Accesspoint shares how law firms can build a strong online presence

Let’s talk tone of voice, blogs, social media, your website, SEO, and most importantly–your branding.

Herrington Carmichael LLP are implementing Accesspoint Legal’s Mozaique portal

Farnborough-based law firm, Herrington Carmichael LLP, are implementing Accesspoint Legal’s Mozaique portal and Web Forms to improve the efficiency and user experience of their client onboarding and online payments processes.

Integrity matters: exploring transparency in modern legal practice with Advanced

Integrity is important to law firms, and clients are often sceptical to trust firms as well. As such, the importance of transparency in legal proceedings and client relationships is vital with financial dealings of law firms the most critical area for scrutiny. In this article, we delve into the significance of transparency in finances within law firms, and explore methods for enhancing transparency, and weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks of not adhering to these principles.

Transparency serves as a cornerstone of trust in any professional relationship, and this holds particularly true in the legal industry. As clients place their legal matters and financial resources in the hands of law firms, they expect a high level of clarity and openness in all financial transactions. However, the legal industry has historically been criticised for its opacity in billing practices, making it difficult for clients to understand the value they receive for the fees they pay.

This is despite steps firms take to outline their position. Engagement letters will outline costs to clients, but potentially only hourly rates and projections, with a guide estimate potentially the only thing that clients can go to set their expectations. Something that can come crashing down if the matter is complex.

Law firms can take proactive steps to enhance transparency in their financial dealings and client interactions, ultimately bolstering trust and integrity. Regular updates on fees and expenses should be communicated to clients as well. By providing itemised invoices that clearly outline the services rendered, time spent, and expenses incurred, you are empowering your clients to understand the value of the legal services they receive and minimises the chances of surprises.

Embracing technology can streamline communication and transparency. Client portals can offer real-time access to case updates, billable hours, and expenses. Regular communication through emails, phone calls, or virtual meetings keeps clients informed about the progress of their cases.

While hourly billing remains common, law firms can explore alternative fee arrangements such as flat fees, contingent fees, or hybrid models. These arrangements can increase transparency by aligning the firm’s interests with the client’s goals.

The importance of transparency

Transparent billing practices foster trust and client satisfaction. When clients understand what they’re paying for, they are more likely to appreciate the value of the services rendered. Detailed invoices and open communication minimise the potential for billing disputes, leading to a smoother attorney-client relationship and improved overall experience.

Law firms that prioritise transparency can distinguish themselves in the market. Clients are more likely to choose firms that offer clear, transparent billing practices over those that don’t.

Conversely, a lack of transparency in billing processes can have several negative repercussions. Clients who feel deceived or surprised by unexpected charges are likely to lose trust in the law firm, leading to dissatisfaction and potentially creating brand detractors. In today’s digital age, a single dissatisfied client can share their negative experience online that is seen by anyone searching for more information on your firm, tarnishing the law firm’s reputation and potentially affecting future client acquisition.

Operating with non-transparent billing practices may also raise ethical concerns, damaging the law firm’s professional credibility. The loss of client trust can lead to delays with payments, disputes raised, and invoice actualisation reduced. Ultimately, a lack of transparency could lead to less customers and less revenue.

Transparency in financial matters is a vital component of modern legal practice that underscores integrity, trust, and ethical conduct. Law firms that embrace transparent billing practices and open communication stand to gain not only in terms of client relationships but also in terms of their reputation and competitiveness.

InfoTrack harnesses Amazon technology and ChatGPT to submit AP1s faster and reduce requisitions

In their quest to improve the post completion process for conveyancers, legal technology provider InfoTrack is harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and ChatGPT to speed up AP1 submissions and ensure even greater accuracy.

Accesspoint’s website design and development team have done it again!

Now with a vibrant refresh, our client and online legal news sharing platform, Chronicle Law, instructed us to create a whole new look for the brand; including a new logo, new colour palette and a brand new website.

InfoTrack: Four business habits to help conveyancing firms achieve success

A recent survey by the Legal Services Consumer Panel has revealed that satisfaction levels among users of conveyancing services fell by 5% on the previous year to 88% in 2022.

Advanced: National Will Register launches expanded services with new online platform delivering complete Will search and registration functions

The National Will Register has launched a new online platform providing Will Search and Will Registration services with enhanced search, registration and navigation functionality along with a new resource library.

Quill and Legl partner to deliver online payments to UK-based law firms

Quill, the leading supplier of legal accounts software and outsourced cashiering services in the UK, is pleased to announce a significant new integration and partnership with client lifecycle management and payments tool provider Legl to enable Quill’s circa 10,000 law firm users to send secure payment requests and get paid faster from clients.

Minerva: How digital onboarding can give your firm competitive advantage

In today’s world of e-commerce and online banking, consumers expect instant access to services in a safe and secure environment. In the legal industry, meeting the needs and expectations of clients is key in an evolving, challenging and competitive legal environment.

Legal Workflow: Hybrid workplace and digital office – The future has arrived

A brand new world is emerging after the pandemic: working from home became not only viable but a desirable alternative for employees around the planet.