See how technology can save time and improve client outcomes with Advanced Legal
Time and effort go into running a law firm. With so many moving parts and the deadlines that come with them, law firms can sometimes feel as though they’re barely keeping their heads above water. Additionally, clients now expect firms to be more productive by using technology. That’s why many law firms are now turning to technology to streamline their operations and provide greater service to their clients. In this article, we’ll look at some of the ways technology can help law firms save time, reduce workload, and improve client outcomes.
Reduce administrative workload
One of the most time-consuming tasks in any law firm is managing files. Law firms deal with hundreds if not thousands of documents each day. Automating document management processes allows you to categorise documents and easily find and fill out relevant forms. Dramatically reducing the amount of time spent searching for and filling out documents and helping lawyers focus more on delivering effective legal services to clients.
Keep clients up-to-date and happy
Fee-earners and other staff within firms often spend a significant portion of the day communicating with clients, whether it’s answering queries or providing updates, client communication is a crucial aspect of any law firm’s operations. However, only 26% of firms currently use client portals, and only 5% of firms make use of chatbots. By using these, firms can streamline client communication, enabling clients to access documents, communicate with lawyers, and get automated updates on their cases in real-time. With only 11% planning to invest in client portals and 6% in chatbots, firms can get ahead of the curve, reduce the administrative burden of client communication, and give lawyers more time to focus on the actual legal work.
Make case work easier for your fee-earners
Managing a case requires juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and stakeholders. Surprisingly, only half of firms currently use some form of case management software to organise and track case information efficiently and securely share data across different departments and case managers. Helping law firms optimise their workflow by automating reminders, scheduling deadlines, and providing analytics to help them make data-driven decisions. With a comprehensive overview of cases, firms can make sure they stay on track with all their tasks and projects; however, just 18% of firms plan to invest further into case management software, which provides opportunities for firms looking to improve workflow and take on more cases than competitors.
Empower those working from home through the cloud
More and more law firms are turning to cloud computing to improve their efficiency. By moving software, data, and other resources onto the cloud, they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This can help firms stay connected and productive, even when not in the office. Moreover, cloud-based software like practice management systems and time-tracking software makes it easy to track the work done remotely and ensures that lawyers are getting credit for work done outside the office. Most firms, about 61%, recognise and leverage the significant benefits of cloud computing. However, as cloud technology continues to evolve, firms that are reluctant to explore its potential further risk falling behind.
Remove the barriers to billing
The legal billing process can be unnecessarily time-consuming, with lengthy invoicing processes, difficulties reconciling trust accounts, and challenges in receiving payments. Billing technology automates tasks like tracking billable hours and invoicing, improving efficiency and accuracy. E-billing systems simplify billing processes, and online payment systems speed up transactions, improving cash flow. When surveyed, 56% of lawyers believe they have saved between 5 and 15 hours each month, and 61% believe they have collected more money due to the billing technology implemented in their firm. Overall, adopting billing technology increases productivity, client satisfaction, and revenues.
Leveraging technology can significantly increase productivity in a law firm. By automating document management, streamlining client communication, optimising case management, embracing cloud computing, and investing in billing tools, law firms can focus more on the actual legal work and spend less time on repetitive administrative tasks. Ultimately, this reallocation of time and resources will help law firms increase their efficiency, improve client outcomes, and position themselves as leaders in the legal industry. So, embrace technology and take the proper steps to ensure your law firm continues to thrive.
