![]() Actionstep Publishes 2024 Midsize Law Firm Priorities ReportResults highlight stress management, firm connectivity, and collaboration in a remote reality, and leveraging technology to improve client satisfaction and reduce non-billable inefficiency.
By: Actionstep DENVER - Jan. 30, 2024 - PRLog -- Actionstep, a leading provider of cloud-based legal practice management software supporting more than 1000 law firms in the US, today published its 2nd annual 2024 Midsize Law Firm Priorities Report ("Report"), a survey and analysis of the business priorities, resource challenges, stress factors, and technology realities and trends of US midsize law firms.
Actionstep partnered with Dimensional Research, which provides practical market research for technology companies, to conduct an online survey of more than 390 legal professionals who work at midsize law firms, including legal staff (46%) -- lawyers and paralegals -- as well as administrative support (54%) including practice managers, firm administrators, IT, finance, operations, HR, and other support functions. 93% of all respondents represent US law firms ranging from 10 to 200 employees. The Report also sought to understand generational differences in needs and experiences, with thoughtful analysis for firms to follow as they prepare for the next gen workforce. Key Findings include: Stress is a fact of life for law firm employees, but many are taking steps to manage it:
Midsize law firms are doing well at fostering connection:
Non-billable tasks continue to impact productivity:
Law firms are adapting how they invest in technology:
"Midsize law firms are facing rapid change in the market and within their businesses. The purpose of this annual report is to empower firms with insights on the investment priorities, resource challenges, and stress factors most common across their peers in the midmarket," said Early Stephens, CEO, Actionstep. "Year over year, we are seeing firms investing in client experience as a top priority and linked to this, the increasing relevance of sound technology to drive improvements. We are also particularly pleased this year to share new data and findings focused on generational differences within midsize law firms related to team collaboration, connection, and productivity." Actionstep shared additional commentary based on key Report findings detailed above: Stress management: Midsize law firms should tailor stress reduction strategies to each generation, focusing on streamlining operations and clear communication for Baby Boomers and providing supportive leadership for Gen X. Despite Baby Boomers preferring process-level improvements, the research suggests that mental health resources are universally effective and should be implemented by law firms for stress reduction. Connectivity and collaboration: Non-billables as productivity killers: Administrative support roles experience an 18% increase in feeling overwhelmed by non-billable tasks compared to 2023, while lawyers show no year-over-year change. The data suggests that administrative support roles are burdened with inefficiently structured tasks lacking proper technological support. The rise of time spent on non-billable tasks correlates with a 23% increase in stress among legal professionals who spend too much time on those tasks, emphasizing the need for firms to implement automation-based tools to enhance efficiency and improve mental well-being. Technology keys to client satisfaction: Improving client satisfaction is a top priority for nearly half of midsize law firms, which, despite budget constraints, aim to compete by providing next-level client service. Investing in secure technology is central and allows firms to deepen client relationships and enhance service delivery. The adoption of intuitive automation and artificial intelligence tools in well-defined use cases and a balanced approach to technology implementation focusing on quality over quantity, are vital for successful adoption to remote work and overall efficiency of midsize law firms. Download the complete Report here. The Actionstep team will be attending Legalweek at the Hilton Midtown New York, January 30-February 1, and look forward to sharing the Report and its findings onsite. End
|