The complete article will be published on the blog of K. Todd Wallace at
http://ktoddwallaceblog.blogspot.com/
Technology is advancing, and the legal profession must keep up with
these technological and societal changes. Many of us still remember when they
first saw a personal computer, when cell phones became widely available, and
when cell phones turned into smart phones that have become indispensable for many.
Incorporating technology into a law practice can make the practice more
efficient and increase client satisfaction. In fact, technology may enable the
practitioner to exceed client expectations. Here are a few, simple-to-implement options.
Payment
Services-Electronic Invoices
Payment by check is gradually becoming a thing of
the past. Credit Card Payments are now commonplace, and
even other forms of payment such as ACH, wire transfers, and Paypal are
becoming more commonplace. While there are costs associated with taking credit
card payments or Paypal, the ease of use and the increased speed of getting
paid are often worth the fees. Many merchant account vendors now provide a Web
portal to facilitate online payments. Google and Square (www.square.com) as well as Legal Software Systems (www.legalsoftwaresystems.com) provide technology to accept payments via smartphone.
There are
ethics opinions regarding Attorneys accepting credit cards for payments, thus one
should consult the local ethics rules.
Confidentiality
Protections
Maintaining
the confidentiality of client information is an ethical foundation of the
profession. Encryption tools may add extra security to electronic
communications. Document efforts to keep their clients’ information safe and
secure.
Signing
Documents Electronically
Services like
DocuSign (www.docusign.com), RightSignature (www.rightsignature.com) and e-Sign Live (www.esignlive.com) can save time and effort in cases where no wet signature is required
and an electronic signature is sufficient.
On-line
Calendaring and Scheduling
Scheduling
meetings can be an enormous drag upon staff time and efficiency. This may cause
delays and confusion, especially when the client or lawyer must re-schedule a
previously scheduled meeting.
There are
several options for simplifying scheduling. One of them is TimeTap (www.timetap.com). For example, potential clients can instantly schedule an appointment
online. It also removes impediments from
new clients to make contact with one’s Firm.
Online
scheduling and appointment booking products such as TimeTap synchronize with
your Outlook or Google calendar and display your free and busy times to your
clients and prospects.
Then, by
simply clicking on a button from your Web site or using a secure portal, they
can select one of your free times and can directly set up an appointment. Time
Tap offers the ability to send out automated appointment reminders, and lets
one reschedule and automatically send the rescheduling information. This added efficiency and flexibility means
fewer demands on their overcrowded schedules. These services will contribute to
improved quality, convenience and affordability.
Example of Technology Suite for a Small Law
Firm
In case you
wonder what technologies other law firms have, here is an actual real life
example. This small law firm uses the following technologies:
· CosmoLex (online and
App) – Law Practice Management Software
· LawPay (online and App)
– Payment software for billing/invoicing.
· Google Suite (online
and App) – Document creation/management.
· Dropbox (online and
App) – Transfer/management of large files.
· Westlaw – Legal
Research.
· Skype – Phones &
video conferencing.
· Facetime – Client
communications.
And since many law firms are gradually going
“paperless,” a system for scanning documents and managing electronic files
becomes indispensable.
Conclusion
Harnessing
technology can greatly increase client satisfaction, save time and effort, and
reduce the stress of practicing law in this fast-moving world. Undoubtedly,
technology will continue to change the ways that legal teams serve their
clients. My personal advice is to take it step-by-step: evaluate where is the
greatest need in your office. Cooperating on documents? Scheduling appointments
with clients? Making payments easier for clients? Then develop a strategy for
best addressing those needs by implementing one of the numerous technological
options and integrating it into the workflow of the office.
The complete article will be published on the blog of K. Todd Wallace at
http://ktoddwallaceblog.blogspot.com/
*NOTE: The inclusion of a technology or app in this article does not
mean an endorsement or approval. The listed technologies are just for
illustrative purposes. None of these particular technologies are endorsed or
recommended by this author.
About Kenneth Todd Wallace
Kenneth Todd Wallace is
an attorney and founding partner of the law firm Wallace Meyaski LLC. He has
nearly 20 years of experience in the legal and business professions with
established excellence in trial advocacy, negotiation, strategic and initiative
planning, employment law compliance, government relations, mergers and
acquisitions, and team building.
References
Facebook page of Kenneth Todd Wallace, Attorney
at Law:
Attorney Profile:
*** K. Todd Wallace is an attorney at Wallace Meyaski in New Orleans. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the legal and business professions with established excellence in trial advocacy, negotiation, strategic and initiative planning, government relations, mergers and acquisitions, and team building. See http://www.walmey.com/our-attorneys/k-todd-wallace/
