4 Ways Technology is Revolutionising the Law Industry

 

The legal profession has a reputation for being traditional and set in its ways. This is why the continued disruption in the face of new and emerging technologies has become a heated topic within the legal sector, primarily because the law often struggles to keep up with technological changes, and tech giants are left to make up their own rules, or offer a squinted interpretation of existing laws.

The DIY Divorce

Gone are the days when amicable and straightforward divorces are forced to go through the same proceedings as the messy, back-and-forth kind. For time-strapped couples looking for a quick dissolution of their marriage, the DIY divorce is now a viable option that can help keep costs and paperwork down. Provided both parties agree on matters such as the division of assets and child care arrangements, a DIY divorce can be completed in around two months.

Online Immigration

Years behind the times, but showing signs of being willing to update, the UK’s weary immigration system is the latest to feel the benefit of technology. After the Brexit vote, around 3.5 million EEA nationals were left wondering their fate, with many turning to immigration services for support and advice.

In an effort to streamline the process, the Home Office has been quietly trialing an online application process that replaces the 85-page printed application. With all immigration and asylum appeals soon to be made out of the country, it makes sense that the application process would eventually bow to the will of technology.

Medical Tourism

The rise of the cosmetic surgery tourism trend has resulted in an interesting quirk in medical negligence claims.So how did technology make this possible? Flight and hotel comparison sites have driven down the cost of flights, allowing more and more customers to make use of budget airlines or find unusually cheap seats on premium airlines.

Coupled with the increased information available for anyone wishing to undergo cosmetic surgery overseas (for a considerably lower cost), this has led to an increase in highly specialised cosmetic surgery claims. With half of patients heading overseas for treatment left unhappy with their procedures, it is no wonder that overseas cosmetic surgery claims specialists are on the rise.

Streamline House Sales

Not content to let technology encroach on their turf, legal firms are re-branding as tech start-ups to provide an easier solution to the need for property conveyancing solicitors. The rise of digital conveyancing is all set to disrupt the process of buying and selling a house. With estate agents also feeling the pinch as homeowners turn to technology solutions to sell their homes, it won’t be long before the entire home buying process will be automated, online, and probably controlled by an app.

 

Written by Roman Winter