The Legal News

The country’s best law firms raised tech spending by 16 percent annaully, with a large focus on internet tools to raise productivity and client service.

Firms answering to an Am Law 200 poll spent a median of nearly $33,000 per lawyer in technology operating expenses in 2007, as  opposed to about $17,000 per attorney in 2006.

Many outfits are employing more online collaboration tools, which allow clients and lawyers to talk on a private Web site. Seventy-seven percent said such tools raise work output  and 75 percent said they offer higher standards.

Fenwick & West got deep into technology early on.