Legal Software

September 8, 2010

Legal Software for Different Sectors

Filed under: Legal Software — Tags: , , , — @ 10:05 am

If you are on the hunt for integrated legal software with a wide variety of functions, you will know how demanding a task it is. Ferreting out a business that also has a convincing track-record of enhancing efficiency, increasing work rate and establishing value for lawyers doing business in corporate, government and private sectors is even tougher.

How Au Fait is the Legal Software Firm with your Specialization?

The phrase, legal software, embraces many different applications in a variety of categories covering:

  • Public sector legal
  • Personal injury solicitors
  • Private practices
  • Lawyers in claims management

Lawyers in these sectors need a legal software company that provides a gamut of legal software solutions, that can be configured flexibly for departments of every type and be custom built to their requirements.

Case management and matter management system applications are still the legal software of choice for both public sector and corporate in-house legal teams. To enable legal experts and their teams to work efficiently, some case and matter management applications are prepared with integrated time tracking and Lexcel practice management incorporated. With components including shared contacts, diary and key date management, convincing reporting functionality and added workflows, it is possible to raise work rate, facilitate team working and direction, and reduce stress. Additionally, evidence and litigation support software is now available from some companies.

Will your New Software Fit with Current Work Practices and Systems?

It makes life so much easier if legal software can be operated completely from Microsoft Outlook™ and other systems for example Lotus Notes, providing staff with an instantly recognizable environment from which to work and cooperate with others.

Can the Supplier be Relied Upon?

Investing in the right legal software is an important decision for any department, local government body or private practice. Trusting a legal software supplier is a long term business. Track down one that will arrange the software to suit your requirements. Search out legal software that is specially developed to make the lives of legal experts simpler! Make sure that the software you pick was not originally for legal accounts; it is unlikely to perform the tasks you require it to do. And do not forget to ask about upgrades to the software. Does your new supplier continue to invest in and improve its legal software solutions? It is a sign that you will be able to work with them in the future, no matter what the economy.

July 7, 2010

Find Legal Software that Enhances Client Care

Filed under: Legal Software — Tags: , , , — @ 9:28 am

If you are on the hunt for integrated legal software with a wide variety of functions, you will know how difficult it can be. Ferreting out a business that also has a proven track-record of enhancing efficiency, promoting productivity and establishing good value for lawyers specializing in corporate, public and private sectors is even harder.

Is the Legal Software Supplier Familiar with your Sector?

The phrase, legal software, includes several types of applications in a variety of sectors covering:

  • Lawyers that specialize in personal injury
  • Litigation firms
  • Private practices
  • Corporate in-house legal

Lawyers in these sectors need a legal software company that offers a broad range of legal software systems, that can be designed suitably for teams of every type and be customized to their wishes.

Case management and matter management system applications are still the legal software of choice for both public sector and corporate in-house legal teams. Some case and matter management software applications are available with integrated time recording and a Lexcel practice management suite to streamline legal processes for fee earners and their support staff. With components including shared contacts, diary and key date management, convincing reporting functionality and extra workflows, it is possible to raise work rate, aid team work and management, and reduce worry. Occasionally it is possible to find suppliers that also provide litigation and evidence management software in addition to all the above.

Does it work with other office systems?

It makes life so much easier if legal software is accessible directly from within Microsoft Outlook™ and other systems such as Lotus Notes, giving employees an instantly well known environment from which to work and cooperate with others.

Is the Legal Software Supplier Trustworthy?

Securing the best legal software is vital for all legal professionals and staff. Trusting a legal software supplier is a long term business. Track down one that will arrange the software to suit your requirements. Much legal software is derived from legal accounting packages so give these a wide birth. Legal professionals and staff require software that frees up their time so clients and excellent service become the focus. And do not forget to ask about upgrades to the software. Does your new supplier continue to invest in and improve its legal software solutions? It is a sign that you will be able to work with them in the future, no matter what the economy.

August 22, 2009

Delivering Benefits with Legal Case Management Software

Filed under: Legal Software — Tags: , — @ 10:24 am

Case management software benefits include:

  • Reduction in time spent producing documents, locating documents and arranging for their sharing between required parties.
  • Saving on the costs connected with manual systems.
  • Concentrating on the value add of your fee earners and practice team.

Will the software I have chosen really provide the benefits I’m looking for?

Consider the following points:

Sensible scoping out the project and setting appropriate goals
When you invest in case management software, you will need to demonstrate its value to your organisation, no matter which type of team or department you work in.  Select a legal software company that can help you to develop the project scope and ROI document to ensure a smooth implementation together with a clear picture of what you can expect to achieve.  Typically they will offer modules for time tracking and recording, specialist litigation software.

Creating understanding of need within the organization

  • Have you communicated to all the people within the organization why the new system is being implemented?   For example:
  • Whose time will it save?
  • Whose workload will increase at first?
  • Have you considered whether this will put them under increased pressure?
  • Clear, effective communication and support will increase the chances of successful implementation of the project.
  • Can the supplying company demonstrate its value to key staff members and decision makers through on-going partnerships with current clients?

The internal appointment of an empowered member of staff to liaise between the legal case management software and your organization will often lead to a more successful project implementation. They do not need to be legal or software specialist, just an excellent communicator and an understanding of your case management process. Appointing a responsible person within the organization pre-supposes that they have the time to give to the project and the respect of decision makers and key staff in the organization.   If you do not have such a person available internally, a consultant would be an alternative.   If left to the supplier, do they have sufficient expertise in your type of organisation to be left to it and what information from you will they require?

Staff development
The software supplier and your organization will need to work closely together.  Make sure that your supplier or consultant has a track record in training and implementation with other law firms or departments of your size

  • Is the training ongoing and well planned?
  • How easy will it be for staff to adopt the new software?   Is a gradual implementation process possible?
  • Will the software supplier and trainer work well together at both the planning and implementation stages?
  • Does training cover other systems which interface with the new software?

Flexibility and the right system for you
Have you ordered the right system for your organization and is it flexible?  So much case management software requires professionals to change their working practices to fit the system instead of the other way round!   This results in a less effectively adopted system and far less “buy-in” from its users.   Flexible legal software is configurable to your organization’s current working practises.  It will result in quicker adoption by users and will ease their workload.  This “buy-in” on the part of your staff will lead to increased efficiency and the possiblility of handling more cases than in the past, enabling your organisation to increase profits.  Ask for legal references and case studies from your supplier.

Will your legal software still be what you need in ten years’ time?
Are there software updates available from your supplier?   With rapid technological advances, software needs to be adaptable.  What ongoing costs are there?  Can you add further functionality to your system at a later date to meet the changing needs of your legal work?

Does the system provide value for your organisation?
Look for a legal software company that provide consultancy, complete training, regular updates, the possibility of increased functionality and software development and who have a track record in your area.  Appoint an internal responsible person if possible.  These measures will reduce the likelihood of your system being slowly adopted, becoming out of date or no longer providing the right fit.

Powered by WordPress