Most law firms invest in expensive case management solutions, but only use a fraction of those fancy features they purchased!
- Under-utilization of software applications is the #1 complaint from most law firms
- Lack of (or poor) training is the #2 reason most firms are dissatisfied with their case management software
Maximize your investment in TrialWorks, Needles, Neos, Clio, Litify and other case management systems by giving your team the requisite skills they need to be successful.
Legal Case Management encompasses four core areas: Marketing/Business Development, Technology, Finance and Management. This fourth core area, Management, is the one most-often misunderstood and neglected, and most often the cause for frustration amongst attorneys and staff. The Management piece involves taking all of the Marketing/Business Development, Technology and Finance tools implemented to run the business, and making sure that the day-to-day workflow is optimized, efficient and goal-oriented. Management requires a dedication to support, training and oversight.
The goals of many legal practice management engagements are to improve the processes and procedures of the law practice to increase efficiency, productivity, client satisfaction and revenue. A Practice Management engagement is much more than simply selecting case management software. While the software supports basic case management, time tracking, document assembly, contact management, calendaring/docketing, and time and billing, this is just one step of a multi-step process.
Consultative Services Include:
- Assessment of current Firm processes;
- Process redesign to serve the individual needs of the Firm; and
- Change Management techniques to transition all users efficiently.
Post-implementation, many Firms are unaware of the value of Assessment, Process Redesign, and Change Management, and accordingly, miss the opportunity to complete a full integration of both the new system with their Firm’s individual needs. Leveraging process improvement methodologies to document existing processes and map-out a more streamlined, efficient process allows the Firm to take full advantage of Best Practices in the industry.
Problem: Once the new systems are implemented and everyone has been properly trained, users typically return to their old patterns and practices of doing tasks “their way,” resulting in disorganization and lack of transparency, continuity and uniformity. Often within just a few weeks, shortcuts are being taken and only a fraction of the tools are being utilized. This results in the long-term benefits of the case management system to weaken because the very reporting tools used by the Management Team to measure performance and ensure quality control will become inaccurate and ineffective.
Solution: Engaging a Legal Practice Management Consultant to design a workflow and standardized reporting practice customized to the way your practice runs optimizes your existing infrastructure and ensures that return on investment you made in a case management system.
Follow Diane Danois