Chukwuka Ikwuazom, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), recently advocated for the integration of technology into legal practice. Speaking at a Law Week event organized by the NBA Asaba Branch on November 17, 2023, under the theme “Technology and the future of Legal Practice in Delta State,” Ikwuazom highlighted the accelerating impact of technology on the legal sector.
Emphasizing the necessity for lawyers to align with the evolving landscape of legal practice, Ikwuazom urged them to recognize the pivotal role of technology and leverage various software solutions to streamline service delivery, making it more efficient and less labor-intensive.
In his address, the Learned Senior Advocate underscored the significance of technology-driven methodologies to mitigate stress, save time, and optimize resources by replacing manual processes with digital alternatives. He asserted that the integration of technology is indispensable, affirming that the future trajectory of Legal Practice is intrinsically linked with technological advancements.
Further elaborating on the practicalities, Mr. Ikwuazom highlighted the transformative potential of software applications in diverse legal operations, encompassing budgeting, client billing, data collection and management, client relationships, as well as law firm management.
Addressing the impediments hindering the widespread adoption of technology in Legal Practice, Mr. Ikwuazom pointed out that one of the primary challenges is the resistance to change. Recognizing that adaptation to change occurs at varying paces for individuals, the Learned Senior Advocate recommended that lawyers embrace an open-minded approach, fostering an environment conducive to embracing technological innovations. He cautioned that those reluctant to incorporate technology might face obsolescence in the evolving legal landscape.
In summary, Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, echoed the imperative for legal professionals to proactively engage with technology, advocating for a seamless integration of innovative tools to drive efficiency and enhance service delivery in the legal sphere.
