What We Learned At TECHSHOW

We had a GREAT time at ABA TECHSHOW. We met so many people and got to connect with some friends, too. Discussions were great and everyone we spoke with believes there is a basic need for tech, just trying to figure out the optimal mix for their firm. In our chats, we found a few key themes. One, most people are a bit overwhelmed, overall. Two, people are willing and ready to move off platforms that they aren't happy with. Three, very few people feel they use the tech they have to the extent of it's capabilities. And that they simply don't need it all.

Burnout

The vast majority of folks we spoke with mentioned feeling a bit overwhelmed. Managing a law firm, clients, and all of it really takes a toll, whether it's a firm of one, a few, or several.

To address the burnout aspect, here are some recommendations:

• Exercise and eat right: Taking care of your physical help helps your mental wellness, too.
• Take planned short breaks: Some work fits great into a 20-30 minute chunk. Some work requires more time. Breaking up the focus time to 20-30 minute chunks, with 5 minutes between, helps keep your mind sharp, extend your focus, and more.
• Get organized: Keeping track of all the items on the list in your mind is not only taxing, it's impossible. Consider using technology to get organized.
• Take time off when you need it: Vacation isn't optional. Be sure to take time off, when it makes the most sense, and give yourself a break. You will come back refreshed and ready.
• Plan and prepare: Take a few moments each day to consider your organized to-do list. Plan your time appropriately. No is a healthy word, too. 

Switching Software

We were surprised to learn that many people have access to multiple platforms, and pay for them, solely because they have data stored there. People started on one platform, decided to move to a different one, but rather than moving data, they continue to pay for access to both. That was interesting...

People who chatted with us about software said they are happy to switch if the new software makes more sense for their firm. The unease about switching has definitely dropped, based on our experience. In fact, at ABA TECHSHOW, the winner of the Startup Alley competition is a service that moves data from one platform to another. Now that more law firms use full practice management platforms, they found that they are indeed, incredibly helpful. Some firms must have feature A. Others, feature B. The trick is considering the broad set of offerings and deciding which is the best fit for YOUR firm. 

Feature Usage

No one we spoke with felt they were using over 75% of the features offered by their current software. Some said less than half. Now, those aren't all the same set of features, by firm. But firms are looking for software that gives them the tools they need, not a lot more. Custom features are also high on the list. The importance of the client portal was also mentioned. Overall, the attorneys and staff we spoke with have enough experience using other platforms, or individual point solutions, and know they need to find a better way. 

We are excited to see how the industry will continue to evolve as law firms grow increasingly comfortable - and experienced - with technology. Not all software is the same, just as law firms aren't all the same. It's all about each law firm finding the right software for them. And that can change over time. Just as software changes over time. 

If you have questions about any of the above or want to find out more about what make SimpleLaw so great, well, reach out.