top of page
Search

Clean Before You Migrate: Why Data Quality Is the Hidden Key to Legal Tech Success

Updated: Jun 13

A futuristic row of washing machines is shown cleaning data streams, represented by flowing binary code and printed sheets. The clean data flows into a sleek server rack on the right. The scene is lit with a digital teal hue, suggesting high-tech precision. The BlindSpot Solutions logo appears in the top right corner. The image visualises the concept of data cleansing before legal tech implementation.
“Garbage in, garbage out.” – George Feuchsel

It’s one of the most well-worn phrases in technology – and for good reason.

Because when it comes to legal tech implementation, this one truth holds firm:

Your platform is only as good as the data that powers it.


In Chapter 11 of Beyond the Features, I focus on one of the most overlooked – and most critical – components of a successful legal tech rollout: data migration.

It’s not glamorous. It’s not exciting. But it’s foundational.


And too often, it’s rushed.



Shiny Tech Can’t Save Dirty Data


Firms will spend months selecting a new system – mapping features, sitting through demos, negotiating pricing. But when it comes to preparing the data that will actually feed that system, shortcuts appear.


Outdated records get lifted across.

Duplicate matters and contact profiles sneak in.

Inconsistent field formats are ignored.

Suddenly, that powerful new platform feels clunky, confusing, and underwhelming from day one.


The reason? Tech can’t fix bad data – it only makes it more visible.



The Cost of Skipping the Clean-Up


Poor data quality doesn’t just make your new system harder to use – it undermines trust.

Reports get questioned. Workflows break down. Teams resort to workarounds. Adoption drops. And the credibility of the entire transformation effort takes a hit.


On the flip side, firms that prioritise data cleansing before migration enjoy:


  • Smoother go-lives

  • Faster adoption

  • More meaningful dashboards and insights

  • Fewer user complaints

  • And better ROI – because the system can do what it’s designed to do


Clean data is not just about accuracy. It’s about performance, confidence, and the ability to use your technology strategically.



Set the Stage for Success


Data preparation isn’t simply a technical task – it’s a strategic investment. It requires:


  • Clear ownership and accountability

  • Time and budget allocated for review and correction

  • Alignment between practice teams and IT

  • A plan for what gets migrated, what gets archived, and what gets left behind


This is where many firms benefit from external support. Not just to manage the migration, but to provide the structure, perspective, and discipline to get the data right before the first line is imported.


Because once the system is live, cleaning up is harder – and messier.


You can book a free 30-minute discovery consultation via my website. Let’s talk through where you’re at and how to ensure your next implementation starts clean, runs smooth, and sets you up for long-term success.



An illustration shows two green garbage trucks dumping piles of obsolete electronics and wires into a tall stack of grey server racks. To the right, a quote reads: “Garbage in, garbage out.” – George Fuechsel. The background is black with green graphic accents and the BlindSpot Solutions logo at the bottom. The image visualises the impact of poor data input on technology systems.


Get the Book


If the topic covered in this blog post resonated with you…

You’ll find even more insight, structure, and practical guidance in Beyond the Features – a straight-talking resource designed to help law firms make smarter technology decisions, drive meaningful change, and avoid the common traps of transformation.


The book builds on ideas like those discussed here, offering frameworks, reflections, and actionable advice drawn from real-world experience.


Prefer digital? Get 25% off the PDF edition by using the code BTFEOFY25 when placing your order – valid until 30 June 2025.


Prefer print? The book is also available in paperback via Amazon.




Comments

bottom of page