为领先于竞争者、响应客户不断变化的需求，律所开始前所未有地倚赖起创新技术工具。然而，虽然技术工具能够优化业务流程，协助律师提供新服务，相关技术方案的执行却往往颇具挑战。在这篇圆桌对谈中，律所谈论了他们使用技术工具的策略、既有经验总结，以及所克服的障碍。
ALB: 贵所目前拥有哪些核心的IT工具？贵所的整体IT策略是怎样的？
大成律师事务所中国区管理委员会委员、高级合伙人赵斌律师：目前大成律所不但建设集案件管理、利冲管理、账单管理等功能于一体的核心业务系统，而且拥有专注于智能文档管理的“合同机器人”、知识培训及管理工具“大成APP”等。大成律所过去三十年高速发展中，在不断提升基础信息化系统建设同时，大胆尝试及成功部署了较为先进的智能工具。未来大成律所将继续全面推进信息化系统建设，引进匹配的先进技术，积极推动律所的数字化转型进程。
此外，大成中国区还设立了专门的信息与数字化建设部总监职位，由蒋荣涛先生担任这一角色，专业的人做专业的事，以服务与赋能律师业务为核心使命，由蒋先生带领中国区IT团队融入业务，在充分了解律所业务的同时推动大成业务系统不断升级。
海问律师事务所合伙人傅鹏律师：目前的文件管理系统是iManage。项目和账单系统是必智。当然另外就财务、人力资源等系统，使用的是市场上常用的一些系统（例如用友）。另外部署了本地化的机器翻译系统--秘塔翻译。
在上述常用的软件工具以外，也采购了一些常用的数据库，例如威科等等。对于一些特色业务，如商标、专利等，也采购了该等领域专门的流程管理软件。
此外，在员工的沟通方面，除了惯常使用我们自己的邮件系统以外，也注册并维护了企业微信。
我们的IT策略是在保持并升级各个领域的专业工具的基础上，希望能够更好地做到单点登录（SSO），并在系统之间通过链接、API接口调用等方式，更好地实现系统的打通。毕竟对于事务所的运作而言，如果是非常多个单独零散的系统分别登录并且数据也完全无法打通，那么在使用上还是多有不便之处。
此外，我们也在逐步探索工作中更多地利用法律科技的工具，提升效率。目前已经部署的是机器翻译软件秘塔科技，但是也在探索其他一些工具的试用。
竞天公诚律师事务所合伙人、管委会成员李达律师：我们当前IT的核心工具使用跟律所的发展息息相关，借鉴全球律所发展方向，律所IT核心工具理解为以业务数据和文档电子数据为核心的IT系统，对应的核心IT工具为3E Elite业务、财务管理系统和 iManage文档管理系统。
在这两大系统的基础上，结合本所其他多个信息系统的数据，多个职能部门展开协作，实现现有的多个信息系统数据（业务、财务、文档、人事、行政等）的互联互通，聚合呈现给包括管委会、合伙人、业务律师、各个职能部门等在内的各类用户，并形成简单可阅读报告或者图表，通过数据驱动律所管理。
ALB: 贵所在购买或开发IT工具时的核心考量有哪些？
赵斌律师：主要考量系统的安全性保护，系统功能的扩充性，系统集成能力，技术的领先性、交互方式的便捷和易用性等。
傅鹏律师：
- 最核心的还是要符合具体需求。比如账单系统、案件系统等，需要能够比较精准地匹配一些个性化的需求。
- 本地部署很重要。比如秘塔科技，最开始试用的是在线版本，经过使用和一系列评估，最后购买了秘塔科技本地部署的版本，将数据放在我们自己的机房内。
- 工具的互联互通性也比较重要。需要采购的系统能够通过API等方式与其他的系统或者线上服务形成比较灵活的对接。
- 一些领域的工具应用了AI或者比较前沿的法律科技技术，能够带来比较显著的用户使用感受的提升，这个也是重要的因素。比如采购秘塔翻译对我们的工作效率有实质提升的一个工具，这样类型的工具我们就会希望比较积极地去探索、采购。
- 当然价格也会是考虑的因素之一，只不过在事务所层面，价格不是最重要的因素。
“IT工具的本地化应用（对于未来产品采购、开发集成对我们来说会很有吸引力，本地化应用对国内律所的发展有不可替代的优势。”
- 李达，竞天公诚律师事务所
李达律师：经过当前信息系统的使用，IT工具的本地化应用（国产化或本土化）对于未来产品采购、开发集成对我们来说会很有吸引力，本地化应用对国内律所的发展有不可替代的优势，使用模式、思维模式、习惯模式都是当前本地化应用的优势。
ALB: 越来越多企业法务团队也开始使用IT或法律科技工具，这是否成为促使贵所升级科技工具的驱动力？客户对于律所的科技实力有何预期？
“企业法务团队对科技工具的使用也必然整体提升法律行业科技水平，长期来看肯定会影响律师和律所提供法律服务的方式。”
- 赵斌，大成律师事务所
赵斌律师：在数字化建设的浪潮下，推动着各行各业积极拥抱科技，通过技术手段增效降本，推动业务创新，提升机构的整体竞争力和业绩增长。企业法务团队对科技工具的使用也必然整体提升法律行业科技水平，长期来看肯定会影响律师和律所提供法律服务的方式，必须引起律所的重视并做出战略部署。大成律所信息系统及数字化工具的使用，大幅提升律师团队服务于客户的水平和效率，客户的积极反馈也必将促进科技工具的逐步完善。
傅鹏律师：这是非常重要的驱动力，我们也非常积极地在看这方面的内容。
客户本身对于律所显示出来的科技实力，我理解目前从律所对外的法律服务本身而言，客户倒不一定表露出非常显著的关注。但是对于使用法律科技工具本身能够提高的项目效率和速度，这个是客户容易直接看到的，而在明显提升服务速度的同时，可以将法律科技工具的使用也作为诸多因素之一去告诉客户，对于提升客户对律所的认可程度，应该有一定程度的帮助。
李达律师：仅就目前的情况来看，企业法务团队使用IT或法律科技工具对律所升级科技工具的驱动力还不是很显著。但客户的某些需求，比如电子账单系统、文档在线协作处理、文件传输的高可靠性、文件分享、项目进度实时查询、远程会议等等，对于律所升级科技工具有较明显的影响。
随着法律科技的不断深入发展，来自于律所内部的需求和来自于客户、监管机构、合作伙伴的外部需求都将不断增加，在内外部双重驱动力的作用下，预计未来律所的科技实力将成为评价律所综合实力的重要组成部分。
ALB: 如今客户是否对于律所的网络安全问题更为敏感？贵所是如何应对的？
赵斌律师：国家近年来对于网络安全高度重视，网络安全法、数据安全法等法规的发布促使客户加强了对于网络安全问题的关注。在律师业务过程中，已经有客户对此提出了要求。大成律所非常重视网络安全体系的建设，已经建立了完整的、先进的、预防性的网络安全防护体系。
“客户非常重视律所的网络安全问题。我们经常收到客户有关这方面的问卷。”
- 傅鹏，海问律师事务所
傅鹏律师：客户非常重视律所的网络安全问题。我们经常收到客户有关这方面的问卷。
我们通过满足客户的问卷或IT要求的方式来应对。比如客户对于内网流量管控和内网上网行为管控能力是有一定的要求的。我们通过采购相应的上网行为管理设备的方式，达到了客户提出的要求。
当然另一方面也通过完善修改事务所内部IT制度的方式，更好地满足客户的期待和要求。
李达律师：客户对律所网络安全问题确实更为敏感，近几年我们每年都会接受不少客户关于网络安全方面的问卷调查，显示客户对于律所网络安全方面的问题越来越关注。
网络安全和系统安全是本所IT部门工作中一项重要日常工作，我们还定期委托第三方机构对本所进行网络安全测评，另外，本所也将增设一位IT安全主管以进一步提升本所网络安全方面的能力，目前该职位正在公开招聘中。
ALB: 贵所如何培训律师及员工更加具备“技术心态”？律所未来是否需要更多法律/科技能力融合的新型人才？
赵斌律师：在中国大力推动科技水平建设的大背景下，人工智能、区块链、AR/VR、数字孪生、云、大数据、5G等当下热门技术术语及文章得到了广泛的宣传，这些技术局部也进入普通民众的生活及工作中。大成律所在信息化及数字化建设中，需要将科技技术及这些系统或工具进行宣讲和推广，必然要对律师及员工进行培训，宣讲技术所带来的优势和前景。我们一般通过内部邮件系统、企业微信、大成公众号进行宣传，以及在大成APP或其他线上线下等方式进行培训，以此积极推动大成律所科技建设整体水平。与此同时，大成律所不少律师本身就具有为科技类企业进行服务的经验，不仅对相关法律法规娴熟于心，同时对技术乃至行业亦有很深刻的理解，他们也积极推动着律所信息技术建设。
傅鹏律师：我们在同事的日常工作中非常重视对于法律科技、AI工具的宣传和倡导。例如翻译、法律检索等典型的法律科技工具能够处理得比较好的场景中，鼓励同事更多的来使用这些法律科技工具，同时在使用技巧方面也做了比较多的培训和引导。我们相信在未来确实会需要更多的法律和科技能力融合的同事以及新型人才，但是这种新型人才至少从律师工作的角度，倒并不一定是需要具有技术背景，我们理解更多的还是具有法律背景的同事能够在更好的使用法律科技工具方面做更多的培训和使用，更习惯于使用更多的工具来提升自己的工作效率。
李达律师：培训律师及员工的“技术心态“其实是对律所信息化管理和律所信息化制度的另类体现。首先本所有完善的管理制度、IT部门管理制度、各种守则和在终端电脑的各种权限配置，律所内部的各类用户对于数据的访问和文档的使用都有严格的权限限制；其次通过不断的培训、使用培养大家的工作习惯，明白什么该做什么做不了，完全通过使用系统来进行控制，降低了风险，规范了管理，习惯成自然则水到渠成。
律所未来发展需要更多法律/科技能力融合的新型人才，对于未来实现数据驱动律所发展有着决定性作用。因为每家律所都有不同的管理模式和方法，市场上很多标准化的应用和产品不能完全照搬，常常需要按照律所的具体情况进行定制化开发，这样就需要既懂业务又懂技术的新型人才来满足律所IT的发展。
FIRM MANAGEMENT SERIES: TECHNOLOGY
To stay ahead of competitors and keep up with the evolving needs of clients, law firms find themselves more reliant on innovative technologies than ever before. However, while technology can optimise business processes and enable them to provide new solutions and services, it can be challenging to implement. In this roundtable, law firms talk about their strategies for utilising technology, key takeaways from the experience to date, and the obstacles they have overcome.
ALB: What kind of IT systems are in place now in your firm, and what is your firm’s IT strategy?
Benjamin Zhao, member of China Region Management Committee and senior partner, Dentons China: Dentons not only has a business system that including case management, margin management, and bill management, but also a “contact AI” to manage files and a training and management tool called Dentons APP. In the last 30 years, the company has been upgrading fundamental information systems and introduced advanced AI tools. Dentons will continue to promote its information system, introduce advanced technology, and accelerate the digitalization of Dentons.
We also recruited Jack Jiang as the director of information and digitization of Dentons China to lead the IT team to better serve the law firm’s business.
Victor Fu, partner, Haiwen & Partners: We’re using document management application iManage, project management and billing system Bitzsoft, and commonly used systems such as Yonyou to do financial and human resources management, and translation system Metaso.
Apart from all these frequently used software, we’ve also bought databases from companies like Wolters Kluwer, as well as process management software for businesses such as trademark and patent.
In terms of communications among employees, we use email as well as WeCom.
While we are upgrading tools in each field, we hope to do better in single sign-on (SSO), and to connect systems through links and APIs. It is not convenient for users to work if they need to log in to different systems separately and the data is not compiled.
Meanwhile, we are increasingly using legaltech to improve our efficiency. Apart from the translation tool Metaso, we are trying to use other tools.
Li Da, partner and member of the managing committee, Jingtian & Gongcheng: Our use of IT tools is in line with the development of the law firm. Based on the development direction of global firms, what we deem essential are IT systems that centred on business data and document electronic data, which include tools such as the 3E Elite business management solution, financial management system, and iManage document management system.
With these two systems, different departments collaborate based on data from several IT systems and share data in areas including business, finance, document, human resources, and administration. They are presented in brief reports or graphs to the management committee, partners, business lawyers, and all departments.
ALB: What are the key considerations when purchasing or developing IT tools?
Zhao: We focus on the security, extensibility, and integration of the system, the advancement of technology, as well as the convenience and usability of interaction.
Fu: The key point is to meet specific needs. For example, the billing system and case management system need to fulfil some personalized needs. It is important to move to an on-premise solution. For instance, we initially tried the online version of Metaso. However, we bought the on-premise to save data on our own terminal servers after we used and evaluated the online version for a while.
Interoperability is important. We need to acquire systems that can be easily linked to other systems or online services via API. Using AI or other legaltech could improve user experience, which is also an important factor. For example, Metaso helps improve our work efficiency and we would like to buy more such tools. 5. Price also matters when we purchase IT tools, but it is not the most important factor for law firms.
- Li Da, Jingtian & Gongcheng
Li: After using the current information system, we are interested in the purchase and integrated development of localized IT products in the future. Localisation of IT products has irreplaceable advantages for the development of domestic law firms. Localised tools are helpful in complementing the way we operate, think and behave.
ALB: How much of it is being driven by keeping up with the tech that clients are using right now? What are client expectations in this regard?
- Benjamin Zhao, Dentons China
Zhao: Each industry is using technology to increase efficiency and reduce cost, promote business innovation, strengthen overall competitiveness, and improve business growth. The usage of technology tools by the legal team would definitely improve the technology adoption of the legal industry. In the long term, it has an impact on how lawyers and law firms offer services, which law firms should pay attention to and make strategic arrangements for. Dentons has improved its services and efficiency by using information systems and digital tools. Positive feedback from clients will also prompt law firms to gradually improve their technology tools.
Fu: The legal team’s application of IT and legaltech significantly drive the upgrade of technology within law firms, and we are actively exploring it.
I do not think clients pay great attention to how law firms use technology to provide services. Rather, they tend to feel that law firms improve work efficiency by using legaltech tools. Meanwhile, we can tell clients that technology plays an important role in it, which could improve clients’ recognition of law firms to some degree.
Li: Currently, our legal team’s application of IT or legaltech tools is not an apparent driver for our tech upgrade. Rather, our clients’ needs for an electronic billing system, online document collaboration tools, highly reliable document transfers, document sharing, real-time project monitoring and remote meetings have a bigger influence on our tech upgrade.
With the growth of legaltech, more demands are coming internally from law firms and externally from clients, regulatory agencies, and partners. Under the dual driving forces, we expect that technological capabilities will become an important criterion to evaluate the comprehensive strength of law firms.
ALB: Are clients becoming more sensitive to cybersecurity issues, and how is your firm responding?
Zhao: The Chinese government places a high value on cybersecurity. Industries across the country further strengthened their cybersecurity measures following the issuance of regulations, including cybersecurity law and data security law. Dentons has been focusing on building a complete, advanced, and preventive cybersecurity system.
- Victor Fu, Haiwen & Partners
Fu: Clients attach great importance to cybersecurity, and we often get questions about it.
We usually answer their questions and meet their IT-related requirements. For example, clients have certain requirements of intranet traffic control and web-browsing behaviour control, and we purchase access control equipment to address the issue.
Meanwhile, we also meet clients’ needs by improving our IT systems.
Li: We have received many questionnaires on cybersecurity issues from clients in recent years, which shows that they are becoming more sensitive to the issue.
Cybersecurity and system security are important tasks for our IT department. We appoint third parties regularly to conduct cybersecurity assessments and we are recruiting an IT security manager to enhance our cybersecurity.
ALB: How are you training your lawyers and other staff to adopt a tech-forward mindset?
Zhao: Technology terms, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, AR/VR, digital twin, cloud, big data, 5G, are widespread as China is actively developing technology, and people are also using some of them in their daily life and work. At a time of informatization and digitalization, we need to promote the usage of such systems and tools. Dentons intends to train lawyers and employees to promote the use of this technology. We usually use an internal mail system, enterprise WeChat, and Dentons’ official WeChat account to advertise, as well as do training via the Dentons App or offline to upgrade the overall level of technology usage. Meanwhile, some lawyers at Dentons have working experience in technology companies. With a deep knowledge of both law and technology, they are actively promoting the building of information technology at Dentons.
Compared to technology companies, the manufacturing industry, and the retail industry, law firms have relatively fewer resources to build such systems. There are few big software companies promoting technology usage in law firms. Meanwhile, it takes a while to hire technology talent in law firms. Being a knowledge-intensive industry, law firms need not only traditional platform systems, but also customized tools, such as natural language processing tools including smart translation and intelligent text processing. Talent is needed to develop all these smart tools in law firms.
Fu: We put emphasis on advertising and promoting legaltech and AI tools. We encourage employees to use legaltech tools in scenarios, such as translation and legal search, where technology performs better and train them how to make better use of technology. We believe we need more compound talent with knowledge of both legal and technology matters. But it does not necessarily require them to have a technical background from a lawyer’s perspective. We think it means people with legal knowledge taking on more training and getting used to using technology to improve our overall efficiency.
Li: Training lawyers and employees to be tech-savvy is another way to reflect our efforts in digital management and digitalisation. Firstly, Jingtian & Gongcheng has put in place well-established management system, IT department management system, rules, and authority configurations on our terminal servers. All users within the firm have restricted access to data and documents. Secondly, employees will have continuous training to know what they should do and what cannot be done within the system and form good habits that help reduce risks and standardize management.
Law firms will need more compound talent who have knowledge of both law and technology, which will play a key role in the development of data-driven law firms. As different law firms have different management models, they cannot just use standardized applications and products without customisation. They have to customize their services and products, which requires them to hire talent having capabilities of both business and technology.
To contact the editorial team, please email ALBEditor@thomsonreuters.com.
