Shakespeare and Finding Tech That Fits You

We are big on technology around here, as you may imagine. We rely on it in all aspects of our lives, from paying bills - seriously, when is the last time you wrote a physical check? - to entertainment. But we all vary in our preferences. I'm a big Mac person. Love the simplicity of it and the incredibly intuitive user interface. But my friend who is equally tech-savvy prefers Android. The method is different, but the result is the same.  The same goes for case management software. So that means if you are searching, and let's face it, most of you are, you need to look past the elephant in the room. But how do you know if the tech fits you?

To Thine Own Self Be True

Ok, had to bust that out. It isn't often the opportunity to use Shakespeare in a legal tech blog comes along. Back to case management software.

The first step is understanding your own needs and preferences. 

• What are the biggest problems you are hoping to solve?
• What features do you want most? What are some nice to haves?
• What’s our budget? Are there any additional costs beyond the software?
• What is our timeline?
• Who handles maintenance and updates, if required?
• What level of training is required? Is there a fee?
• What is the level of data security?

Spend some time considering these aspects. It is important. There are so many bright shiny objects out there, wrapped in all kinds of pricing and packaging options. The trick here is to really focus on what you need and what you want from the software.

Remember, all that glitters is not gold. Had to throw in one more Shakespeare quote there. The Bard, am I right? But seriously, especially recently when investment in legal tech platforms for banks and entities of all sizes is high, it's critical to look past the top few providers. 

Reputation Is an Idle and Most False Imposition

Loving this Shakespeare thing! Here is the full quote: Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving. 

There are lots of options out there to find a good list of possible solutions for your needs. The ABA offers some great options. Check your local Bar Association. We are big fans of the work they do - they really are committed to making sure their members get the information they need. 

The goal of this effort is to look at many options. Remember, reputation is a dodgy thing. Case management software companies and law firms have a lot in common when it comes to reputation. We are all at the mercy of others. So remember what Shakespeare wrote... 

In the research phase, here are some questions to consider:

• How much of the platform did you create vs outsource?
• What are some possible upcoming enhancements? How often do you roll out new features? 
• How much experience do you have working with law firms like ours?
• What is implementation like? Is there a fee for onboarding? 
• How does training work? Is it included? What are our options?
• What resources do you offer after implementation? Is there a cost?
• How does support work and when is it available?
• How do you handle upgrades?
• What’s the long-term strategy for the product?
• What’s your ownership structure?
• Why should I pick your platform?

Be sure to record thoughts when demoing products. It's so easy to get them confused. During the demo, make sure to take the time to write down your thoughts. Either take a screenshot for your reference or ask the company to send you some screenshots or examples of their online training.  Remember, review each platform with the same set of criteria and even though it's tough, try not to get distracted by bright shiny objects.

Men at Some Time are Masters of Their Fates

Yup, still Shakespeare. 

It's decision time. This is where we see so many law firms throw in the towel. It can feel daunting to take on adopting case management software. The saying 'if it isn't broken, don't fix it' comes up very often. But the reality is it is broken. Just because your firm has found a way to work around the breaks, it's still broken. We prefer 'It can be better, so let's improve it. Now'.  

Shakespeare mentions law and lawyers more than any other profession. The phrase most recall is 'The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.' But that phrase is highly misunderstood. Shakespeare really was paying homage to the profession. That without lawyers, anarchy and unrest would rule. 

The goal of case management software is to make it more simple to manage the administrative aspects of cases. Ultimately, it's about giving you more time to practice law and keep that anarchy at bay.