Understanding how to assess if your current system is working for you is important because switching for the sake of switching is a timely and expensive exercise that can lead to frustration and the introduction of new pain points. If you have done your due diligence and determined that your current system is no longer the right-fit for your firm, it’s just as vital to take another critical step before you commit to another program. You’ll need to identify what you’re looking for in a new system before you start your search

More firms are adopting cutting-edge technology solutions to grow their business and better represent their clients. The right case management system can help you manage all the data each case generates and can synthesize that critical data to help you make good business decisions. Clients and employees are better engaged and more empowered by systems that perform the heavy lifting without boxing them into rigid processes that do not meet their needs. If you’ve made the decision to see what’s out there, consider these key goals a new system may be able to provide

• Increased productivity: When team members can avoid common productivity killers like redundant data entry and tracking, they can focus their time and attention on what really matters to your firm – clients.
• Greater profitability: The faster team members can move cases through the system without sacrificing value, the more profitable your firm will be.
• Improved client satisfaction: Happy clients become an extension of your firm’s brand, and the right program can help prevent missed calls, strengthen communication, avoid critical case deadlines, and help cases progress effectively and efficiently.
• Data loss mitigation: If you are reliant on paper files or multiple databases where you store case data, you’re playing a dangerous game. Your case management system should provide both peace of mind regarding data loss and a single platform that can consolidate all case information.
• Information sharing with clients: Modern case management systems often provide a means by which law firms can provide updates to and communicate with their clients without having to go outside of the program.
• On-the-go access: Having quick, on-demand access to information in your case management system helps you make better decisions for your firm and always feel connected even when you’re not in the office.
• Streamlined processes: Switching to a new system is a good opportunity to take a closer look at your processes with an eye towards improvements, elimination of unnecessary steps, and implementation of modern features like e-sign functionality.
• Access to critical reports: An enterprise-class case management system can automatically generate reports providing key metrics. Your case management system should include robust reports for your practice area, and, ideally, the ability to create your own custom reports.
• Elimination of costly in-house servers: Cloud based case management systems may allow your firm to eliminate or decrease the in-house technical hardware you need to maintain.

There are many, many legal case management solutions available to law firms. In this crowded legal tech space, it can be difficult to know exactly which program will be the best fit for your firm. Our advice? Take your time. Choosing the best case management software program for your firm requires diligent research on the platforms available, a deep understanding of the needs of your firm, and identification of where your firm can improve its processes and workflows. The process of selecting and implementing a new case management system is a long road that holds the potential for big improvements. If you take the time to get it right, it could be a game changer for your firm.