Many small law firms underestimate the value that technology can play at their law firm. You have many reasons that you may want to look at specialized software built for your law practice. Law firms failing to recognize technology’s value today will fall behind the ruthless competition.
You can use specialized legal software to streamline your workflow and save time. These solutions are available for a low monthly or yearly fee, including everything from online documents to a mobile app. Other features include e-signatures and dozens of third-party integrations. Getting the right legal software can raise productivity levels and drive higher profit margins. Let’s take a look at how.
Better Organization
Law firms need to track many moving parts. The small details matter in the legal realm; you can forget the smallest detail to find the case struggling. As a result, lawyers must track countless legal and administrative tasks, especially for small law firms.
Some of the tasks that specialized software can organize better include:
- Document storage
- Managing case files
- Client invoicing
- Tracking billable hours
- Maintain docketing schedules
- Better and constant coordination between team members
There are many benefits to using specialized law firm software. These software tools can help improve communication among firm members, which is essential for a successful practice. Many tools help law firms become more efficient, but one option is using remote phone systems. These software systems can be set up and work like a standard phone system without needing real phones.
Going Green
You can use technology to reduce your law firm’s reliance on paper, which also adds a second layer of security. The typical lawyer uses 20,000 to 100,000 sheets of paper per year. Going green helps.
A business continuity plan is important to ensure that your firm can continue to operate in case of a disaster. Implementing technology that can reduce energy costs and carbon emissions is also important. For example, automating document creation, management, and filing of court documents can reduce the need for paper copies, lowering energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Track Time Better
Every law firm must track its time to succeed. Many law firms charge an hourly rate, but time tracking also matters to firms that charge a flat rate. You want to track your time even as a law firm that charges a flat rate because you can figure out how you spend your time every day.
Using time trackers, you can figure out where you wasted time. Common timewasters for lawyers include too much time on meetings or phone calls. You also don’t want to waste too much time on non-billable work. Time tracking can heighten the quality of your legal services.
A powerful time tracking tool can help your law firm track billable time and accurately create invoices based on that time. This type of software is popular among small and large businesses and is especially useful for firms that deal with multiple clients. Most such trackers feature an interactive timer and a mobile app that is easy to use. It also has an automatic timer that runs in the background.
Automate the Repetitive
Lawyers must do many daily tasks where they repeat the same work. Many times, the only thing that they change is the names or the specific details of the case.
Automation can handle this more effectively and save you from falling asleep at the work desk. Other examples of this repetitive work include contracts, retainer agreements, client correspondence, and pleadings.
You can also automate other tasks like client communication, scheduling, and calendar management.
Gain Better Oversight
Data today can improve a business through hard facts based on information. For example, small law firms can plan the direction of their law practice based on the information they receive from their software. This information can help you to make a more informed decision as well.
Track everything at your law firm to measure what works and what doesn’t. You can’t improve what you can’t measure. Data can help you to measure your law practice and gain insights. Learn what you must change to meet specific goals and grow.
Some of the information that you receive from this includes:
- Trust account summaries
- Expense reports
- Case revenue information
- Time entries with detailed specifics
If you’d like to learn more about getting external management for your law firm and implementing software for daily business or business growth, check out howtomanageasmalllawfirm.com.
Security Features
Good law practice management software will ensure your business’s cyber security. You can keep sensitive information locked behind multiple layers of security, safe from criminals who would do it harm.
That can help your law firm to grow and padlock your future because if you have ever experienced a security breach, it will cripple your business. Especially for a small law practice, this would mark the end. So take measures to protect what you worked so hard to build.
How to Choose Specialized Software for Your Law Firm
Law firm software offers various services to improve client relationships and increase revenues. For example, it allows for automated follow-ups, email workflows, and appointment scheduling. It also tracks firm performance and helps convert leads into retained clients. In addition, it can identify which leads will become paying clients and email them tailored information.
A common roadblock in implementing law firm software is the time outlay. But the core benefit of digital transformation is the time saved. Using self-service legal tools and repeatable practices reduces the number of hours spent servicing clients, and automation reduces the administrative and repetitive tasks that can drain valuable time.
When looking for law firm software, choosing one that can be easily implemented and used by a wide variety of staff members is important. Many software companies offer a free trial period, so it’s important to check out demo versions. Once you’ve chosen the right software, invest time training your staff on how to use it. Many software companies offer webinars and videos to help you learn the ins and outs of a particular software program.
Conclusion
Specialized software keeps you competitive with other law firms since many use software to streamline their processes. However, law firms bill by the hour, and wasted time can cost a law firm thousands of dollars a year. To prevent this from happening, time tracking and billing software are essential. Dedicated software solutions can help law firms manage billable hours and prevent time from dwindling into non-billable time. If you don’t use them, you already start the game at a disadvantage. Especially when you know how to use technology well, it can improve the quality of the client experience, which leads to more positive reviews.
