The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/11430
Translation 2020 As global and transnational cases have grown, so have the multiplicity of languages that need to be translated. Fortunately, machine translation has matured to become nearly as accurate as human translation. Language algorithms are finally advanced enough to handle both the subtleties inherent to each language, as well as the challenging technical and legal terminology upon which documents and cases rely. But the greatest advancement in 2020 is the real-time capability. Documents are immediately translated without having to wait for processing. This applies even to collaborative platforms, so users can see documents being reviewed and translated at the same time, or collaborate on a document that other team members are simultaneously working on in their native language. These fantastic capabilities apply equally to audio resources. While viewing live, streaming video of a deposition, we can both listen to a streaming translation of the audio and view a real-time translated scrolling transcript, even on our mobile devices. Just like time and location, language is no longer a barrier to any aspect of case preparation in 2020. Demands on IT Infrastructure The ability to practice law anywhere, anytime carries a price, of course, in the new demands it places on IT resources. Integration of the myriad applications involved is critical in ensuring seamless functionality and handling of disparate file formats. The continued proliferation of mobile devices that need to be supported — whether smartphones, laptops, Podcast: visit the ILTA website under Recordings | Podcasts and find “Law2020.” handheld computers, touch-screen tablets or e-readers — creates new pressures in terms of security, compatibility and integration. At the same time, development of fully integrated end-to-end platforms has tremendously simplified integration and support issues. A single provider and project manager often handles all case applications and data. In the end, technology is a tool. The goal is always to find, develop and deploy the tools that enable us to do our jobs better: handle cases more efficiently, speed up processes, reduce costs and provide better outcomes. Technology evolves so quickly that it’s sometimes a bit hard to remember the way we used to do things. But what’s unmistakable is that in 2020, we can practice law anywhere, anytime and do it better than someone could do it in the office or at a desktop in the year 2010. ILTA Daniel Pelc is the Senior Director of Product Development for Merrill Corporation’s Electronic Discovery and Reprographics businesses. He has worked closely with law firms and global clients facing electronic discovery productions since early 2000. Daniel has an extensive background in law, technology and business, and has led project management teams, supervised litigation consulting efforts and has served as counsel. Recognizing ILTA’s Peer Successes ILTA is excited to launch an annual recognition program titled ILTA’s Distinguished Peer Awards, and the inaugural ceremony will be held during our annual educational conference, ILTA 2010. This program will allow you to recognize your peers who have delivered great business value and transformational impact through their innovations and implementations or have been champions in specific areas of focus for their organizations. 84 www.iltanet.org Peer to Peer Awards Dinner on August 26th ILTA 2010 Join us for the at