Technology has come a long way since the days of the pocket compass.
The development of technology in various sectors like; the financial sector, legal sector, health sector, agricultural sector, and insurance sector is rapidly rising.
Technology is the utilization of scientific knowledge for practical purposes to make life easier.
Legal technology utilizes technology and software in delivering legal services, thus allowing the legal service system to adapt to an agile work environment.
Adaptation of Technology to Nigeria’s Legal System
The first IT law seminar was held in 1995 by Oladipo Bali and his team, which they also discovered legal tech in 1997.
At the beginning of the century, technology brought about the internet, phones, computers, and other mobile devices.
Thus, law firms realized the benefits of incorporating Information Communications Technology (ICT) into the system.
It became necessary for lawyers to have knowledge and skills in software (Microsoft and Google) to enhance efficient delivery of services and reach more clients.
Legal firms now leverage tech platforms, such as; artificial intelligence, social networks, machine learning, cloud storage, etc., to effectively enable smooth working ethics for Lawyers and aid management of clients and their organizations.
Lawyers and other practitioners in the legal system are expected to acquire and improve their skills in Information and Communications Technology which is the foundation for legal development.
Recent research shows that 48% of law firms in some developed countries utilize AI for legal services, and 41% will adopt the same system soon.
In Nigeria, a lot is still required regarding investing and developing technology in the legal sector, thus making it a viable industry in Nigeria.
Benefits of Legal Technology In Nigeria
- Improved services; Law firms can achieve customer satisfaction and offer better services to clients with legal technology through software and live chat features on the organization’s website. Also, provide immediate responses to visitors on the website.
- Easy way to conduct research; Lawyers have room to improve their productivity when researching by resulting in online legal research platforms. It also provides tools that are not available in print form.
- E-Filing; Recently, courts in Lagos state have been instructed to file their cases online. This enables a traceable database rather than physical filing, easily misplaced files.
Challenges of the Legal Technology In Nigeria
- High cost of technology; to establish a stable and effective legal technology in Nigeria, a large amount of capital must be invested in technology. ICT devices are needed in a law firm to practice legal services with technology facilities effectively.
- Slow or no internet facilities; some areas in Nigeria, especially the urban areas and even part of rural areas, do not have access to excellent or fast internet. It is slow and unreliable, thereby limiting their ability to perform tasks that will require the internet.
- Inadequate power supply; Nigeria does not have a stable power supply. This means most technological infrastructure will have to rely solely on Inverters and generators when there is no electricity to power it. This method costs a lot more.
In conclusion, the legal system is a crucial sector that needs facilities and infrastructures to enable Lawyers to work and offer better services. Legal technology already has a strong bedrock in Nigeria.
The government should ensure its improvement, and Lawyers should also keep themselves updated as technology evolves every day.
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