7 Reasons Cloud Computing is Right for Your Law Firm

Investing in the right technology can help your law firm to be more productive and competitive.  Our last article reviewed the most common features found in today’s legal practice management software (LPMS).  This article will stress the advantages of using software that is cloud-based.

While cloud-based practice management applications have been around for over a decade, many law firms still rely on clunky, premise-based software. We believe cloud technology can give small and mid-sized firms the needed momentum to excel past their counterparts and even some larger firms.  The right cloud-based applications can increase your firm’s productivity, flexibility, and client focus and also help your firm save money.

Benefits of Cloud-Based Software

The infographic and further explanations below highlight the top 7 benefits of using cloud-based software and why law firms should embrace the cloud. 

Download a pdf version of this infographic here. 

1. MOBILITY & FLEXIBILITY

Cloud-based software offers lawyers the ability to access all client information from the office, home, court, or anywhere with an internet connection. Additionally, having cloud-based software makes the onboarding and training of employees much easier since training can be done remotely.

2. SECURITY & MAINTENANCE

Many law firms indicate a concern with security when it comes to using cloud technology. However, cloud-based software companies employ entire teams of experts to focus on the maintenance and ongoing development of their services and security. Law firms usually cannot afford the needed IT staff to carry out these same stringent security measures and updates with a premise-based system.

Along with the robust security found in cloud-based applications, they also offer continuous and automatic updates. This means that data is protected from being lost or stolen. It also means that no one has to stop their work to wait for an update to be completed. 

3. COLLABORATION

Cloud computing makes collaboration easy.  Instead of emailing updated files back and forth to everyone involved with a case, cloud storage solutions allow files to be edited in real-time, giving everyone easy access to the most up-to-date file. Scheduling meetings, depositions, and court dates are also easier to do with cloud-based software. With everyone on a team having real-time access to calendars and files, less time is spent on scheduling and searching for documents. This also means fewer missed deadlines.

4. INSIGHT

Information is power.  The more a firm knows about its performance, the more informed its decisions can be. With the right cloud-based solution, custom dashboards can help firms to visualize key performance indicators such as revenue, profitability, and performance. This data can help a firm to recognize and address potential issues before it’s too late. 

5. AUTOMATION

Automating repetitive administrative tasks such as document management, scheduling, time tracking and legal document creation gives lawyers and staff members more time to focus on bigger client-related initiatives. 

6. CLIENT EXPERIENCE

Giving lawyers the ability to address their clients' questions and issues from anywhere at anytime, cloud-based technology makes the client experience an even better one.  Additionally, the enhanced collaboration and automation benefits offered by cloud technology provide clients with a more productive and informed legal team. 

7. COST-SAVINGS

Cloud-based technology saves money.  Law firms see immediate savings without the expenses of costly servers and the needed IT support and real estate to maintain.  In the long-term, a law firm’s savings grow as cloud technology facilitates a more productive and collaborative team. 

CHECK OUT the other articles that make up our

3-part series on using the right practice management software 

• Part 1: Manage a more competitive firm with the right software
• Part 3: A Guide to Implementing Law Practice Management Software

 IT issues and hiccups are a nuisance, and they cost you precious time and money.  Make sure you subscribe to receive our latest law firm management information to help you avoid costly mistakes. 

Sign up now and get a free copy of the 3 critical questions to  answer before making a move to the cloud that we have come up with after helping dozens of firms to manage their cloud-based systems.