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Tech-inspired competition looms for small firms in 2025
In the new year, technology will “empower smaller firms to compete like never before”, one general manager predicts.
Jerome Doraisamy
Speaking to Lawyers Weekly ahead of the new year, Clio founder general manager (APAC) Denise Farmer (pictured) suggested that unprecedented jockeying for position looms large for smaller law firms because of the advent of legal technologies.
In Australia, she explained, “the legal landscape is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology, but in 2025, this will no longer be the exclusive domain of BigLaw”.
“Solo practitioners, who make up 90 per cent of the Australian legal sector, will lead the charge in tech adoption,” she said.
“Without bureaucratic processes around implementing tech, they will invest in automation, data security, and practice management tools at record levels.”
This will, Farmer went on, “create a democratised legal landscape where cutting-edge tech will allow even the smallest firms to punch above their weight, delivering high-quality services at a lower cost”.
The comments follow Farmer’s recent appearance on LawTech Talks, alongside Clio chief executive Jack Newton, in which the pair discussed the “moral imperative” to adopt and utilise new technology and how those who do utilise it will “outpace” those who don’t.
Moreover, Farmer said, the adoption of artificial intelligence will “reach near-universal levels” and that wider automation will “revolutionise” the legal profession.
“AI adoption has already taken unprecedented demand this year, but next year, AI will be integrated across firms at near-universal levels. While focus will remain on leveraging AI to support routine tasks like document drafting, information analysis, and client intake, AI, machine learning and automation will revolutionise how practitioners work,“ she said.
“Though human interaction will always remain critical for complex issues, conversational AI and chatbots will be used to address responsiveness gaps, offering immediate client engagement and streamlining queries.”
Farmer continued: “AI tools have the potential to analyse vast amounts of legal data to predict case outcomes, suggest strategies, and automate document drafting and contract review, drastically reducing time spent on manual tasks.”
“Lawyers will be able to focus more on strategic decision making, while automation tools will handle administrative duties such as client intake, case management, and billing, improving efficiency and reducing costs.”
“This shift will ultimately improve both the speed and affordability of legal services – creating a more accessible service.”
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. In June 2024, he also assumed the editorship of HR Leader. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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