For example, in corporate settings, each action often requires a board resolution followed by a secretary’s certificate. These documents must be notarized, and the entire process—using paper, couriers, and physical notarization—can take several days to weeks. Without these documents, transactions cannot proceed. Transitioning to digital solutions can dramatically reduce this timeline, turning what would take weeks or even months into mere minutes or seconds. The benefits of such a transition are clear.
The Journey Toward Digitization
The first steps toward moving from paper-based to digital processes involve effective change management. Everyone involved needs to understand what is happening, why it is being done, and how it will improve their work. While this transition may take time at the outset, the long-term benefits—cost savings, improved efficiency, and peace of mind for all parties—are invaluable.
On a personal note, adopting digital workflows has been transformative. I recall my early years as a lawyer when I had to carry multiple bags or even a trolley filled with documents. Today, I can work from just a tablet or even my phone; those mountains of documents, digitized. This digital shift has allowed me to work faster and more efficiently. The move to digital systems, including courts accepting email submissions, has streamlined various legal procedures. However, challenges remain, and at UNAWA, we continue to tackle these barriers.
Overcoming the Reluctance to Go Digital
One major obstacle to the widespread adoption of digital processes is the reluctance to abandon traditional, paper-based workflows. This hesitation stems primarily from existing regulations and requirements. Government agencies often still mandate physical signatures, and notarization is not universally accepted in digital form. These regulatory hurdles prevent many businesses and individuals from fully embracing digital solutions. However, it’s worth noting that digital alternatives to traditional processes are becoming more widely accepted. For example, in several jurisdictions, electronic signatures and digital notarization are legally valid and have been gaining traction. Yet, some sectors remain hesitant, concerned that digital platforms might not be universally recognized or secure.
Despite these concerns, it is important to remember that these same reservations were once voiced about other innovations—email replacing physical mail, mobile phones replacing landlines, and digital payments replacing cash. While initially met with resistance, these changes have become the standard. Holding onto outdated systems will only delay the inevitable, and the longer one waits, the harder it will be to adapt.
Addressing Inefficiencies in Legal Practices
Traditional legal practices often suffer from inefficiencies due to the reliance on physical paper. From storing documents to ensuring their timely delivery, these processes are not only time-consuming but also prone to delays. As a litigator, I frequently witnessed firsthand how such delays could impede progress. Mailing documents, awaiting responses, and managing physical storage all contributed to slowdowns. In contrast, digital solutions can accomplish in seconds what once took days. In a field where “justice delayed is justice denied,” adopting technology can make a transformative impact.
Empowering Legal Professionals with Technology
At UNAWA, our suite of products is specifically designed to tackle these inefficiencies. Electronic signatures, for instance, allow contracts to be signed at a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. With the anticipated widespread adoption of electronic notarization, we aim to expedite the processes of authentication, notarization, and certification. This would eliminate the need for unnecessary travel, which can be particularly time-consuming in congested cities like Metro Manila. In law, where time is often money, reducing delays leads to considerable cost savings.
Notarization is a crucial part of daily business operations, often overlooked but vital to corporate actions such as board resolutions and secretary certificates. Delays in notarization can lead to significant financial and operational setbacks. As someone involved in the development of electronic notarization, I am excited about the potential it holds—not just for lawyers but for anyone involved in business.
While transitioning notarization into the digital realm is not technologically difficult, it requires widespread acceptance. Concerns about the security of digital documents, such as fears of manipulation, are common.
However, modern technology has addressed these issues, and we have worked with leading developers to ensure that our solutions are both secure and legally enforceable. These safeguards ensure that digital notarization is a viable and trustworthy alternative to traditional methods.
Looking Ahead
The shift from archaic systems to tech-forward solutions is not only necessary; it is inevitable. As someone who has personally experienced this transformation, I can confidently assert that the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Do not let fear of change prevent progress. Embrace the future now, and you will find yourself better equipped to navigate the evolving legal landscape and seize new opportunities ahead.
