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What is Case Management Software: CRM and Contacts

by SimpleLaw on

Legal case management software gives law firms benefits across the spectrum of case management. We start at the beginning, with new leads or potential clients. A contact relationship manager, or CRM, is the first step. Finding new leads, getting in contact with them, turning those leads into clients, and managing client intake can be a challenge for law firms. Using the CRM module of a comprehensive case management software platform helps law firm stay on the right foot with all contacts, among many other benefits.

Case Management Software: CRM

The CRM module of case management software manages all contacts - including leads, clients, external parties, opposing parties, and more, all in one spot. CRM software not only keeps contact information organized, but also helps the firm grow.

  • Connect With and Tracking Leads: Never lose track of another lead or potential matter. Assign each lead to a member of the firm to deliver exceptional support. Create related tasks, appointments, and more, too. The number one complaint of individuals looking for legal help? Law firms that don't ever respond to requests. 
  • Manage Client Information: Whether a lead decides to hire the firm or an existing client has updates, all the same benefits are available here. Adding new contacts to existing profiles? No problem. 
  • Track External Contacts: These are contacts that the law firm works with from time to time, like opposing counsel, court contacts, or experts. Track which matters these external contacts are supporting, too.  
  • Conflict Check: With all contacts in the CRM, conflict check is simple. No more looking at different files to determine conflict. If no conflict is found, each lead is marked so attorneys know they can continue the conversation.
  • Gathering More Information: Law firms generally require more information about a potential client before engaging them. Intake forms available in the CRM helps law firms gather comprehensive information, specific to the needs of each firm. 

Benefits for the Firm

The CRM has a few key benefits that work together to ultimately help the law firm grow. 

  • Centralized Information: All contact information is at the law firm's disposal, with everything in one place. Beyond managing contacts in an Outlook or Google function, the CRM module in a comprehensive case management software platform includes intake information, billing options, tasks, notes, appointments, and more. 
  • Efficiency: With all information in one place, law firms save time. Managing leads, clients, and related next steps keeps everyone working together to provide exceptional support.
  • Law Firm Growth: Never miss another potential client or matter. See opportunities and leads separately from current clients and legal matters, and choose which ones to accept. Can't take on a new client or matter at moment? Use the robust referral system to make sure the lead or opportunity gets sent to an attorney that can.

Using the CRM module of a comprehensive legal case management software simplifies managing contact information and helps the firm grow.

Key Features of CRM Software 

When actually choosing a case management software program, it's critical to consider many options. Gather information on multiple programs and see how they compare. Be sure to look beyond the obvious options, too. Be sure to consider key features, as noted below.

  • Customization: Look for flexible software that supports the firms approach. Look for software that responds to the needs of the firm, not the other way around. The best case management software programs give their users flexibility from the start.
  • Accessibility: Easy access helps save time that would otherwise be spent tracking down the information. Using a cloud-based software platform ensure the same information is available on every screen at all times.
  • Affordability: Why spend thousands when you don't have to? Some providers have tiered pricing, add-ons that are seemingly endless, and require multiple levels of subscription to get the features the firm needs. Look for providers that offer more for less. The key is to know where to look. 
  • User Support: Don't waste time trying to figure out how to use CRM without any help! The provider should offer responsive and robust support systems that can address users' questions or concerns on a timely basis.

Conclusion

Using the CRM module of a comprehensive case management software platform ensures law firms and their clients start their relationship off on the right foot. 

  • Being able to follow up on more leads, potentially turning more of them into clients.
  • One central source for all contact information.
  • More time to actually follow-up with leads and deal with client's legal matters rather than searching for information.

The CRM is the start of a comprehensive legal case management software solution. This is just the start. Follow along in future posts to learn more about case management software.

SimpleLaw makes it easy with an all-in-one CRM and client intake solution designed for law firms looking for an easier way of following up on potential leads and turning them into clients—all without the learning curve.

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