Many industries are currently striving to leverage technology from their firms to streamline their operations. They do so because the modern, digital world we now live in is challenging without technology adoption.
In the legal industry, the adoption of legal case management software is on the rise. Not only does it provide the firms with multiple benefits, but it also allows you to comply with the requirements and policies entrusted by the judicial and legal authorities.
There are many tools and business solutions required to run law firms to enhance work profitability and productivity. One of them is case management software. First, let’s discover what legal case management software is and the benefits you can reap from adopting its use.
What is legal case management software?
It’s a software tool that enables you to manage, store and track legal data. This data could be cases, contact records, documents, intakes, tasks, events, and more. It has the possibility of saving you on costs, time and making your firm’s profitability.
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Must-haves for case management software
There are various case management software options you can explore, examples of which include:
- App4Legal
- Noble Justice
- Moxtra
- Trello
- com
- Clio
- TimeSolv Legal Billing
When exploring your software options, it would be best to consider your firm’s and client’s needs and goals. Each software comes with its unique features and capabilities, and they vary significantly.
Here are some key features your firm can consider when choosing a tech solution. The platform should have the following capabilities:
- Data backup and security
It’s essential to protect your data from unexpected loss. It will be ideal if the software takes a complete backup of all data in the firm to a remote location in an encrypted form.
To prevent unauthorized access and promote confidentiality, the software should have Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption.
It would be best if they take data privacy seriously. The software should categorically state that they won’t sell, share or trade your client’s data to third parties for marketing.
There should be 24/7 support and direct access to the development team that deals with any inquiries you may have quickly and efficiently.
- Client and matter management
The software should manage legal matters efficiently by accessing client files with a click of a button. It should easily allow you to view client data, including documents, attendance notes, key dates, contact details, case activities, financial data, and time spent in one place.
The availability of an instant search feature in the software will allow you to look up and locate client data or case files by case ID, email, phone number, client name, or address.
It should improve collaboration within teams. It would be best if it eliminates duplication by having a single case file. Each member can then access this information and correspondence in real-time.
Gone are the days where heavy client files and paper trails were the norms. Currently, you can pick up your tablet for court meetings and access your record online anywhere, anytime.
- Legal billing and invoicing
The software should have a comprehensive invoice management module for all your invoicing requirements. You can create your invoice in seconds and forward it to the client with a click of a button.
It should have an integrated time billing and recording functionality. This feature can help you generate bills based on expenses, recorded time, and disbursements.
The availability of invoice reminders and auto-reminders for the unpaid invoices is essential for the firm’s sustainability. Businesses depend on constant cash flow and prompt payment of invoices.
The case management system should allow you to customize your rate list. It should allow you to enter your hourly rates list for paralegals, solicitors, legal aid cases, etc.
- Workflow automation
Workflows are essential to define repeated processes and provide guidance to caseworkers through the process systematically. They provide information on the pending and completed tasks that relate to each other.
It should prioritize all tasks, set reminders and deadlines to improve your work efficiency and productivity levels.
A workflow feature of the software should enable you to define processes more effortlessly for your team to get things done promptly and without missing deadlines.
It should help your team work better and efficiently. You can track where the source of information on where the case is and find out what needs to be done.
- Business and financial reports
A comprehensive business report module can give you real-time information on data, including case status and outcomes or volume of pending legal work.
These reports let you monitor the progress of your business daily. The pieces should be easy to understand. And let you make informed decisions based on the information.
It is ideal for the reports to be transferable to different formats for analysis when needed.
Conclusion
It’s essential to note that when selecting a software, it would be best to know that laws and related rules and procedures constantly change.
Information can quickly become obsolete and outdated. Therefore, you must regularly update to ensure you have the right tools and information.
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