for management.
💡Tip: Schedule regular check-ins to see how things are going. If people are still referring to the new system as “that annoying thing” months later, you’ve got some work to do.
Lead by Example (Yes, Partners, That Means You)
Nothing derails a tech rollout faster than leadership ignoring the new system. If partners are still scribbling client notes on sticky notes instead of updating the CRM, good luck convincing anyone else to use it.
💡Tip: Train leaders first and encourage them to actively use the technology. Bonus points if they admit - publicly - that they actually like it.
Final Thought: Change Isn’t Easy, But It Doesn’t Have to Be Painful
Adopting new technology doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. With the right approach - and a little humour - you can turn even the most tech-averse team into champions of change.
The goal isn’t just to implement new tools; it’s to make your team’s lives easier. And who knows? They might even thank you for it someday… or at least stop rolling their eyes.
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