The Truth About Legal Tech Projects (and Who's Actually Doing Them)

Legal tech has had a lot of airtime lately – automation, AI, dashboards, decision engines. The promise is big: streamline workflows, reduce costs, improve accuracy. But here’s what doesn’t get said enough: behind every ‘cutting-edge’ legal tech project is a team of people quietly making it work.

Because legal tech on its own doesn’t solve problems, it’s people, often paralegals, contract lawyers, or analysts, who review data, structure information, run pilot projects, identify inconsistencies, liaise with developers, test workflows, and translate legal requirements into something a machine can interpret.

I’ve seen projects stall because the “tech” was rolled out without the right people behind it. And I’ve seen projects fly because firms brought in detail-focused, curious, legally-minded professionals who weren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and ask smart questions.

If you’re a paralegal or junior lawyer who’s naturally organised, methodical, tech-curious and commercially aware – this space needs you. Legal tech is a team sport, and the unsung heroes are often those who quietly bridge the gap between law and logic.

So next time you hear about a slick new “legal tech solution,” remember: the software isn’t the full story. The real value lies in the people running the show.