Ten simple steps for success in law with Jayva Global
On June 21st, we joined forces with LEAP to deliver our ‘Leveraging technology to implement the 11 habits of successful law firms’ webinar. If you missed out, worry not… here are the slides and we’ve helpfully put together a handy list of key learnings to help you adapt to the changing nature of law and succeed with best-in-class technology.
Discover what Jayva’s Jacqui Bettio and LEAP’s Sy Justin Sommer had to say about utilizing the right software, and introducing digital processes and practices (amongst other topics) to thrive in 2023 and beyond.
#1: Acquire good habits
Legal professionals who are looking to build a successful practice should take inspiration from American entrepreneur Jim Rohn, who famously said: “Success is a few simple disciplines practiced every day. Failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.”
In other words, once you’ve learned what these good habits are (see below), you should make a concerted effort to naturalize them into your daily practices through repetition over time. That way, the habits become automatic behaviors and second nature to you and your teams, and success will follow.
#2: Embrace technology fully
Technology exists to empower you to work flexibly, efficiently, productively, compliantly, and uninterruptedly. In the current landscape, technology is also about cloud systems that offer case management and legal accounting functionality. To stay pace with the times and better serve your clients, it’s important to adopt technology in an intelligent way.
Technologically savvy law firms get more done in less time, comply with rules to meet regulatory obligations, and avoid disruption, regardless of whatever unexpected happenings might come their way. By using the latest software, these businesses are able to operate successfully both remotely and in person, which means they’re set up for success in today’s hybrid-work world.
#3: Introduce efficiencies through standardized procedures
Law firms need to be organized and efficient to make money, stay competitive, and offer quality services for their clients.
One way to boost efficiency is to be highly organized. Another way to bolster efficiency is by following standardized stages as matters progress. The former option gives you access to everything at your fingertips, instantly, while the latter allows you to tap into repeatable workflows to drive cases onward. You get these capabilities (and much more!) with the LEAP legal practice productivity solution.
#4: Maintain compliance always
With rules of professional conduct, attorneys’ accounts rules, and client trust accounting regulations to adhere to, it’s the responsibility of everyone in your business to operate compliantly, ethically, and safely, from avoiding conflicts of interest to protecting client money, and everything in between.
Compliance is not optional. Breaches are costly. Being proactive by mastering the rules and upholding the highest standards, with assistance from risk and financial management features in your software, is the best way to satisfy regulatory bodies and secure your license.
#5: Grow your business
Lawyers aren’t taught business skills in law school. Applying an entrepreneurial mindset in the running of your organization is what positions you for long-term success. Business acumen spans everything from client relationship management and marketing, to human resources and strategic planning. It’s not expertise you can develop overnight.
It’s important to note the critical role technology plays in the process of growing a financially successful law practice. With the right software behind you, you don’t necessarily have to become a financial reporting whizz or business development guru. Instead, you can access easy-to-use features to tackle the business (as opposed to legal services) side of your law firm like a pro.
#6: Place client experience front of mind
Clients who experience your legal services positively bring repeat and referral business. Clients who don’t, won’t. It thus follows that quality service delivery should be your absolute focus, ideally becoming the norm.
While making sure clients are happy is easier said than done, it’s surprisingly easy to do so with the right technology. Whether it’s client portals for 24/7 access to case files and matter updates, or secure online payment facilities for straightforward fee settlement, the right legal productivity platform will be able to assist you in managing every aspect of client interaction, improving client satisfaction and, in turn, helping you reach new levels of success.
#7: Understand your financial positioning
The cornerstone of a successful business is financial health and wellbeing, but not all legal professionals are cognizant of basic accounting principles. While talking accounts can be daunting, failure to discuss the accounting and basic financials of your business will limit your ability to succeed.
That’s why legal productivity software is so important. With the right technology solution, you can easily use digital time tracking, invoicing, and reporting functionalities to understand where you stand right now, set realistic goals for the future, and make informed decisions to bridge the gap between the two. An accurate understanding of your firm’s financial picture helps ensure your business remains profitable and productive.
#8: Employ (and retain!) smart people
The skills shortage and great resignation in law are well documented. Finding and keeping talented employees is one of our sector’s biggest challenges. There’s an overabundance of jobs and a lack of people to fill them. Given this difficulty, you’ll be pleased to know technology can help with recruitment, too.
Software like LEAP’s automates the mundane and removes administrative hurdles, enabling staff to work shorter hours. Best-in-class software can also offer analytical oversight of each individual and each team’s performance, and gives you the ability to supervise properly and avert staff burnout situations. Of course, software doesn’t replace HR programs, wellbeing initiatives, professional development schemes, benefits packages, and the like. But, it can improve overall working conditions at your firm thus supporting staff retention.
#9: Focus on your strengths and preferences
Philosopher Albert Schweitzer once said, “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
There’s so much truth in this quote. In order to run a successful law firm, you need to practice law in a way that’s genuinely rewarding for you and your staff, and this is much easier when you have best-in-class legal tech at your disposal. With a leading legal productivity platform, you should be able to automate tasks, take control of your diary, and spend more time doing what you love, which makes you a happier and better legal professional. Happier lawyers equal happier clients. Everyone wins.
#10: Read about the subject further
Here are some additional materials from Jayva and LEAP that can help you get a better understanding of how to run a successful law practice:
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LEAP’s ‘11 habits of successful law firms’ e-book – for even more observations on webinar discussions.
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Jayva’s expansive range of white papers and guides at www.jayvaglobal.com/articles – for all manner of tips on using technology optimally.
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Jayva’s client testimonials at www.jayvaglobal.com/client-testimonials – to find out how businesses the same as yours are not only overcoming operational challenges, but achieving success, thanks to technology.
