Answer to Question 1
Computers and similar devices are expected to become smaller and more portable. This will allow more work to be performed at remote locations, away from the office. Videoconferencing is expected to become more advanced, allowing more meetings to be conducted among different people in separate locations. Court rules are allowing depositions and status conferences to be conducted by people in different locations. Voice recognition software is becoming faster and more accurate. This technology allows voice to be automatically transcribed, saving time and costs.
Answer to Question 2
It is important for the legal team to speak the same language as the IT staff. The attorneys and paralegals should be able to understand the same technical terminology so that they can express to IT what is needed, and understand any proposed solutions. It is not necessary for the legal team to be experts, but they need to know enough to know what they don't know, and when to seek assistance from IT.