Communication is imperative to the success of any law firm, especially when most businesses are operating on hybrid or fully remote work schedules. According to a recent survey, about 16% of firms invested in communication software at the onset of the pandemic in addition to other cloud-based practice management systems. And with the way things are trending, having open communication is going to be integral to building out your practice and making your business a success. However, it isn’t just communication between clients about the status of the cases that’s important, but also communication within the firm and keeping employees on the same page about tasks and matters.

There are so many ways for a law firm to become more profitable, which go beyond the standard approach of cutting costs and obtaining more business. Additionally, the new option for a hybrid work environment has caused new data safety concerns, which require new and tighter procedural requirements to combat them. Due to this current chaotic business environment, the legal industry has become one of the most susceptible industries to cyber-attacks. Every firm, no matter how big or small, must protect itself. So, what can a firm do to reduce the threat of being hacked?

Our title borrows a famous quote from William Edwards Deming, an American engineer, statistician, professor and author often labeled “the original data scientist.” Deming also said, “Without data, you're just another person with an opinion.” Fortunately, the legal landscape is rapidly shifting, and digital transformation is allowing us to inform our business strategy opinions with facts. Firms of the future will enjoy a new digital reality with the help of practice management platforms and data analytics solutions. As new tools reduce complexity, data analytics has become a primary driver of business strategy. This is particularly in response to the continuing situation with COVID-19, which has changed every aspect of how and where law firms work and collaborate.

It can be daunting to even think about migrating to legal practice management systems. While you may know the move is needed, transitioning from the outdated software applications your firm uses now to a new modern system for the future – the process of data migration – can be stressful. The key is being prepared and planning ahead! Here are a few things to consider to ensure a successful migration.

According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, over 23 percent of a lawyer’s work can be handled by technology. In addition, half of all lawyers are already using some form of workflow automation. Legal practice management software is a valuable part of a law firm’s toolkit that will save time by automating tedious, low-value tasks, allowing attorneys to focus on substantive legal work instead.

Adoption of legal technology is on the rise and legal professionals are using legal practice management software to enhance the productivity of their practices. Not only because of more individuals working from home, but advancements in technology overall have contributed to the legal industry embracing technology in the workplace.

Payment management is a critical workflow that every law practice must manage. The reality is that payment management is no longer just about invoices mailed to clients or waiting to receive payments by mail. It has evolved into something more mobile and flexible, which benefits both firms and clients.

Thanks to tight timelines and a never-ending supply of sensitive information, the legal industry relies more on a dependable IT support structure than many other sectors. Moreover, as a law firm grows, its IT needs often evolve beyond what the current provider can fulfill.

Due to recent events, most law firm employees and employers are re-evaluating their current positions and work environments. Overall, law firms have weathered the COVID storm better than originally expected.