The Atlanta Lawyer June/July 2016 | Page 30

TECH TALK USING LAW PRACTICE TECHNOLOGY TO LEVERAGE YOUR LAW FIRM1 By Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert The Gore Law Firm [email protected] L everaging technology in your practice of law is not only essential to remain competitive in your business, but, simply stated, it can make life much easier. Clients have come to expect that law firms have websites, positive online reviews, and even social media accounts to verify their credibility. Beyond the basic online technology, there are also a variety of applications and programs designed specifically to ease the burdens of law practice management. They assist with everything from reception and client intake to remote file storage and email marketing campaigns. With time being an attorney’s most valuable asset, we should utilize these technologies and make the firm operate better for you and your clients. Lexicata: A Client Lead, Intake and CRM System Lexicata is a fairly new client-relationship management (CRM) tool that assists with the intake of new and potential clients. It helps manage, track, and followup with leads; it also makes it easier to convert these leads into hired clients. One of Lexicata’s most useful features is the customizable online intake form, which can be emailed to potential clients for them to complete electronically. Once the client fills out the forms, their information is transferred seamlessly into to the client’s CRM profile. Lexicata will also generate intake status reminders. This program is also useful for sending engagement letters to potential clients (using HelloSign for e-signatures). Finally, once a potential client turns into a hired client, Lexicata allows the import of the client entered data into a law practice management software called Clio. 30 June/July 2016 Clio: Law Practice Management Software For those attorneys incorporating new technology into their firms, practice management software is an excellent place to start. Clio is a valuable tool in that it assists attorneys with: billing clients, organizing tasks, controlling calendars, coordinating client communications, and tracking time. It also integrates easily with other software (including Lexicata). Not only does Clio software serve as a database of your current and former clients, but it also allows users to create “work flows” or specific task lists which are automatically triggered at different stages of the case. These automatic prompts help prevent lawyers from missing important deadlines. Users can also program Clio to send staff reminders about client communication – which is a valuable function, considering that “lack of client communication” is one of the most prevalent complaints that lawyers face. Dropbox: Cloud-based File Storage and Sharing Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and sharing program which allows attorneys and their staff members to remotely access files, documents or applications. Practically speaking, this means you can access your entire file base simultaneously from your work computer, home computer, iPad or cell phone. On Dropbox, as users make changes to a file, the program will “sync” those updates, and everyone with access will be able to view the latest version of the file. This syncing allows for quick and continuous file sharing between attorneys and their staff. Having access to updated files also encourages working from home, during court, or while on vacation.