Budget Season is Looming!
Even More Practical Takeaways from KKU NYC that will help you plan for 2026 and beyond!
Let’s be real: Budget season is NOW for anyone in legal IT or firm leadership. With technology changing fast and compliance demands always shifting, planning a budget is a challenge, but also a chance to set your firm up for success.
KKU NYC 2025 was packed with actionable ideas, and we talked about them in Part One with Dan Paquette. Now, we’ve come back withPart 2 and our best advice for innovation roles, technology leads, IT managers, and anyone looking for practical steps to make smart decisions for 2026.
First Things First: Endpoint Security
Looking back to October, Chris Owens, CTO at Kraft Kennedy, kicked off KKU NYC discussions on security at the endpoint, and why your firm needed to build a resilient foundation. His big theme: Make sure security doesn’t impact the user experience. Tough security measures, like multi-factor authentication and data access management, all must be woven into place without disrupting how people choose to work. Zero Trust strategies mean never trusting by default and always verifying, no matter where users log in from or their role(tech partners, we’re looking at you).
Why care? Security spend is real, and practical tools like Microsoft Intune, Windows Hello for Business, and Conditional Access help mitigate risk without compromising the end user experience. These investments show results to higher-ups and keep your firm out of trouble.
Innovation Adoption: Smart Ways to Roll Out New Tech
Bringing in new technology can be an uphill battle. Chris’s advice: Start small with pilot projects, get key-stakeholder feedback early, and involve the right staff from the start. Firms that moved to the cloud early and automated routine work saw real efficiency boosts. Tie technology and innovation, especially when considering AI, to what matters most for your firm; budget planning should start early and focus on tech that improves workflows, collaboration, and ultimately client services.
Why care? Budget for targeted investments now. It’s easier to make a case for ongoing investment when tech directly improves how your firm works.
Operational Excellence: Get the Most from Your Resources
We’ve heard the mantra for years: do more with less. Making the most out of a firm’s resources means running regular IT audits, cutting out redundancy, and shifting budget to projects that matter. Consolidating platforms and using the right vendors as partners lowers support headaches and saves money. Operational excellence isn’t just about trimming budgets: it’s about maximizing impact.
Why care? Teamwork, forward-planning, and process improvements keep your firm ahead of the curve through 2026 and beyond. And 2026 would also be a great timeto think about road-mapping and succession planning; use the resources at your fingertipsand bring in partners where needed to streamline efficienciesand accelerate decision-making.
Like We Promised: Actionable Tips for 2026 Budget Planning
Ready to put some best practices to work? Here are a few of our Kraft Kennedy suggestions for smoother budget planning:
- Start with a thorough risk assessment to spot security gaps and decide where to invest in Zero Trust and compliance solutions.
- Bring key stakeholders into tech rollouts early, using pilot projects and clear communication to build buy-in.
- Keep tabs on IT assets and workflows; streamline platforms and cut out redundancy.
- Use Microsoft Purview to strengthen data governance and stay compliant.
- Connect IT projects to firm-wide goals, focusing on improvements that help clients and boost efficiency for staff.
Why care? These strategies help your firm stay nimble and prepared for whatever comes next.
Forward-Looking Perspective: Trends for 2026
Trends to watch: AI-driven budgeting, dynamic compliance, hybrid work challenges. Stay agile, invest in people and process, and budget properly to leverage technology for ongoing, strategic advantages.
Final Takeaways
Budget planning for 2026 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Blend security, governance, innovation, and operational excellence, and your firm will be ready for whatever comes next.
Ready to level up?
Dive into new tech, connect with Kraft Kennedy and your peers, and keep pushing the boundaries. The future of legal tech is collaborative, innovative, and, let’s face it, a lot more fun than it used to be.
