In a recent survey by MyCase, 800 lawyers from small law firms responded to questions on how technology would play a role in their firms’ development. The results revealed that forty nine percent of respondents were planning to update their website in the near future, whilst twenty five percent were also considering moving to the cloud. These findings have followed a more general trend since the American Bar Association updated their ethics ruling, stating that technology is affecting nearly every aspect of legal work, including how we store confidential information, communicate with clients, conduct discovery, engage in research, market legal services and use project management tools. Keeping up with the benefits and risks of relevant technology should now be a part of every lawyers' job, with firms updating and upgrading their technology to better serve clients.
So, what’s next?
For many small law firms, the website is just step one in a larger project to modernise their company. Usually a Practice Management System is introduced to improve the workflow and Document Management Systems are used to streamline the production and archiving of case files. Whilst these systems improve the internal productivity, it is at the external, customer facing side where the most profit can be generated. With the legal market growing more competitive with each passing day, firms need to showcase their expertise and keep clients engaged so they return for future support. As processes get streamlined, law firms will need to start working more transparently and focus on adding value first.
Adding value
One of the easiest ways to keep a client engaged is to provide them with their own portal where they can find matter information, but also, where you will keep them up-to-date on changes in their market that will affect them in the future. Firms that can proactively support their clients on changes in their market will be the organisations that see the most recurring business and cross-selling opportunities; both elements of the business that have long been overlooked by many firms. For a long time, recurring business was secured based on past experiences and a good standing and reputation. Recently however, the way that companies and individuals source information and advice has changed fundamentally, and firms now have to be client centric, service orientated companies to secure ongoing business.
Client loyalty
Law firms now have a real opportunity to truly connect with their clients. Client loyalty is one of the pillars on which the future success of your firm is built, and by providing a secure, easy-to-use and mobile way of connecting to your firms expertise, clients should keep coming back to learn more. Contact us for more information on how how HighQ can support you in providing value adding services to your clients.
