The legal industry is notoriously slow to respond when it comes to advancements in new technologies. Given the importance and sensitivity of matters handled by attorneys, there is certainly reason to be cautious before adopting untested and unfamiliar methods. However, because technology has in many ways transformed the capabilities of attorneys in rendering legal services, attorneys and firms that fail to embrace new developments risk depriving their clients of the most effective representation possible.

At its best, new technology can help attorneys become more efficient in rendering legal services, especially to those who need it most. To that end, the California Bar created the Task Force on Access Through Innovation of Legal Services to explore ways that new technology can be used to broaden access to legal advice, especially for those unable to afford traditional legal services. However, while the broader impacts of technology on the legal industry are still being understood (and debated), there is little doubt that technology has transformed the everyday practice of law for attorneys and law firms.