When law firms began social distancing, many felt unprepared for the transition to remote work. Now that we’ve been practicing virtually for a few months, you’re probably better positioned to identify inefficiencies in your remote workflow.
Whether you’re planning to continue remote work or you’re eager to get back to the office, it may be time to consider expanding your hardware and software capabilities. To help you get started, we’re going to review some of the best remote technology tools for the modern law office.
Centralized Cloud Storage
Accessing documents remotely doesn’t have to be complicated! The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for law firms to adopt cloud storage software. Using a cloud service allows staff to access all relevant documents quickly and efficiently. Cloud programs also make it simple to transition between devices. With a secure internet connection, case files are only a click away.
In addition to secure storage, many cloud providers also offer collaboration tools. For example, Google Drive integrates seamlessly with Google Docs – allowing multiple users to work on the same document in real-time. Whether you’re communicating between attorneys or directly with your client, the files you need are at your fingertips.
Wireless Scanners & Printers
When you think of scanners, you might think of commercial-grade combination printer and scanner devices. Although these devices are useful, they are not portable or convenient! This can cause problems when remote-working employees need to scan documents for e-filing.
Wireless scanners are incredibly versatile tools for your business, and well worth the investment. Most portable scanners are simple to set up and cost-effective for law firms that need to purchase multiple units. In fact, some of the most popular scanners, such as the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100 wireless scanner, retail for less than $200.
Project Management & Billing Software
Law firm management requires exceptional organization and project management. Legal software can help you improve productivity and efficiency while increasing security. If you already had a project management system in place before the pandemic, it’s worth evaluating how it meets your needs. Is it flexible enough for your current business model?
First, let’s consider your strategy for onboarding prospective clients. While your firm may not be actively pursuing new leads, management software is a fantastic repository to centralize potential client lead data, contact information, and all previous communication. This means that you’ll be in a better position to secure their business in the future.
Do you manage billing and invoicing in-house? Law firm finances frequently suffer from unpaid invoices. If this is a pain point for your firm, consider the benefits of billing directly from your project management system. By making it easy for attorneys to invoice clients, you can minimize the pandemic’s adverse economic impact on your law firm.
Using a program that automates billing and payment processing can dramatically improve cash flow. Additionally, these programs can make it easier to comply with regulatory requirements for billing financials such as trust accounts, retainers, etc. For a fully-integrated experience, look for a cloud-based practice management platform with complete billing function. Some platforms offering billing features include Clio, MyCase, Rocket Matter, and CosmoLex.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading! We hope that you’ve discovered the perfect software or product to help round out your remote working toolbox. If you enjoyed this article, let us know in the comments and feel free to share it on social media. As you adapt to remote working, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions. Remember: we’re here for you from File Thru Trial™.
