Embracing transformation in the legal sector
As appeared on Briefing on April 17, 2025
Aderant’s client manager Barry Bostoff and business development manager Martin English weigh in on law firms’ transformation journey, and how the company is supporting them each step of the way.
Law firms are experiencing a transformative era — one that is reshaping legal practices and their operation strategies. Unsurprisingly, this was the top focus at Briefing LIVE 2025, where we had the privilege of engaging with business decision-makers across the legal services industry to delve into the strategic issues shaping the future of firms — and see how Aderant fits in this journey and can support firms embarking on this transformation journey.
Transformation is a key focus area for firms striving to stay competitive in a dynamic landscape. It’s pivotal that firms are able to effectively navigate these times by adopting new technologies and processes that enhance productivity and efficiency and drive growth. The future of law firms lies in their ability to innovate and adapt.
Leveraging cloud technology to tackle diverse challenges
Outdated financial systems can limit a law firm’s efficiency, security and scalability. Firms relying on legacy systems can fall behind in crucial areas such as compliance, data security and predictive insights. However, cloud-based solutions offer a lifeline, bringing operational efficiencies that allow firms to swiftly embrace innovations without the cumbersome upgrade cycles of on-premise software.
Expert Sierra, our financial and practice management cloud solution, is an example of such tools that can offer a seamless transition to the cloud, enabling firms to enhance productivity and efficiency while reducing operational costs. Powered by Stridyn, our AI-driven cloud platform, this solution provides powerful analytics capabilities that help firms uncover trends, identify opportunities and make data-driven decisions.
Improving the work-to-cash process
The work-to-cash process is more important than ever for meeting client demands. This comprehensive process, which spans several areas from contract creation to final payment collection, is essential for managing revenue cycles and maintaining a healthy cashflow. By leveraging advanced software, firms can significantly reduce the time it takes to turn contracts into revenue and cash.
Efficient work-to-cash processes do more than just streamline operation, they also enhance client relationships by eliminating billing errors and boosting overall client satisfaction. As the industry continues to evolve, firms that make their work-to-cash processes more agile and responsive will be better positioned to meet and even exceed client expectations, maintain a competitive edge during this transformative time and drive growth and profitability in a dynamic environment.
AI’s value in enhancing capabilities for legal professionals
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also rapidly evolving, transforming how firms operate and enabling them to make smarter business decisions. This technological shift has redefined the role of IT within firms.
AI and generative AI (genAI) have been central to all discussions around innovation and transformation in the legal sector — and for good reasons, as these tools have the potential to drive significant positive change within firms.
Take our AI-virtual associate MADDI— which is being applied across the Aderant product suite for example. This tool automates routine tasks while providing actionable insights and behavioural prompts to optimise complex activities throughout the firm. MADDI’s integration across the Aderant product suite enhances multiple processes, from financial management and timekeeping accuracy to billing and decision intelligence. Designed to enhance operational efficiency, decision intelligence and compliance, it ensures firms remain ahead of the curve through seamless, super-human capabilities.
Staying competitive and innovative going forward
As the legal industry continues to drive change and innovation, it is important for firms to leverage the right tools to thrive in a dynamic environment. By strategically adopting innovative technology — such as comprehensive cloud-based solutions and AI-driven tools — firms can seamlessly bolster their operations and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing landscape.
It’s also important for law firms to partner with legal tech providers who can support them on their transformative journey and offer a suite of solutions that meet their diverse needs simultaneously. This ensures that firms will always have access to the latest advancements in legal technology, enabling them to consistently deliver exceptional legal services to their clients.
