Never underestimate the persuasive power of a global economic meltdown. For years, technology proponents beat the drums for gadgets and gear, claiming that if used wisely, they could boost the legal department’s productivity and lower costs. In flush times it was an argument met with nods, agreement—and a cozy spot on the back burner. Who, after all, had time to figure out a smartphone when there was all that money to count?
The recession, of course, changed that. Anything that could rein in costs—and better monitor them—was an instant winner. Within the law departments of America, technology got a second look. And it got leveraged.
