Core Legal Tech Policies define the rules, standards, and controls governing how legal technology is selected, implemented, and managed within an organisation. They are the foundation of a defensible, efficient, and future-proof legal operations environment.

These policies are not mere paperwork; they are strategic instruments. They ensure that every technology decision aligns with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and risk appetite. They set boundaries for vendor selection, data handling, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations in AI-driven tools. In short, they create the “safe zone” for digital transformation.

Without these policies, legal tech adoption becomes fragmented and risky. Tools proliferate without oversight, data security is compromised, and compliance gaps emerge. Core Legal Tech Policies prevent this chaos by providing clarity, accountability, and consistency across the legal ecosystem.

The scope of Core Legal Tech Policies includes:

◼️Technology Selection Standards: Criteria for evaluating and approving legal tech solutions.

◼️Usage Protocols: Rules for how tools are deployed and accessed by users.

◼️Data Governance: Policies for data storage, residency, privacy, and retention.

◼️Cybersecurity Requirements: Encryption, authentication, and breach response protocols.

◼️Vendor Governance: Standards for onboarding, monitoring, and auditing technology providers.

◼️Integration Guidelines: Ensuring interoperability with existing systems.

◼️Ethical AI Frameworks: Rules for transparency, bias mitigation, and responsible AI use.

◼️Lifecycle Management: Policies for deployment, updates, and decommissioning of tools.

The Core Legal Tech Policies station is considered a Foundational resource within the GLS Legal Operations model.

A Foundational Resource: Is responsible for determining the overall performance capabilities of a “critical” legal function. If it is not optimised, the function can never be optimised. 

The best practice features of the GLP are as follows:

◼️Documented Standards: Clear, accessible policies for tech adoption and use.

◼️Cross-Functional Oversight: Governance committees involving legal, IT, compliance, and risk.

◼️Risk Assessment Protocols: Mandatory evaluation before tech deployment.

◼️Vendor Due Diligence: Comprehensive checks on security, compliance, and performance.

◼️Data Protection Alignment: Compliance with GDPR and other privacy laws.

◼️Ethical AI Guidelines: Frameworks for transparency and bias control.

◼️Performance Dashboards: Real-time monitoring of tech utilisation and ROI.

◼️Audit Readiness: Complete documentation for regulatory or internal reviews.

◼️Continuous Review: Regular updates to policies as laws and technologies evolve.

◼️Training Programmes: Educating users on governance requirements and best practices.

The Core Legal Tech Policies deliver the following value to the Business:

◼️Risk Reduction: Minimises exposure to compliance breaches and data security incidents.

◼️Cost Control: Prevents redundant or non-compliant tech investments.

◼️Operational Consistency: Ensures uniform processes across jurisdictions and teams.

◼️Regulatory Confidence: Demonstrates governance maturity to regulators and auditors.

◼️Strategic Alignment: Keeps tech decisions aligned with business priorities.

◼️Faster Decision-Making: Clear policies reduce ambiguity and accelerate approvals.

For legal teams, Core Legal Tech Policies deliver:

◼️Defensibility: Documented compliance for every tech decision.

◼️Control: Centralised oversight of technology usage and risk.

◼️Efficiency: Reduced time spent on ad hoc approvals and firefighting.

◼️Collaboration: Clear roles and responsibilities across stakeholders.

◼️Future-Proofing: Policies that adapt to emerging technologies and regulations.

The Core Legal Tech Policies are essential for:

◼️Legal Departments: Managing tech adoption and compliance.

◼️IT Teams: Implementing secure, integrated solutions.

◼️Compliance Officers: Ensuring regulatory adherence.

◼️Risk Management: Overseeing governance frameworks.

◼️Executives: Seeking assurance on tech investments and risk posture.

A legal team operating without Core Legal Tech Policies will face a wide range of inefficiencies including:

◼️Tech Sprawl: Uncontrolled proliferation of tools and platforms.

◼️Compliance Breaches: Increased risk of regulatory penalties.

◼️Data Vulnerabilities: Poor security and privacy controls.

◼️Operational Confusion: Lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities.

◼️Wasted Investment: Redundant or incompatible technologies.

Core Legal Tech Policies are not a technology station per se, but they heavily influence the tech environment. Their tech profile includes:

◼️Integration Standards: Policies dictating interoperability requirements.

◼️Security Protocols: Encryption, authentication, and access control mandates.

◼️Data Residency Rules: Compliance-driven storage decisions.

◼️Monitoring Tools: Dashboards for governance and performance tracking.

◼️Automation: Workflow tools for policy enforcement and audit readiness.

1. What are core legal tech policies?

They are documented rules and standards governing the selection, use, and management of legal technology.

2. Why do legal teams need tech policies?

To prevent tech sprawl, reduce risk, and maintain operational consistency.

3. What should a legal tech policy include?

Selection criteria, usage protocols, data governance, security, and vendor oversight.

4. How do policies impact legal tech ROI?

By preventing redundant investments and ensuring tools deliver measurable value.

5. Who is responsible for legal tech governance?

Typically a cross-functional committee involving legal, IT, compliance, and risk.

6. Can policies slow down tech adoption?

Not if they are clear; governance accelerates decisions by reducing ambiguity.

7 .What risks arise without tech policies?

Compliance breaches, data security incidents, and wasted investment.

8. How often should policies be updated?

Regularly – at least annually or when laws or technologies change.

9. Do policies apply to AI tools?

Yes, ethical and transparency standards are critical for AI adoption.

10. What is the link between governance and cybersecurity?

Policies set mandatory security protocols for all legal tech platforms.