In the latest episode of Osprey Approach’s Empowering Law Firm Leaders podcast, legal technology consultant Shona Kaye shares practical, hard-earned insights on why legal tech projects succeed or stall – and how SME law firms can plan, adapt, and deliver real value. From strategic preparation and supplier selection to managing people, cost, and change, this episode offers a grounded roadmap for firms looking to turn ambition into effective, sustainable transformation.
In Episode 29 of Osprey Approach’s Empowering Law Firm Leaders Podcast, Amy Bruce, Osprey Approach’s marketing director, was joined by Shona Kaye, legal technology consultant and co-founder of Lanterna, to share practical, first hand advice on why legal tech projects falter, how to plan for success, and how SME law firms can adapt when things don’t go to plan.
Drawing on her experience of supporting firms with technology selection and implementation, Shona explains how practices can eliminate risk from projects and realise ROI through structured planning, user engagement, and incremental delivery. She emphasises that transformation begins long before implementation, with clarity on identity, objectives, and organisational readiness.
Episode 29 of Osprey Approach’s Empowering Law Firm Leaders podcast is now available to watch and listen to on YouTube, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
This latest episode includes:
- What a 5th century general can teach us about 21st century legal tech
- Why projects “fail” (and why many never get off the ground)
- How SMEs can pivot when pressure mounts
- Planning before you build: ROI, roadmaps, and readiness
- Habits of innovative, successful firms
- Choosing the right supplier – and the questions to ask
Shona urges firms to engage people early:
“Understand the journey your users are going on… what will make their jobs better.” Referencing Sun Tzu’s Art of War Playbook, she highlights the importance of preparation: “We are on a mission when we’re undertaking these projects, and there are so many things that we need to be aware of to get them right… doing the groundwork and having the preparation.”
For SME law firms under pressure, Shona believes that realism is key.
“It’s not just the cost of the tech… it’s the cost of all the resource that comes with it… build in a little bit of contingency.” When challenges arise, she advises clarity and focus: “Get really laser focused on… what are these areas [of challenge]? Do we need to be technically focused? Do we need to be people focused?”
For more insights, watch the full interview with Shona Kaye now to discover more advice and practical guidance on successfully implementing legal tech into your firm. Shona also shares exclusive insights on supplier selection and how firms can build confidence and momentum through incremental wins.
Incoming episodes
Future episodes of the Empowering Law Firm Leaders podcast will feature industry experts including Nusrat Siddique, associate solicitor at Birketts, Abby Winkworth, Founder of Ambire Advisory and Chair of the leadership and management section of The Law Society, and Graham Archbold, author of The Client Feedback Playbook.
Osprey Approach: We make running a law firm easier
Osprey Approach provides an all-in-one, legal accounting, practice, and case management software solution to SME law firms. With over 30 years’ experience in the legal software sector, our software solution and dedicated partnership helps make running a law firm easier.
Osprey Approach is a fully integrated solution that provides legal accounting, time recording, billing, client management, business intelligence, client portal, configurable sector-specific workflows, document production and case management features and functionality.
Osprey’s powerful and comprehensive, multi-device software has helped thousands of lawyers to run a profitable firm and deliver excellent client care. Integrated with Microsoft Office Applications plus other key legal software providers such as Lexis Smart Forms, InfoTrack, DocuSign, Perfect Portal and TextAnywhere, Osprey helps you manage every facet of your legal practice.
