2021 law graduate Cole Reynolds recommends law students familiarize themselves with various legal tech tools before graduating. This not only prepares them for a diverse range of careers but also increases their market value. "There is no telling how many different careers a student may pursue from graduation to retirement, and having that wide base of knowledge will do wonders," says Reynolds.
Reynolds suggests that students need not become coding experts. Instead, gaining a basic understanding and exploring various tools via software demos could provide a strong foundation.
Key legal technologies include billing software, legal research tools, practice management software, contract management software, virtual courtrooms, legal document automation software, e-discovery software, and AI/ML-powered tools.
To get tech-savvy, law students are advised to explore popular tech tools, understand their risks and pitfalls, keep abreast of technology trends, and be inquisitive about new technologies. With free trials available for most tools, students can 'learn by doing'. This hands-on approach can provide them with insights and familiarity that will serve them well in their legal careers.