Resource centre shows lawyers the right tech for their practice and how to use it
The Law Society of Ontario has launched an online database of curated tech supports and resources for lawyers and paralegals called the Technology Resource Centre.
This new section of LSO.ca provides licensees with a one-stop shop for tech-related continuing professional development (CPD) programs, practice resources and supports, training and tutorials.
Complimentary and paid CPD programs cover using emerging technologies in legal services practices and managing cyber risks. The LSO organized programs by topic and then by date, with programs continuously updated to show the most recent content first.
Practice resources and supports include curated resources on data privacy, cloud computing, electronic payment, and e-litigation. The law society also guides lawyers and paralegals through selecting and using the right tech for their practice or legal service.
The section’s training and tutorials allow licensees to view practical videos or read instructions and FAQs on widely used legal tech, from basic software for home office setups, email management, and video conferences, to practice area-specific solutions.
The law society said the creation of the Technology Resource Centre stemmed from its technology task force’s mandate to consider the role of technologies in the delivery of legal services and encourage innovation and the better delivery of legal services through technology.
The LSO previously launched a five-year sandbox project allowing legal tech providers to serve Ontario consumers while complying with public protection standards. If approved by the LSO at the end of the period, the legal tech companies will be allowed to continue providing their services in Ontario on an ongoing basis.
In June, the Law Society of British Columbia also announced it is accepting proposals from non-lawyers for a pilot project to expand access to legal services.
Launched in Oct. 2021, the LSBC described the Innovation Sandbox as a “safe space” with relaxed legal services regulations to encourage innovation. In particular, the project provides a structured environment allowing non-lawyers to pilot their proposals to address the “unmet legal needs” in the province.
