Zygos recently hosted a highly insightful webinar, moderated by Arsalan Abbasi of Aventine Lab, that brought together legal and technology leaders to discuss essential practices for modernizing law firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The panel included Nicoletta Kouvara, head of Aptus Legal and a pioneer in tech integration for legal practices; Nikolas Chatziavraam, CEO of Zygos, a leader in practice management solutions; and Alex Hutchinson of Hutchinson and Company, an independent lawtech consultant. Together, they explored the importance of thoughtful technology adoption to help law firms remain competitive and enhance operational efficiency.
In his opening remarks, Arsalan Abbasi set the stage, saying, “In today’s digital age, law firms that effectively harness technology have a distinct edge—improving client experiences and streamlining internal processes.” This webinar aimed to offer practical steps for law firms embarking on the journey of tech modernization, providing a roadmap for selecting and implementing the right tools.
Understanding Firm Needs: The Foundation for Technology Success
The panelists emphasized that the most common pitfall in technology adoption for law firms is the lack of a clear understanding of their operational needs. Nikolas Chatziavraam, CEO of Zygos, noted, “Many firms dive into tech decisions without first developing a roadmap, often leading to chaotic procurement processes and unsatisfactory outcomes.” A clear understanding of firm needs is essential, not only for choosing the right tools but also for creating internal processes that can enhance operational efficiencies.
Nicoletta Kouvara, head of Aptus Legal, offered insights from her own experience, stating, “Documenting your processes and identifying bottlenecks are crucial first steps. Only then can you choose tools that solve real pain points rather than adding unnecessary complexity.” This focus on internal clarity and prioritization was echoed throughout the session, with the speakers encouraging law firms to adopt a business-oriented mindset in addition to their legal expertise.
Selecting and Implementing Technology: A Methodical Approach
The panel also explored the intricacies of selecting case management and practice management systems. Alex Hutchinson emphasized the importance of research and trialing tools before making a final choice. “Lawyers should look for solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing workflows and provide flexibility through open APIs, data extraction capabilities, and avoidance of vendor lock-in,” he said.
To mitigate risks associated with technology transitions, the experts recommended that smaller firms start with pilot programs or trial licenses. This allows firms to gauge the suitability of new software while gaining insights into a vendor’s long-term support capabilities.
Overcoming Challenges and Future-Proofing Technology Decisions
The panel concluded by addressing the unique challenges SMEs face in the legal tech landscape, from budgeting constraints to implementation hurdles. Nikolas Chatziavraam stressed the importance of detailed planning and change management, saying, “Successful implementation is about more than just technology—it requires strong communication, training, and support to achieve a smooth transition.”
To further support law firms on their journey, Nikolas also announced a forthcoming white paper designed to guide attendees in modernizing their technology stack. Learn more and download the whitepaper for free, here.
Closing the session, Arsalan Abbasi summarized the key takeaways, stating, “With the right technology in place, law firms can not only improve their internal efficiencies but also elevate their client service offerings—positioning themselves for long-term success in a competitive marketplace.”