Law practice management software has many benefits, but how do you know which one is best for your firm? Here are a few key reasons to choose a software package. Read on to learn more about Cloud-based software vs. on-premise versions, document management, and integrations with third-party apps. Once you’ve decided on the right software for your firm, you can begin exploring all of the features it can offer.
Cloud-based
When choosing a cloud-based law practice management software for your firm, consider its price. While most cloud-based software comes with a base price, some developers offer tiered pricing. For example, some will integrate with other programs, while others may charge extra for such features. You should also consider how your data is stored and backed up. Finally, you should know if you can export your information if necessary.
Security is a crucial concern for law firms. Therefore, the software you choose should offer enterprise-grade encryption, secure messaging, digital signatures, and multi-factor authentication. The software should also feature a dedicated client portal, so you can share sensitive information with clients without compromising confidentiality. However, if you don’t want to spend too much time evaluating the software, be sure to choose a cloud-based alternative.
On-premise
When appropriately used, law practice management software will improve workflow and reduce administrative costs for law firms. For example, it can organize case information and client contact information into a central database for easy access while automating billing and timecard management processes. The system can also generate invoices and process payments. Listed below are some of the benefits of law practice management software. These tools are essential for law firms of all sizes. To learn more, read on.
Unlike cloud-based legal practice management software, on-premise LPMS is designed to be installed on a business server. This allows firms to set up and maintain the software without IT support. It can also be tailored to the needs of midsize firms. However, it requires at least five users to be installed. If you have more than five attorneys, you may want to consider cloud-based software. These systems allow you to access information on any device and have it available to everyone in your firm.
Document management
With law practice management software, document management becomes a breeze. Instead of storing each document in its location, these software packages store all documents in one central location. That way, they can be retrieved and referenced efficiently. Additionally, these software solutions allow for text-based searches, making it easier to track down the specific documents you’re looking for. And, of course, they also make it easier to maintain and comply with regulations.
Legal document management software integrates with existing email services, assigning clients and cases to different documents. It also tracks document changes and sends alerts whenever a file is added or updated in a case. This feature is handy for law firms that collaborate across different departments. Moreover, it also improves collaboration within the firm. Law firms can work more efficiently by allowing employees and clients to easily collaborate on the same document.
Integrations with third-party apps
While Clio’s integrations with MyCase, PracticePanther, and Rocket Matter are among the best-known examples, more than 100 options are available. Many law firms will find themselves using different apps to streamline their workflows. For example, Alt Legal, a law practice management software for IP attorneys, offers workflows that track USPTO deadlines. In addition, the firm-owned Brevort River Studios provides a case management system and a library of auto-filled immigration forms. As the competition is increasing, LPM providers must keep up.
Several firms have found integrations with popular project management software Asana, which provides plenty of flexibility. For example, users can create nested subtasks and get progress reports for each task. However, Asana wasn’t designed for law firms, and it can’t connect tasks to cases. Instead, users must manually create new sections for each client. The best solution for law firms integrates with their practice management software.
Time-tracking
Time-tracking in law practice management software can be a helpful feature for keeping track of billable time and expenses. Time-tracking tools can be configured to track billable hours and costs on an individual attorney, partner, associate, or practice area level. Additionally, these tools should allow users to set timers for billable work and track expenses associated with a client account. Most time-tracking software will automatically generate client invoices, with bill delivery in Legal Electronic Data Exchange Standard (LEEDS) format.
While there are many ways to track time, some LPMS solutions are more advanced than others. Centerbase, for example, is an extremely powerful LPMS for midsize law firms. However, this software requires that you have at least five users to make it fully functional. If you consider purchasing this software for your practice, make sure it has a free trial. Alternatively, you can also check out Thomson Reuters Firm Central to see how time-tracking in law practice management software can benefit your practice.
