Mobile legal research with its ease of access, convenience and user-friendly formats, is gaining momentum in South Africa and looks set to significantly change the way legal professionals work in future.

It is the latest development in the digital legal research evolution, according to content and technology solutions provider, LexisNexis South Africa, which conducted a survey in partnership with the Law Society of South Africa, amongst 750 attorney firms to better understand their research methods.

While 91 percent of respondents said they did their research online (up from 63% in 2014), 20 percent said they had already embraced research using mobile phones and tablets. ”We regard  20 percent as ‘promising’ considering that mobile research is a relatively new format in South Africa,” said Thabo Molefe, Commercial Director of LexisNexis South Africa.

“Legal professionals have come to appreciate the way online, and now mobile, solutions are helping them filter information intelligently and efficiently. The ability to access fast, accurate information at the click of a button or touch of the screen enables legal professionals to achieve better outcomes and stay on the right side of the law,” said Molefe.

As a pioneer in authentic digital research solutions, LexisNexis South Africa is responding to the rising interest in mobile solutions by developing cutting edge products and making existing products available in portable formats.

In a ground-breaking development, South Africa’s most authoritative and comprehensive online legal research tool, Lexis® Library, is now accessible on mobile devices. “All Lexis Library subscribers can use their mobile device anywhere, anytime, to analyse case law, view specific changes to legislation and keep up to date with all the latest news and commentaries,” said Molefe.

“Lexis Library was the first batch of content to be released on mobile. We are currently extending the mobi-site to include the complete suite, which includes Lexis® Practical Guidance and Lexis® Assure,” he added.

Another solution, Lexis® Mobile, introduced in 2014 as South Africa’s first portable digital reference tool for loose-leaf titles, is now also available on smart phones. Lexis Mobile provides a practical and convenient way to get instant access to loose-leaf content on the go.  It is available as a simple download and allows users to tap into their entire loose-leaf library subscription via their chosen device - iPad, Android Tablet, Windows PC, laptop and now mobile phones.

In addition to research solutions, LexisNexis developed South Africa’s first Technology Media and Telecommunications (‘TMT’) law app in 2016 for Webber Wentzel, which is a tailor-made app used primarily to communicate with clients.

“Our advancements into mobile formats are just another way that LexisNexis commits to its global purpose of upholding the Rule of Law. The constantly changing legal landscape inspires us to develop and invest in innovative solutions and tools to help our clients work better,” Molefe added. 

The full Law Society of South Africa survey, can be downloaded here.