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    Embrace Automation

    by SimpleLaw on
    Case management software

    There has been a lot of talk about Artificial Intelligence and other automation options in legal tech. Part of that discussion is concern about 'replacing' attorneys. Let's be clear. AI and automation in general won't replace an attorney, now or ever. However, it does empower you to actually practice law more. Automation eliminates redundant processes. But it doesn't replace the need for your expertise. So, embrace it! Time-saving AI and information management tools are readily available, today. It's time to welcome it all with open arms!

    Billing Cycle 

    The billing cycle includes tracking time, creating invoices, and managing the client payment process. In and of itself, case management software doesn't necessarily offer these features. However, if you are looking at case management software, be sure to look for options that streamline redundant processes, like:

    • Time tracking: Look for automated time tracking. It can be manually entered or even better, tracked in real-time, either responsively or automatically.
    • Invoice creation: Look for software that takes the information you already have, like time tracked, to create invoices with a click or two. 
    • Online payments: Particularly in the pandemic, an online payment option is critical to modern law firms.

    Client Intake

    You know the information you need from your clients for their cases. They have that information. Why not put your software to work to let the client enter the information into your case management software? Look for software that gives you flexibility and customization, like:

    • Custom forms by type of case
    • Multiple intake forms for each document needed for the case
    • Review of client entered information prior to use
    • Option for you to lock the data entered to prevent further changes
    • Option to unlock the data entered to allow for necessary changes

    Using law firm created client intake forms gives you back your time to practice law, not gather information from a client. Clients log in to their portal and enter the information, as you specify, on their own time. All you need to do is review it, see if additional clarification is needed, and move forward from there. Clients feel empowered and part of their case, too.

    Custom Fields

    All law firms are not alike. Each has their own preferred set of information they want to track for each client or case. Look for software that gives you the option to create custom fields to gather that information and keep it solely for the eyes of the law firm. Some law firms like to track how the client found the law firm whether by referral or online or another method, how many law firms the client contacted regarding the case, or client preferences like billing dates or how to best communicate. Look for software the gives you the ability to optimize the client experience, like:

    • Create as many custom fields as you need
    • Create as many custom forms as you need
    • Keeps the information always at the fingertips of the law firm

    Document Automation

    This is a great one, honestly. So many cases are driven by standard documents. The time spent moving the information you already have (see above...) to those documents is seriously a waste of time. Look for software that automates the process! You have the information. Now it's time to put it to work. Look for software that gives you options for document automation, including:

    • Access as many documents as you need
    • Completed individual documents by cases
    • Create reusable templates to use across cases
    • No coding or copy/pasting of seemingly incoherent code
    • Point and click option instead of copy/paste
    • Access ALL the information you have from case details, custom fields, and client intake forms

    E-Signature

    You know all these documents you are automatically creating? Look for software that also lets you send it directly to the client for their review and signature. With SimpleLaw, we work with DocuSign and you can do the following, right through the platform:

    • Send documents for eSignature
    • Know the status of each document - if it is sent, opened, or signed
    • Automatically save the signed document in your connected cloud storage platform

    Automation and AI aren't here to replace attorneys. The reality is no machine has the ability to connect with clients, understand their unique situation, or develop multiple strategies to achieve the desired outcome of the legal case, if needed. But it is here to take the redundant processes off your desk and give you more time to actually develop the options and more importantly, implement them. It's time to embrace automation and AI. And it doesn't need to be expensive, either. Are you ready to embrace the extra time? 

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