BET TZEDEK
Bet Tzedek Moves To Outsourced IT Services
BY DIEGO CARTAGENA
Bet Tzedek Legal Services is a nonprofit that provides free legal services to low-income individuals . Essentially , we are a law firm , but we don ’ t charge for any of the services provided to our clients . We cover a wide breadth of legal issues ranging from eviction defense and foreclosure prevention to elder abuse and addressing wage theft on behalf of low-wage workers in Los Angeles County .
Previously , we had an in-house IT department . However , we reached a stage where our IT needs were so large and complex that having a small IT staff wasn ’ t really cutting it . It was becoming increasingly difficult to manage if , for example , both IT staff members were out or otherwise unavailable . We realized then that we needed a larger IT team that knew IT like the back of their hand , from a professional perspective , and that could help us with finding cost-effective , strategic IT solutions .
For example , when it came time to figure out what document management system we should rely on as a law firm , we needed someone to help us do the research , present options , and help us pick the option that was effective , efficient , and affordable . Affordability is important because , as a nonprofit , we need to keep a very close eye on our bottom line .
So , we did our research and asked around to our various colleagues in the legal aid space here in Los Angeles and beyond . We heard good things about IT Pros and struck up a relationship that ’ s been going on ten years now .
IT Pros knows our business and the general business of law firms inside and out . It ’ s extremely helpful because they ’ re able to tell us what they ’ re seeing in our particular industry and make tailored recommendations specific to us .
This was hugely advantageous when the need to switch case management systems arose . It was a huge transition , and IT Pros played an integral role in making it happen . They worked alongside us and helped make sure everything was well-integrated into our existing systems .
IT Pros was also critical when it came to launching our digital document management system . They helped us think through things like naming conventions and folders versus workspaces . They ’ ve even gone on to integrate a new phone system and help us make considerations like the need for audio-visual technology and hybrid workspaces .
It ’ s reassuring to have that second opinion and help to validate our options . We , like many businesses , get bombarded by vendors selling us information technology , and it ’ s nice to have all of the knowledgeable , experienced individuals at IT Pros helping us make purchasing decisions that could make or break our business .
Sometimes we don ’ t understand what a company is offering , and it ’ s great to have IT Pros there to offer advice on whether or not it ’ s a good choice for our firm . Much of the time , they already have it taken care of for us or they tell us that it doesn ’ t apply to us . When they don ’ t , the team helps us swat away unnecessary choices and works with us to integrate the products that will serve us well .
Working with IT Pros has allowed us more time to help people and the community . If you are struggling with your IT like we were , consider outsourcing your IT to a professional company like IT Pros , dedicated to resolving IT issues you may not even realize you have . They know what they ’ re talking about , and they offer an opportunity to streamline your information technology . If ever you experience downtime , they are there right away . They respond like an IT giant , yet you get the one-on-one service of a small company . We can ’ t recommend them enough .
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