Clients value the time and attention you give them. After all, that’s why they choose you. For excellent and effective client service.
But how much of that time and attention is productive? Is it all actually working towards the objective your client needs to achieve?
Look around you. If you’re surrounded by paper files, as well as having a computer crammed with digital documents, you’re not being as productive as you could be.
Yes, the way you’ve been working for years no doubt gets things done. Clients are satisfied and so is your firm. Why change? Because there are myriad long-term benefits to be gained by deploying new legal project management (LPM) software – and all it involves is a little bit of focus on adoption in the short term. Below are just a few of the long-term advantages your firm can reap.
Better communication and project management
Improving the way you communicate with clients is possibly the lowest-hanging fruit. And the right project management software can transform it.
For example, do you really need to send and receive so many emails? Or play phone tag with clients? Surely every client would agree that if they just want a quick answer to a question, an easy to use, intuitive online self-service option would be welcome. They can always pick up the phone if they want to.
Likewise, when managing client projects, having a clear start-to-finish strategy makes your work so much easier, and puts a stop to bottlenecks or communication breakdowns. LPM solutions ensure there is a clear focus on the most important tasks that need to be completed from beginning to end.
Dispatching unbillable tasks
Unbillable work is the bane of every firm. It needs to be done, but no one enjoys doing it. So why not increase productivity by using automation?
Many unbillable tasks such as client onboarding, completing forms, gathering data, contract reviews and more can be automated by adopting an easy-to-use, high-efficiency technology solution. Automated processes are also much less prone to errors than when humans do them.
Secure online storage
As we asked earlier – are you surrounded by paper files? If so, you need to transition to digital. The old way of storing files may make your offices look the part. But it’s inefficient, and a security risk, too. Having a secure, always up-to-date cloud storage option keeps sensitive files safe and allows your team 24/7 access to the documents they need.
For example, using HighQ’s cloud-based file storage means you and your colleagues can access files anytime, from anywhere. Which, in an age of remote working options, is more important than ever. In addition, if a client needs a document, you can access it and send it to them in just a few clicks or taps. Even better, with the right security privileges and encryption, they could access it themselves. When cases need to move quickly, why be constrained by your filing system?
When is a smartphone not smart?
Almost every employee at every law firm has used their smartphone for their work at some point. Encrypted messaging apps are an obvious example. But does your firm’s workflow management and IT system enable your employees to make the most of their smartphones at work? And can you be sure the phones are secure?
Optimised for mobile, HighQ enables your team to work together efficiently wherever they are, from any device. You can securely share files with others and sync your own documents to your mobile device so they’re always in the palm of your hand. And with social collaboration, shared calendars and task assignment accessible within HighQ, your team will always be working seamlessly together in one place.
Is your firm out of date?
Beyond all of these individual issues, every firm needs to ask itself – are we keeping up with the times? E-commerce, apps and AI are now part of daily life. Meaning they’re part of your clients’ daily lives, too.
This leads to a rising baseline of expectation – clients want the same level of swift and seamless service, aided by technology, from every service provider they deal with. Whether someone wants to buy a new pair of shoes or draw up a commercial contract, they want an easy but premium experience.
And today, exceptional service is always underpinned by technology. You need to make sure you’re up to date with the latest developments. Or your clients may drift away to another firm.
Making HighQ part of your firm’s operations is the fast-track way to get up to speed and stay at the forefront of legal technology. Over 53% of global 100 law firms already use HighQ. One of them is Stevens & Bolton, who implemented the technology for more efficient, secure and sustainable project management.
“Many of our largest clients have multiple sites of business nationwide, and this seemed a really good way of streamlining our service delivery, and hopefully encouraging them to stick with us in the process.”
– Ian Craig, Partner, Stevens & Bolton
Read more about Stevens & Bolton’s journey to HighQ.
