Technological innovation and the practice of law have always had a love/hate relationship.
Technology can increase efficiency, as anyone who remembers typing court documents in triplicate using carbon paper will no doubt attest to.
On the other hand, there is no substitute for looking a witness in the eye during cross examination to truly measure the weight of their evidence.
An area of practice where the efficiencies and cost savings achieved through use of technology do not necessarily require a compromise in strategy or a significant adjustment in procedure is Alternative Dispute Resolution, and in particular, Mediation.
List Member Dr Katrina Kluss considered the pros and cons of Online Alternative Dispute Resolution in Australia in an article published in the ADR Bulletin some 17 months ago. In the current environment, Dr Kluss’ analysis proves more relevant than ever.
