Making the case for technology at your law firm – II
5 ways Cloud-based Law Practice Management Software can improve client engagement
In Part 1 of this series , we explored the process of transitioning your law firm to a paperless office business model, and briefly discussed the need for a data-management strategy that supported the goal of increasing mobility and access to your firm’s database. In Part 2, we zoom in on 5 ways a Cloud-Based Law Practice Management software would allow a law firm to leverage technology in more efficient and more profitable ways.
1. Timekeeping, billing, and accounting becomes more transparent
How many times have you spent the day going from client to client and jumped from case to case, only to lose track of which hours get billed to which account? A cloud-based management software solution would allow real-time entry of billable hours. Such a system would also streamline and automate much of the accounting and billing functionality of your firm, letting you focus more on the needs of the client.
2. Lower overhead costs through consolidation and outsourcing
If your firm has already transitioned to a software solution for managing client data, but hasn’t yet transitioned to a cloud-based solution, then you’ve only instituted half of the solution. Exploring a cloud-based software solution allows your firm to eliminate overhead costs, expensive server upgrades, and maintenance costs. This approach will also ensure that any system upgrades or technical issues will result in minimal downtime for your firm, thus reducing the psychological stress on employees caused by hardware failure and upgrading software and allowing your team to present themselves to existing and potential clients as prepared and confident.
3. Everything’s connected, and so are you
As clients’ business practices expand beyond their four walls, mobility is no longer a choice, it’s a business necessity. While you may have all the basics of practicing law in place – from emails to scheduling, from automated brief generation to document retrieval and organization – an integrated cloud-based software solution provides true mobility and efficiency. For example, a client has provided documentation via email to your assistant in the office, has faxed over copies of contracts relevant to a case to one of your associates, and sent pictures to your phone of damage to property related to the case. A cloud-based software solution allows you to coordinate with your colleagues while enroute to the client to bring all of these documents into a single case file, which can be reviewed with the client upon your arrival.
4. Empower The Client to Participate in Building the Case
In working with a software solutions provider, you can develop a custom product that includes the ability for clients to access their cases via a “client portal.” This would allow clients to upload or update documentation as necessary, thus streamlining communications. Such access creates a collaborative environment in which the client and legal team can better assess and review information and ensure all have the most correct and up-to-date information needed to best represent the client’s interests. Monthly reports can be automated through the system or eliminated in lieu of unfettered access to the case as it’s being worked upon.
5. Ultimately, Efficiency + Lower operating costs + Lower client costs = Profit?
By centralizing documents and files to a cloud-based database accessible from anywhere, you minimize how much time it takes to retrieve information for your clients. When you allow your associates to scan and upload files from the client’s offices, you reduce travel time and increase the productivity of one-on-one time with the client. Anything that improves the efficiency of your employees means that you can service the clients faster and more effectively. This allows you to improve profitability for your services, at the same time take in more business or offer more services to your existing client base.
Bring in the Professionals
You and your employees have spent years practicing law and your clients rely on your experience when it comes to legal matters. Similarly, you know that in order to effectively transition to a paperless office business model, one that truly integrates the cloud-based law management software into daily operations, it’s necessary to bring in the experienced “big guns.”
Our specialists at Kays Harbor Technologies have spent years honing our abilities and effectively deploying and managing cloud-based database solutions for our clients. Let us help you lighten the (paper) load! Call our specialists today and let us know how we can help your firm to develop the software and applications necessary for you to successfully transition to a cloud-based Law Practice Management solution and further your goals of becoming a paperless office.