What is Case Management Software: Matter Resolution

When dealing with a client's legal matters, organization is key for attorneys in order to efficiently support their clients. A comprehensive case management software platform gives attorneys the tools they need to stay organized, streamline redundant processes, communicate with the client, and more, all in a single place.

Case Management Software: Matter Management

The matter module of case management software manages the multiple aspects of managing a legal matter - including client-attorney agreements, appointment and task management, the entire billing cycle, document management, intake forms, a client portal, and more, all in one place. The matter portal also keeps all of this organized making it easy to find once it's in the system.

• Attorney-Client Agreement: It all starts from there. Clarifying the terms of the engagement in advance decreases the chances for future obstacles. Automation streamlines the entire process, keeping a copy of the signed agreement on hand for easy referral for everyone.
• Appointment and Task Management: There are a lot of moving parts when resolving legal issues. Keeping appointments and tasks organized, assigned, and visible to related parties is key. Integrations to Outlook and Google ensures all parties have the visibility they need.
• Billing Cycle: Tracking fees for services, whether hourly, flat fee, contingency or a mix, is crucial. Expense tracking is critical to ensure the firm is reimbursed where appropriate. Similarly, trust, LEDES and other billing methods are essential for firms. Streamlining the entire process, including offering clients online payment options, takes this somewhat monotonous process and makes it simple. 
• Document Management: For nearly all types of matters, having quick access to documents and files is crucial. Keep things organized with customized folders, easy access, and shared view with clients, if appropriate. 
• Intake Forms: The client has the information. Let them give it to you. Customizable intake forms makes gathering all that data simple. Clients, or the firm, can complete the forms, as necessary. Once in the system, it's time to put it to work. Document automation, reporting, and more, streamlined and simplified.
• Client Portal: Whether or not it's turned on for any particular matter is up to the firm. If it is turned on, the client has 24/7, secure access to their matter. They see their appointments, tasks, invoices and more. Those intake forms? They can fill them out online with the data automatically visible to the firm. Clients can upload files as needed, too. 

There are so many more benefits to case management software for matter management. Tracking external contacts related to a matter - opposing counsel, experts, court contacts, etc. - so the firm has easy access to the specifics, by matter. 

Benefits for the Firm

The Matter module has a few key benefits that work together to help the firms grow.

• Centralized Information: One source of truth for all information for the matter. No need to jump between different apps or resources to find the information the firm needs. Talk about time savings.
• Efficiency: Law firms save time using document automation, streamlining billing and payment, and so much more. The firm has time to actually provide legal services, not manage the redundant administration processes.
• Law Firm Growth: Current and past clients are a great source of future clients. Ensuring they have a good experience is obviously a good idea. Leveraging the power of technology for the client to be an active part of the resolution of their matter, clear and consistent communication, and efficiency all help drive that result.

Using the matter module of a comprehensive legal case management software simplifies managing every aspect of every legal matter. It also helps the law firm grow by helping attorneys build stronger client relationships.

Key Features of Matter Management Software 

When actually choosing a case management software program, it's critical to consider many options. Compare the features of multiple programs to get a better idea of which one fits each firm best, including the related cost. Look beyond the most obvious options, too. Make sure to consider key features like the ones noted below.

• Customization: Look for flexible software that supports the firms approach. Software that lets users customize settings to best suit their needs is key. The software supports the firm. 
• Accessibility: Easy access helps save time that would otherwise be spent tracking down the information. Using a cloud-based software platform helps attorney access the same information anytime, anywhere.
• Affordability: Why spend thousands when you don't have to? Some providers have add-ons that are seemingly endless, but require lofty subscription payments to get the features the firm needs. Look for providers that offer more for less. Knowing where to look is the key.
• User Support: Don't waste time trying to figure out how to use a matter module without any help! The software provider should offer responsive and robust support systems that address user concerns in a timely manner.

Conclusion

Using the matter module of a comprehensive case management software platform ensures law firms have access to all the required information at any time. They can also add information as needed. Law firms that use this software can expect...

• A singular, organized source for all relevant information.
• Streamlined management of all the redundant processes.
• An easy method of addressing client's inquiries or concerns at any time.

The matter module is just one part of a comprehensive legal case management software solution. Law firms should always anticipate the next steps in the matter management process, and have the tools to do so. Stay tuned for future entries explaining the use of case management software.

SimpleLaw makes it easy with an all-in-one matter management solution designed for law firms looking for an easier way of handling their clients' legal matters—all without the learning curve.

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