A Digital Gap Exist Inside Law Firms: Here's How To Fix It

Law firms face growing pressure to deliver faster, smarter, and more cost-effective legal services. Technology offers the solution, but leadership must drive adoption. Our survey of 400+ private practice lawyers reveals a striking digital gap: firms know they need change, but few are acting fast enough. Here’s why leadership matters, what needs to change, and how firms can close this gap.

The pace of change in the legal sector is accelerating. From artificial intelligence law applications to advanced legal research tools, digital transformation is no longer optional for law firms. Clients demand speed, agility, and value, while internal teams expect efficient workflows and modern tools. Yet despite the rise of legal AI and law firm software, many firms are falling behind. Why? Leadership.

This blog explores the digital capability gap in UK law firms and what leaders must do to align people, purpose, and technology.

The digital gap in law firms

Our research shows that while 56% of lawyers expect AI use for legal research and document review to rise within the next three years, only 17% believe their firm is fast at implementing new technology.

In fact, 40% rank “keeping pace with technology” as a top challenge. The result is a disconnect between ambition and execution.

Tony Randle, Partner at Shoosmiths, highlights the real issue: “Encouraging people to adopt new technology or new ways of working can be challenging. That’s why it’s vital to provide comprehensive training and demonstrate practical, real-world advantages to gain user acceptance and trust.”

Why leadership matters more than ever

Technology isn’t just an operational tool. It’s becoming a core capability that defines how legal work gets done. Darren Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at Simmons & Simmons, puts it clearly: “Leadership needs to value digital transformation not just as a tool, but as a core capability.”

Yet when asked which traits define effective leadership, only 10% of lawyers identified being tech-driven as important. Instead, the top traits were:

• Communication (56%)

• Integrity and ethical standards (35%)

• Commercial awareness (33%)

These qualities matter, but they’re no longer enough. Clients want responsiveness, cost efficiency, and innovation—yet firms cannot deliver without strong digital foundations.

What law firms need to do now

Closing the digital gap requires intentional leadership and cultural change. Based on insights from our survey and industry experts, here are three priorities:

1. Adopt with intent: Technology should solve real problems, not just tick a box. Focus on workflows that matter: AI for lawyers can streamline document review, contract law analysis, and case management software integration.

2. Lead from the top: Change management starts with leadership. Without commitment at partner level, legal tech adoption will stall. Firms should provide structured training and highlight measurable benefits.

3. Pair ethics with agility: Integrity and trust remain essential, but leaders must add digital fluency to their skill set. As Bhavisa Patel, Director of Legal Technology at Eversheds Sutherland, explains: “Adopting these tools is only the first step; ensuring their effective use to solve real problems is crucial. Good change management is fundamental.”

Closing the gap means cultural change

Technology alone won’t deliver the competitive edge. Success lies in aligning people, purpose, and tools. Deborah Finkler, Managing Partner at Slaughter and May, makes the point:“ It’s not just about the tech itself – it’s about how we get it into lawyers’ hands and how they adopt it. We need to make sure tech works for them. If it improves the quality of their work or makes their life better, they will use it.”

This is where forward-thinking law firms gain an advantage: by embedding legal tech into their operating models and reshaping how teams work together.

Traditional leadership traits such as communication and integrity remain important, but they are no longer sufficient. Clients expect agility and efficiency, teams need smarter tools, and technology is redefining the practice of law. The firms that thrive will be those that close the digital gap and embrace legal tech as a strategic capability.

FAQs

1. What is the biggest technology challenge facing law firms today?

Keeping pace with rapid advances in legal AI and integrating tools effectively into workflows remain the primary challenges for UK law firms.

2. How can law firm leaders encourage digital adoption?

Leadership should champion tech adoption through clear communication, comprehensive training, and aligning digital investments with client needs.

3. Which legal tech tools are most impactful for law firms?

Generative AI for legal research, case management software, and drafting automation tools are among the most transformative solutions for modern law firms.

4. How does legal AI benefit contract law work?

AI accelerates contract review, identifies risks, and streamlines processes such as force majeure clause analysis and confidentiality agreement drafting.

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