Dec. 19, 2018 – Wish you could access case documents and other necessary info from your web browser or device 24/7? Wouldn’t you feel better knowing your practice’s data was being consistently backed up and could be recovered quickly? Want your practice to become more digital without hefty IT costs?
Cloud-based Law Practice Management Software (LPMS) is the answer. In fact, more than half of lawyers participating in the American Bar Association’s 2017 Legal Technology Survey are already using cloud computing software in their firms.
Why? “LPMS systems bring advantages such as increased efficiency and mobility, help avoiding malpractice claims, and improved data security,” says Christopher Shattuck, State Bar of Wisconsin Practice411™ manager. “And many systems are more affordable and require less technical knowledge than ever before.”
The Software Advantage
Practice management systems come packed with features to streamline your internal processes. “That means you’ll spend less time completing administrative tasks and more time providing quality, billable legal services,” says Shattuck.
Common features include:
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Client management (conflict checking, contact management, and client relations management)
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Communication (secure client portals and email)
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Workflow management
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Digital document storage
Find the Right Fit
So how do you find the right system for your practice?
In their ABA TechShow 2018 presentation “How Do I Choose? Selecting and Implementing Law Practice Technology,” presenters Jim Calloway, Darla Jackson, and Natalie Kelly gave this advice:
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Start by reviewing your current LPMS (if you have one). Do you know everything your existing system can do? Not understanding how your current setup is or isn’t working for you can mean plenty of wasted money and time on unnecessary technology.
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Once you’ve confirmed you need a new system, examine your firm’s goals. Client relations management features will be important if you wish to grow your firm. Trying to go paperless? You’ll want a system with good digital document storage.
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Involve support staff and other end users like junior attorneys in the process. Because they’re more familiar with the firm’s everyday operations, their insight is invaluable for choosing the solution that best integrates with the goals and current workflows of the practice.
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Take the time to determine what features you actually need and prioritize them. Set a realistic budget for your LPMS purchase. Then, start exploring your options.
Keep in mind that whichever provider you choose should be recognized by the ABA and multiple state bar associations. It should also be well regarded in the legal and technical communities.
Discounts for State Bar Members
The State Bar of Wisconsin has partnered with three top-tier LPMS systems to offer you special member-only discounts.
Clio streamlines everything from intake to invoice. Plus, it directly integrates with more than 90 legal and nonlegal tools and services, including Fastcase, the legal research program. State Bar of Wisconsin members receive:
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Seven-day trial
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10 percent lifetime discount
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Free ongoing access to training and live webinars
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Unlimited customer support access
MyCase organizes your contracts, calendars, cases, tasks, documents, contacts, time tracking, and billing in a single, easy-to-use location. State Bar members receive a 30-day trial and a 10 percent lifetime discount.
Our newest partner, Zola Suite includes built-in email, business, and trust (IOLTA) accounting; calendaring, client portal, document automation, task management, and workflows; document and matter management; and iOS and Android apps. State Bar members receive a 15 percent subscription discount for up to five users per account.
All three providers ranked high in a recent grid ranking of management software by G2 Crowd, a website that collects user reviews to evaluate B2B software.
Where to Find Out More
Selecting and using a law practice management system can greatly improve your firm’s functioning, enabling you to better serve your clients.
Feeling overwhelmed about which system to choose? Contact Practice411 Manager Christopher Shattuck, and check out the Practice411 elist.
Here’s a list of resources that offer additional help on making a choice:
Don’t Forget Your Website
Speaking of web-based tools, how’s your firm’s web presence faring? Consider these statistics from RocketMatter.com:
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Only 35 percent of law firm website designs have been updated in the last three years
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40 percent of small law firms don’t have websites
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Only 53 percent of law firm websites have organized site content
It’s never too late to establish and improve your firm website. The State Bar of Wisconsin’s new affinity partner, Zola Creative, can help you create an effective website – as well as blogs, enewsletters, and social media campaigns.
