As a profession, lawyers are largely considered to be slow adopters of technology. Lawyers are trained to be cautious and conscientious and to consider risks of the way they approach an issue. Sometimes this leads to lawyers being slower to incorporate new developments in technology into their own practices than their peers in other fields of work.
However, there can be risk for lawyers who do not take steps to keep abreast of developments in technology that could impact their practices. For instance, Comment 8 to ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.1 provides: “To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer should keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology, engage in continuing study and education and comply with all continuing legal education requirements to which the lawyer is subject.” Many states have adopted or are considering equivalent language—although Georgia has not adopted Comment 8.
