Take the plunge!

When it comes to technology, resistance is futile. Whether you’re a visionary early adopter or a sceptical laggard, you and your business will change and adapt to new technologies. It’s only a matter of when.

Don’t believe me? Look at the phone in your pocket.

Is it a Nokia 3310? Launched in September 2000, it was a real classic. Robust, massive battery life, and it did everything you needed – at that time. But I’m guessing the phone in your pocket is not a 3310.

Remember when you switched? It was quite scary. These new phones didn’t even have instructions – you learned how to use it by playing around with it.

When you ditched your feature phone for a smartphone, you were probably somewhere between the early adopters and the laggards – but you switched. Resistance is futile.

Lawyers changing

I have two lawyers in my immediate family. I think I can say with some confidence, that they like to think things through and make sure every detail is in order before taking the plunge. They don’t like surprises, and they certainly don’t like change. So, when somebody proposes that they change their legal software, it’s like asking them to jump into an Arctic pool of icy water. Yeah, it took them a while to convert to a smartphone – but they did, of course they did.

OK, you know where I’m going with this… your case management system. Is it more 3310 or more iPhone 14?

New technology allows us to do the things we need to do more efficiently and effectively, with less room for error; but more than that, it allows us to do new things. You could order a pizza or a taxi on a 3310, but watch your favourite TV show, or take a photo and send it to family at no cost? – unthinkable.

Missing opportunities

What is your case management software doing for you and your business right now? Some firms have been using theirs so long that they don’t notice how much time they waste and the opportunities they are missing. All this is hidden from them because right now, they’re probably too busy to take a step back and look at how technology is changing law firms. So, when someone like me finally tells them what the new software can do, it can come as a bit of a shock. Fortunately, most of the time, once they take the plunge and try it out, they realise how much better it is. They can now work faster and more efficiently with fewer errors, and they don’t need to worry about outdated software features, compatibility, or integration issues.

So, the message here is that you will upgrade your legal software; it’s just a question of when.

If you are thinking of upgrading your case management software soon, here are some things to consider.

1. The software should have the ability to track and manage all aspects of a case, from enquiries, leads, notes and deadlines to document management and communications. It should also integrate with the key platforms you use every day. Additionally, it should have an intuitive, familiar user interface, fully customisable, allowing you to access quickly the information you need and work the way you want to. It should also generate reports, charts and dashboards to help you better understand the case and your overall business. And please, accept nothing less than full customisation. It exists, and don’t let any provider tell you otherwise.
2. Cost is obviously an important factor. Many law firms are reluctant to invest in a new system, but it’s important to consider the long-term benefits of better case management. The cost should be weighed against the potential savings in time and money that a new system can offer. And let’s be realistic, if you want a better product, sometimes you have to pay more than you do now, particularly if you have been using a low-cost, outdated system for years. Think of it, not as a cost but as an investment. Look for the functionality you want, and tell the provider what you can afford to pay.
3. Finally, ease of implementation is essential. A good legal case management system should be straightforward and easy to use, allowing lawyers to get up to speed with using the software without any real issues. Furthermore, your provider should offer comprehensive in-person training and support. Investing in a new system will be an invaluable tool for any lawyer. With the right software, law firms can customise and streamline their processes, save time, and better manage their cases.

For me though, the best tip when it comes to changing your case management system is all about having the confidence to change your mindset, and in many cases that of your team.

So, let’s not continue to frustrate ourselves by complaining about it. If you get the opportunity to trial new platforms, be curious – press that button, play around with that document, input that data and just see what happens. You won’t break it, I promise!