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Cloud-based legal technology is indispensable for law firms, but if you’re not using it, you likely have a lot of questions. This article will examine the practicalities and benefits of cloud computing for law firms and will answer some of your most common questions. 

Here’s what you need to know.

Is cloud-based legal software secure?

Cloud-based software is generally regarded as more secure than traditional data centres. 

This is because cloud software providers invest heavily in cybersecurity, continuously monitoring systems for potential vulnerabilities and ensuring that code is updated to maintain optimal security. Moreover, cloud-based software providers employ IT experts who continually enhance their platforms’ security capabilities.  

On-premise v cloud-based law firm software: which is better?

A clear winner emerges when you compare on-premise technology versus cloud-based alternatives. Major benefits include:

Uptime

Physical servers are subject to inconsistent uptime and risk of damage due to floods, power outages, or fires. However, some cloud-based software providers (such as Clio) guarantee an uptime of over 99.9%.

Total cost of ownership

Using on-premise technology racks up significant costs: servers, office space, electricity, IT support, maintenance, and so on. Customisations and upgrades incur additional spend. 

Cloud-based software, on the other hand, eliminates these costs. Firms simply have to pay subscription fees (typically per user), while upgrades and new features are often free. 

Support

On-premise technology requires constant monitoring from in-house or outsourced IT professionals. 

Not only does this eat into firms’ profitability, but they might come unstuck if they can’t access IT support when a problem arises (e.g. if their in-house IT staff is away on holiday, or their external experts are busy dealing with another client’s project). 

Conversely, cloud-based legal practice management software providers, such as Clio, have teams dedicated to customer support, meaning law firms usually rely on their providers for continual IT support. 

Selecting a cloud-based law firm software: how to choose the right provider

When evaluating cloud services, there are six essential questions to ask any potential providers:

1. What are your terms of service/confidentiality policies?
2. What is your backup/business continuity plan?
3. What security measures are provided as standard?
4. What is your geo-location?
5. What happens if we cancel our subscription?
6. How is data migrated from one system to another?

Cloud computing offers major benefits to law firms. That’s why Clio is proud to sponsor the Law Society of Scotland’s Guide to Cloud Computing.

You can read it in full for free at clio.com/uk/cloud-scotland.