Step 1: Getting into the cloud Getting into the cloud is really only the beginning of the paperless journey but an essential step at that. After successfully migrating your data from clunky old vulnerable servers to the shiny new cloud – the benefits and possibilities are quite simply endless. Not only is your law firm’s data security enhanced – take Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) military-grade servers as one example of a robust off-site solution – but it also means that you have entered into a world of online solutions where opportunities are opened up through a range of powerful tools and … [Read more...]
Talent management within law firms: The 3 key benefits of digitalisation
With the UK facing the biggest skills shortage in decades and Brexit threatening the status quo further still, remote working could just be the key that law firms have been looking for. In fact, remote and flexible working has become more popular than ever for law firms and businesses across the UK. Many studies have shown that remote working allows employees to be more productive and happier and having the choice to either work from the office or remotely gives staff a sense of freedom and wellbeing. Benefit 1: Widens the net for capturing new talent By implementing mobile technology … [Read more...]
LEAP launches major revision of Legal Aid software
Firm shows commitment to legal aid market with major software revamp LEAP, the world’s leading cloud software provider for small to mid-sized law firms, announces the launch of its new Legal Aid software. LEAP now provides a completely integrated Legal Aid software package including case management, time recording and billing solution. The firm provides a comprehensive solution for both Criminal and Civil matter types for Legal Aid work in England and Wales. LEAP works closely with the Legal Aid Agency, making regular enhancements to its software to ensure it is up to date with the … [Read more...]
The rise of the digital lawyer
Work is no longer a place – it’s an activity. Technology and innovation continues to drive change and none more so than in the legal profession. Times have moved on since the days when lawyers would be noticed dashing out of a law firm carrying a laptop in one hand and furiously typing on a BlackBerry device in their other. As hardware moves on, so does software, and lawyers now find themselves at a stage where the lines between work and leisure are so blurred that they now have the choice to work wherever they like. They may even find themselves lying on a beach and dealing with their … [Read more...]
10 Essential Steps to Renewing your Law Firm’s Professional Indemnity Insurance
Professional indemnity insurance (PII) is mandatory for any solicitor’s practice. The costs are significant and the time expended on various forms can make it a harrowing experience. Firms often complete the proposal form, send it off and wait for the terms, wondering if the costs have risen or if they will struggle to find cover. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Through careful planning and partnership with the right broker, you could not only make the process easier but also save money. Below are a few simple steps to consider when renewing your PII. Start the renewal … [Read more...]
Digitisation of conveyancing: a key opportunity for law firms to innovate
With buying and selling a home still typically taking months to complete, private sector businesses are leading the innovation charge to drive transformation and reform. Conveyancers that resist digital transformation face a challenge to keep up. The digitisation of conveyancing, also known as e-conveyancing, is regularly mooted in the media as something for the future, with the government attempting to take a leading role in reforming how people buy and sell houses, which remains a process filled with bottlenecks and flaws. When the Land Registry set out its priorities for an ambitious … [Read more...]
Practice management software: 4 steps to a successful data transfer
Honesty and realistic expectations throughout the buying process When making the decision to transfer data to a new practice management system, it is imperative that your new service provider is honest and sets realistic expectations on what they can deliver early on in the buying process. It is often the case that overzealous sales people promise something they cannot deliver. The transfer process should be a partnership between the firm and the software provider, requiring time and effort from both parties. For law firms, being briefed and involved in process from the beginning helps to … [Read more...]
Go paperless in 2018
The term ‘paperless office’ was originally coined back in the 1970’s and has become an increasingly popular buzzword as technology has advanced to make the ‘paperless office’ an increasing reality for many law firms. With a new year just beginning, here are 10 reasons to make 2018 the year to become paperless and reap the benefits of a more productive and prosperous law firm for the new year and beyond. Remove the need for physical storage space To access a physical filing cabinet, you need to actually be standing in front of it. However, when using cloud-based … [Read more...]
True Cloud versus Hosted Cloud
As demand for cloud-based software solutions increase, the definition of True Cloud and the ways it differs from other services marketed as cloud-based, such as Hosted Cloud, become increasingly relevant. True Cloud offers good cost advantages compared to Hosted Cloud options because it tends to be designed with a better overview of its overall functionality and purpose. It also lends itself better to scalability, offering better cost benefits to businesses that are growing and looking to develop. Other cost benefits include cutting down on resources and space and also overhauling … [Read more...]
Modernisation of probate through technology and innovation
Traditionally, the probate department is the last to become automated in law firms. This is for a variety of reasons and is often not viewed as a fast-paced and profitable part of the business. In fact, a lot of firms don’t use automation in probate when they should, especially given the high level of document production involved. There is also a perceived fear that by using a practice management system you lose that all-important personal touch when practising probate and that handling matters and dealing with clients appropriately under difficult circumstances may be lost with … [Read more...]