If you are looking for a new case management system and don’t know where to start, check out Part 1 linked here for a great site that will help you compare quickly.

While looking for new software, there are some best practices to consider when you are weighing your options. Here are the Do’s and Don’ts!

DO:

• Buy based on integration options, not on look and feel. The more the system integrates with other key systems, such as intake systems and conflict check systems, accounting systems for firm financials, email system for documentation and more, the more efficient your team and firm will be freeing you up to focus on client needs.
• Get Buy-In from key users in your firm. An Attorney, Paralegal and Office Manager/Administrator should sit in on demos and give their feedback. Your IT team is critical to ensuring you have the right infrastructure to support
• Communicate and educate. Bringing employees in the loop sooner rather than later will prepare them for change. Setting up educational opportunities so everyone has a baseline familiarity prior to launch is critical to the conversion success. Manage expectations with your team so they keep a positive attitude and are realistic about the bumps that come with change.
• Truly do your research. Getting feedback from firms using the software and comparing at least 3 systems will give you peace of mind when you decide. Rushing this choice will cost you in the long run. You can also partner with Legal Back Office to take the headache out of researching as they can do this work for you.

DON’T:

• Make a choice based on needing customizations. Instead, adjust your processes to systems that have been developed over years and perfected with the input of firms across the globe. All software will say they can customize to a certain degree, but it is never as smooth or as cheap as you would like.
• Back out of conversion because it feels overwhelming. If your instincts are telling you its time, your clients are starting to complain of lack of access or digital ways to work with and/or if your administrative overhead is growing…it’s time. Don’t duct tape something that you will pay for dearly in the long run.

If you are overwhelmed by this process, welcome to the club! If your anxiety is rising just thinking about this process, but you know it’s the future of your firm, contact Legal Back Office to see how we can help.