Legal case management systems - one size does not fit all
Automated tools for law firm management are ever evolving. One that that continues to build and diversify is the Case Management System. A Case Management System is software, either housed on a firm’s server or in the Cloud, which helps firms manage the various aspects of a client’s file, such as time and billing, calendaring, document management, etc. This software is usually broken down into four separate, but overlapping, components:
Practice Management Software: Integrates and automates the front and back office of a legal practice, including, calendaring, scheduling, case management, client conflict checking and messaging. Case Management Software: Coordinates documents, scheduling, client conflict checking, contacts and reporting. Document Management Software: Organizes and allows quick access to electronically stored documents, including creating documents used on a frequent basis, such as letters and pleadings. Legal Billing Software: Automates time tracking, billing, calendaring, client expenses and accounting.
All law firms do not practice the same areas of law. There is no one Case Management System that can support them all.
So, where do you start to determine what Case Management System is right for your firm?
Start with the money! How your firm handles its income and/or trust accounting is very important what type of system you need. If you are retainer based and bill on an hourly rate, you are going to want strong time management and billing software system. Firms that works on a flat fee or contingency fee basis many need different tools to track cash flow. If you work with various billing types, then you need a system that can track them all.
Next, law firms should look at the importance of their document management, client conflict check and calendaring systems. Will you want to create template documents or pleadings? How about daily check lists and reminders? Want to run metrics reports to see how you are performing? Every practice has components that are uniquely important to them. You have now determined what your firm needs in a Case Management System! Ready to go? Not quite yet… The last steps before implementation, is to look at the technical aspects of the System and gauge if your firm can support its parameters and visa versa.
Do you want a Cloud-based management system or one that is installed on your own server?
Is your internet connection/bandwidth strong enough to interact with a Cloud-based system?
Does it need to integrate with your accounting software any other third-party apps?
Are you planning on expanding into other areas of the law or billing practices?
Will you need to migrate client and provider data? How easy is that going to be?
There are more Case Management Systems available then there are types of law. It is important to determine exactly what your firm needs. If you don’t, you many spend more time working with something this is suppose to SAVE YOU TIME! I have researched numerous Case Management Systems and can help find the right one for your firm. Contact me to see how I can help.
