TECH TALK
USING LAW PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY TO
LEVERAGE YOUR LAW FIRM1
By Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert
The Gore Law Firm
[email protected]
L
everaging technology in your practice of law
is not only essential to remain competitive in
your business, but, simply stated, it can make
life much easier. Clients have come to expect that law
firms have websites, positive online reviews, and even
social media accounts to verify their credibility. Beyond
the basic online technology, there are also a variety of
applications and programs designed specifically to ease
the burdens of law practice management. They assist
with everything from reception and client intake to
remote file storage and email marketing campaigns.
With time being an attorney’s most valuable asset, we
should utilize these technologies and make the firm
operate better for you and your clients.
Lexicata: A Client Lead, Intake and
CRM System
Lexicata is a fairly new client-relationship management (CRM) tool that assists with the intake of new and
potential clients. It helps manage, track, and followup with leads; it also makes it easier to convert these
leads into hired clients. One of Lexicata’s most useful features is the customizable online intake form,
which can be emailed to potential clients for them to
complete electronically. Once the client fills out the
forms, their information is transferred seamlessly into
to the client’s CRM profile. Lexicata will also generate
intake status reminders. This program is also useful for
sending engagement letters to potential clients (using
HelloSign for e-signatures). Finally, once a potential
client turns into a hired client, Lexicata allows the
import of the client entered data into a law practice
management software called Clio.
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June/July 2016
Clio: Law Practice Management
Software
For those attorneys incorporating new technology
into their firms, practice management software is
an excellent place to start. Clio is a valuable tool in
that it assists attorneys with: billing clients, organizing tasks, controlling calendars, coordinating client
communications, and tracking time. It also integrates
easily with other software (including Lexicata).
Not only does Clio software serve as a database of your
current and former clients, but it also allows users
to create “work flows” or specific task lists which are
automatically triggered at different stages of the case.
These automatic prompts help prevent lawyers from
missing important deadlines. Users can also program
Clio to send staff reminders about client communication – which is a valuable function, considering that
“lack of client communication” is one of the most
prevalent complaints that lawyers face.
Dropbox: Cloud-based File Storage
and Sharing
Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and sharing program which allows attorneys and their staff members
to remotely access files, documents or applications.
Practically speaking, this means you can access your
entire file base simultaneously from your work computer, home computer, iPad or cell phone. On Dropbox, as users make changes to a file, the program will
“sync” those updates, and everyone with access will
be able to view the latest version of the file. This
syncing allows for quick and continuous file sharing
between attorneys and their staff. Having access to
updated files also encourages working from home,
during court, or while on vacation.