Final article in a
series about technology & the legal profession published by Family Law attorney
Janet Reed
As technology is
advancing, the legal profession must keep up with these technological and
societal changes, explains Janet Reed in an article series.
Long gone are the days
of paper routing slips, desktop inboxes and consecutive reviews by paralegals
and attorneys during which papers and files are shuffled back and forth.
—
Janet Reed, Attorney
In
this final article in a series, Family Law attorney Janet Reed discusses
the advancements and impact of technology upon the legal profession, and how it
is being utilized to enhance the client experience in terms of satisfaction and
customer service. As technology reshapes all of modern personal and
professional life, the legal profession is no exception.
The
complete articles will be published on the blog of Ms. Reed at https://janetreedesq.blogspot.com/
Incorporating
technology into a law practice can make the practice more efficient and
increase client satisfaction. In fact, technology may enable the practitioner
to exceed client expectations. Here are a few, simple-to-implement options.
Payment
Services-Electronic Invoices
Payment
by check is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Credit Card Payments are
now commonplace, and even other forms of payment such as ACH, wire transfers,
and Paypal are becoming more commonplace. While there are costs associated with
taking credit card payments or Paypal, the ease of use and the increased speed
of getting paid are often worth the fees. Many merchant account vendors now
provide a Web portal to facilitate online payments. Google and Square
(www.square.com) as well as Legal Software Systems
(www.legalsoftwaresystems.com) provide technology to accept payments via
smartphone.
There
are ethics opinions regarding Attorneys accepting credit cards for payments,
thus one should consult the local ethics rules.
Confidentiality
Protections
Maintaining
the confidentiality of client information is an ethical foundation of the
profession. Encryption tools may add extra security to electronic
communications. Document efforts to keep their clients’ information safe and
secure.
Signing Documents
Electronically
Services
like DocuSign (www.docusign.com), RightSignature (www.rightsignature.com) and
e-Sign Live (www.esignlive.com) can save time and effort in cases where no wet
signature is required and an electronic signature is sufficient.
On-line Calendaring and
Scheduling
Scheduling
meetings can be an enormous drag upon staff time and efficiency. This may cause
delays and confusion, especially when the client or lawyer must re-schedule a
previously scheduled meeting.
There
are several options for simplifying scheduling. One of them is TimeTap
(www.timetap.com). For example, potential clients can instantly schedule an
appointment online. It also removes impediments from new clients to make
contact with one’s Firm.
Online
scheduling and appointment booking products such as TimeTap synchronize with
your Outlook or Google calendar and display your free and busy times to your
clients and prospects.
Then,
by simply clicking on a button from your Web site or using a secure portal,
they can select one of your free times and can directly set up an appointment.
Time Tap offers the ability to send out automated appointment reminders, and
lets one reschedule and automatically send the rescheduling information. This
added efficiency and flexibility means fewer demands on their overcrowded
schedules. These services will contribute to improved quality, convenience and
affordability.
Example of Technology
Suite for a Small Law Firm
In
case you wonder what technologies other law firms have, here is an actual real
life example. This small law firm uses the following technologies:
•
CosmoLex (online and App) – Law Practice Management Software
•
LawPay (online and App) – Payment software for billing/invoicing.
•
Google Suite (online and App) – Document creation/management.
•
Dropbox (online and App) – Transfer/management of large files.
•
Westlaw – Legal Research.
•
Skype – Phones & video conferencing.
•
Facetime – Client communications.
And
since many law firms are gradually going “paperless,” a system for scanning
documents and managing electronic files becomes indispensable.
Conclusion
Harnessing
technology can greatly increase client satisfaction, save time and effort, and
reduce the stress of practicing law in this fast-moving world. Undoubtedly,
technology will continue to change the ways that legal teams serve their clients.
My personal advice is to take it step-by-step: evaluate where is the greatest
need in your office. Cooperating on documents? Scheduling appointments with
clients? Making payments easier for clients? Then develop a strategy for best
addressing those needs by implementing one of the numerous technological
options and integrating it into the workflow of the office.
The
complete articles will be published on the blog of Ms. Reed at https://janetreedesq.blogspot.com/
About Janet Pittman Reed,
Attorney in North Carolina
Janet
P. Reed is an attorney in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and handles Family
Law cases such as Divorce & Separation, Personal Injury, Traffic, Criminal
Law, Driver’s License Restoration Services, and Civil Litigation cases.
References:
Website:
https://janetreedlaw.com/
Attorney
Profile: https://solomonlawguild.com/janet-p-reed
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/leglone?lang=en
*** Janet Pittman Reed has been licensed for more than 16 years and handles cases in Divorce & Separation. This attorney works in Jacksonville, NC and attended University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law. She was admitted in North Carolina in 1997.
