Managed IT Services
Cloud strategies for law firms in 2023
Law firms have, to some degree, been adopting cloud-based technologies over the years as their business needs to be changed.
They’ve migrated software, email and other key servers from on-premise to the cloud, and are now reaping the rewards of improved functionality, efficiency and user experience.
New solutions are removing barriers that once caused frustration to fee-earners, enabling them to work more effectively, while providing the flexibility to work from anywhere – which was critical during the pandemic.
Now the conversation has shifted. Firms are adopting cloud technologies at an ever-increasing pace.
In this paper, we’ve sat down with five legal technology experts, including Sarah Blair, IT Director at Thorntons Law and David Jackson, Chief Technology Officer at Stepien Lake to find out what leading law firms are doing to design and implement a successful cloud strategy for their firm, covering:
- Cloud hosting: From enablement to optimisation
- Positively impacting user experiences
- Putting people at the centre of digital transformation
Contributors
Sarah Blair, IT Director, Thorntons Law
Sarah has over 15 years of experience in IT and has spent much of her time leading and transforming Thorntons Law's IT capabilities.
Sarah specialises in developing and implementing IT strategies. She has a passion for business-led innovation, encouraging understanding, adoption and exploration of new technologies, but always with a focus on the problem that needs to be solved.
During her time at Thorntons, Sarah has spearheaded a number of major change management campaigns to encourage adoption of new technology - seeing IT as an enabler and only bringing value when it enables people to work better.
David Jackson, CTO, Stepien Lake
David has over 20 years' experience working in IT and is an associate assessor for the Chartered Institute of IT (BCS) and contributes to the grading of IT apprentices, alongside his role as the CTO at Stepien Lake.
Throughout his career, David has dealt with all aspects of IT, security, project management, workflows, work processes and legal accounts (SARs). He also writes a number of expert articles on hardware, software and network issues.
Chris Morris, Head of Pre-sales, Access Managed Services
Chris Morris, Head of Pre-Sales at Access Legal, drives enterprise-wide success, excelling in Cybersecurity, automation, standardization, digital transformation, and strategic initiatives. He revitalises under-performing areas, seizes growth opportunities, and spotlights vulnerabilities.
Emma de Sousa, Managing Director, Access Legal
Emma has a wealth of experience having helped companies leverage technology to drive modernisation and increase profitability. Having previously spent more than 19 years in senior management roles, and most recently EMEA president at Insight, she brings a breadth of knowledge. She has extensive management experience in the information and technology industries, leading cloud and digital transformation projects that help customers achieve their business ambitions.
Liam Stainer, Legal IT specialist, Access Managed Services
Liam is a seasoned professional in legal IT, dedicating his entire career to understanding the intricacies of law firms and their technology landscape. His unwavering commitment lies in optimising the IT experience for legal professionals, bridging the gap between work and home tech usage by aiming to recreate the seamless 'Apple experience'. Possessing an in-depth understanding of law firms' IT needs, Liam passionately seeks to tailor solutions for each unique firm, ensuring they have a reliable and efficient IT partner. His profound care for his role reflects in his determination to empower legal professionals through cutting-edge technology.
