Case study: DangerLaw achieves integration goals and boosts efficiencies, thanks to LEAP’s software and Jayva’s consultancy services
Switching Clio for LEAP Legal Software has taken DangerLaw LLC from integration nightmare to the realm of software paradise. Jayva Global’s on the law office’s side for friendly aid, as opposed to the typical didactic consultancy approach, thereby developing even stronger relationships, and interactions favourable to learning and software enhancements. The bond forged with Jayva is long lasting – continuing to this day.
The client
If there’s any law firm that’s different from the norm, it’s Massachusetts-based DangerLaw. Amongst its many differentiating characteristics is its promise of a 5% discount for clients who make its team laugh. When dealing with emotive caseloads – death and divorce included – this casual tone instantly takes DangerLaw’s clients to a humanistic place.
DangerLaw adopts a more serious attitude towards its software. Only by using integrated and adaptable systems can the practice deliver the highest standards of legal service provision it’s reputed for.
The original solution
Efficiency in legal services is driven by software that totally integrates. Without integration, duplicated effort, error-ridden work and wasted time are likely outcomes. DangerLaw’s incumbent software was supposed to integrate in theory but mostly failed to do so in actuality, as attorney and business owner Deborah Danger explains:
“Our old software successfully integrated around 80% of the time. In the 80% phase, our case management software spoke to our legal accounts system which spoke to our legal forms package. In the 20% phase, everything operated standalone and we’d have to manually input the same data into three programs.
“With our previous supplier, we’d pay upfront for the year then six months later integration would stop. The situation was frustrating and costly – as we couldn’t rely on it and we were paying for functionality only partially available. An upgrade was necessary.”
The new solution
To achieve its integration objectives, DangerLaw chose to install LEAP Legal Software supported by Jayva Global’s implementation, training and consultancy services.
“We signed up to LEAP in 2018 with back up from Jayva – both of which have stood the test of time,” continues Deborah. “On the LEAP front, we were visited and demo’d by two sales executives who’ve been true to their claims. Everything integrates 100%. On the Jayva front, camaraderie has filled the room from day one. We collaborate regarding software training, software development requests, software technical help, whatever – nothing is too big, too small or too stupid to ask.
“It’s a three-way partnership between LEAP, Jayva and DangerLaw. We’re working together and learning together with no power play involved. And, we wouldn’t want it any other way.”
The benefits
DangerLaw has gained software that constantly evolves and consultancy support to harness the power of this technology. Deborah describes the relationships between stakeholders and ensuing benefits to her law office:
“Jayva has been hands on from the outset. Having two friendly people, Kim Roberts and Matt Dagle, who are likeable and like each other, sat around a table during our training sessions was an extraordinary experience. It contrasted hugely to the usual person-with-whiteboard format which training tends to be based upon. Jayva’s informal training environment is conducive to learning thereby reducing our defences, empowering us to ask questions and giving us the confidence to experiment even if mistakes were made along the way. As such, we got up to speed with LEAP extremely quickly, saving oodles of time on the familiarisation stage.
“Training also covered legal accounting. One of LEAP’s integrations is QuickBooks. Jayva met with our bookkeeper to show the best way to use QuickBooks to keep our accounts on track and compliant. Tight integration avoids double-data entry for further time-saving advantages.
“Another facet of Jayva’s support was the creation of document templates. We led, rather than being led, the templating project, didn’t need security clearance to proceed and now have lots invested in our templates across all specialisms. Producing documents takes a fraction of the time it used to, and they’re accurate and nicely formatted – so we present ourselves professionally.
“With LEAP, too, there’s a willingness to cooperate regarding adjustments to the software. A prime example is the introduction of the new pronoun ‘they’ – we can cater for naming preferences and look like rock stars in front of our clients, while LEAP’s able to stand out in the software marketplace. It’s win-win. By starting out on the right foot with LEAP, we’re not afraid to ask for more tweaks going forwards. It’s such an adaptable system.”
The future
Retention of LEAP and ongoing partnership with Jayva is what the future holds, according to Deborah:
“There were a fortunate set of circumstances in play when the three of us – DangerLaw, LEAP and Jayva – joined forces in 2018. Now, we’re future proofed with LEAP and have valued assistance from Jayva. These are business-friendly relationships built to last.”
