In a recent interview by seasoned journalist Ari Kaplan, Lynn Tubalinal, the director of litigation support at Dykema, and Julia Voss, the director of litigation support and e-discovery at UB Greensfelder, shared insights on the future growth strategies for law firms in 2025. The conversation revolved around the challenges presented by the increasing volume and variety of data, the necessity for upgrading outdated technology, successful strategies for driving adoption, and the effective use cases of generative artificial intelligence.
Industry Leaders Discuss Emerging Trends
Both Tubalinal and Voss are recognized leaders in the legal support industry and have contributed to the recently published report titled “Advancing Litigation Support to Fuel Growth in a Changing Legal Market,” supported by Opus 2. During the interview, they delved into their backgrounds, highlighting their journeys from legal professionals to pivotal roles in the realm of litigation support.
Tubalinal shared her transition from a paralegal to a leader in litigation support, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technical expertise. Voss, on the other hand, narrated her evolution from an antitrust litigator to an e-discovery professional, underscoring the critical role of adapting to changing legal landscapes and technological advancements.
When asked about their thoughts on the report, Tubalinal expressed surprise at the shared challenges faced by industry professionals, emphasizing the need for collaboration and shared strategies. Voss echoed this sentiment, highlighting the value of peer insights in navigating complex issues such as data management and evolving technology.
Adapting to Technological Shifts
The conversation steered towards the impact of the escalating volume and diversity of data on litigation support professionals. Voss highlighted the complexity of managing varied data sources and the perpetual evolution of technology, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and innovation in the face of changing landscapes.
Offering advice to peers grappling with these changes, Tubalinal stressed the importance of collaboration, understanding unique challenges, and developing holistic strategies to support case teams effectively. She emphasized the role of communication and leveraging expertise within teams to navigate the diverse data types prevalent in modern legal environments.
The discussion also touched on the challenges posed by outdated technology and the critical need for firms to recognize when it’s time to explore new solutions. Voss underscored the importance of listening to evolving needs, engaging stakeholders in the selection process, and highlighting the benefits of new technologies to drive adoption within organizations.
In addressing the use of generative AI, Tubalinal and Voss shared their experiences with different AI applications and the cautious approach to adopting newer technologies. They emphasized the significance of showcasing results, educating teams, and persuading professionals to embrace innovative tools to stay ahead in an ever-evolving legal landscape.
Maintaining Competitive Edge in 2025
Looking towards the future, Tubalinal and Voss discussed their strategies for maintaining a competitive edge in 2025. Tubalinal highlighted the importance of talent utilization, education, and marketing to showcase the capabilities of their team. Voss emphasized the rebranding efforts within their group to highlight expertise and provide crucial support to trial teams.
In conclusion, the interview provided a comprehensive insight into the evolving landscape of litigation support, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and adaptation as key drivers of growth in the legal industry. As professionals navigate the complexities of data management, technology upgrades, and AI integration, the shared experiences and strategies of industry leaders like Tubalinal and Voss offer valuable guidance for firms looking to thrive in the dynamic legal market of 2025.
