Litigation research: Market challenges, technology, and the advantage of GenAI

04
Dec
2024

Editor

With case complexities and data volumes on the rise, litigation teams must find new ways to manage, organise, and analyse information efficiently. However, many still rely on outdated technology, limiting their ability to streamline processes and deliver results. For forward-thinking legal teams, adopting modern, AI-assisted technology can create significant competitive advantages. 

Recent research from Ari Kaplan Advisors explores the current landscape for litigation support teams, how teams are using technology, and the impact of GenAI on the future. Here are three takeaways you need to know.

1. The challenges facing litigation support today

The legal sector is navigating a period of change, marked by the increased volume of litigation cases and ever-growing data requirements. According to the report, litigation support professionals are under pressure to handle larger caseloads while ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

Meeting growth goals - 80% of the law firms surveyed are prioritising litigation department growth. However, reaching these growth objectives requires both effective resource allocation and the right technology infrastructure.

Managing increasing data volumes - On average, litigation cases now involve more data than ever before, which can overwhelm teams relying on outdated systems. More than half (60%) of professionals view this data expansion as a significant challenge.

Increasing workloads - An overwhelming 83% of respondents expect their caseloads to rise within the next 12 to 18 months. With more cases (and more data) on their dockets, litigation support teams must be prepared to adapt quickly—an area where modern legal case management and preparation solutions are essential.

2. The impact of outdated technology on case management

Despite the push for efficiency, many litigation support teams still rely on legacy systems. The study found that almost one-third (30%) of respondents use technology solutions over a decade old.

Limitations in efficiency and collaboration - Limitations of these outdated systems may keep litigation teams from being able to scale and adapt to market trends effectively. As one respondent noted, a reliance on outdated technology “limits collaboration and prevents more advanced case management processes.” Given the data-intensive nature of litigation, this can have a serious impact on team productivity and case outcomes.

Challenges in technology adoption - Even when firms recognise the need for modern solutions, change can be slow due to resistance among team members or constraints around time and budget. One respondent highlighted that “willingness to change is the biggest barrier to innovation in litigation support.” However, firms that invest in best-in-class case management gain a distinct advantage, improving their workflow and overall client experience.

3. How AI is empowering litigation teams for greater success

AI is quickly becoming an indispensable tool in the arsenal of modern litigation support teams. As firms adopt case management solutions with integrated AI, they gain the ability to analyse data faster, streamline document management, and make better-informed case strategies.

AI-driven document management and strategy development - According to the survey, AI has the potential to reshape areas like document analysis, transcript management, and chronology creation. Nearly 90% of firms surveyed expect AI to bring transformative changes to these processes. AI’s ability to automate time-consuming tasks allows litigation professionals to focus on higher-value strategic elements that directly impact case outcomes.

Competitive advantage in a dynamic market - 87% of research participants agree that AI will give users an edge. As one participant shared, “AI-assisted case management software is a competitive advantage, and it will be transformative.” By reducing manual work and enhancing processes, solutions with integrated AI empower litigation teams to deliver results with greater speed and precision, helping them secure client trust and win more business.

Embracing the future of litigation support - As litigation becomes more complex and data-intensive, law firms need to harness the latest technology to stay competitive. Modern, cloud-based, case management platforms with integrated AI workflows represent the future of litigation support, empowering teams to manage cases more effectively and meet rising client expectations.

By investing in cutting-edge technology and cultivating a culture of innovation, firms can create a foundation for long-term success. Explore the findings and learn how to drive growth in litigation support by downloading the report here.