With the growing availability of digital tools in business settings, choosing the right technology for your law firm has become increasingly complex. The range of systems required and all the needed integrations between the various tools can present significant challenges. This burden often falls on the firm’s staff members, who have to navigate the process of upgrading existing tools or selecting new ones, in the case of a newly established practice.
Choosing the right tech is essential for firms that want to maximize technology to boost productivity, and elevate client service, yet, the path to tech-savviness can seem labyrinthine, particularly for firms still transitioning from traditional methods. This guide will demystify that journey and provide a roadmap to build a robust technology stack that empowers your firm to be the best version of itself.
Like every industry, technology has completely changed the way firms operate and deliver services. AI is continuing to evolve and become more and more common in the day to day operations of small businesses. Technologies like ChatGPT and Google Bard have disrupted many common workflows, adding a new element of efficiency. All of these changes have delivered a diverse range of digital tools and software designed to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and provide exceptional client service.
Some of the available tools include practice management systems, document management solutions, legal research platforms, and more. By leveraging the right technology, law firms can automate tasks, improve collaboration, and access relevant legal information efficiently.
Embracing technology is no longer optional but a necessity for law firms aiming to stay competitive and responsive to client needs. It empowers legal professionals to dedicate more time to strategic activities, improve communication, streamline workflows, and ensure compliance with data security regulations.
The benefits of law firm technology are not just about convenience. By improving efficiency and productivity, it enhances the quality of legal services, enabling faster response to client inquiries, better deadline tracking, and more effective case management. In essence, technology is not just a tool for managing work; it's an essential tool for improving your legal practice.
Before diving headfirst into the sea of available technologies, it's crucial to first identify your firm's specific needs. The technology you choose should be a solution to a problem, not a problem in itself. Start by asking yourself and your team the following questions:
The answers to these questions will help you pinpoint the areas where technology can make the most significant impact. Remember, the goal is not to adopt technology for technology's sake, but to find solutions that will make your firm more efficient and effective, better able to serve the client.
A collaborative process, Involving multiple stakeholders in this process is also key. This may include not only attorneys but also paralegals, administrative staff, and anyone else who will be using the technology. Their input can provide valuable insights into the practical challenges and needs that you might not be aware of.
Once you have a clear understanding of your firm's needs, you can start exploring the different technologies available and how they can address these needs. This targeted approach will ensure that the technology you implement will add real value to your firm, rather than becoming just another tool that no one uses.
In choosing the right technology to improve operations and workflows for your firm, keep these key themes in mind:
Legal work involves handling sensitive client information, making security a top priority. The 2022 ABA Cybersecurity Tech Report shows that 27% of law firms have experienced some sort of security breach, so it’s crucial to look for solutions that offer robust security features such as data encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits. Additionally, consider whether technology providers comply with relevant regulations and standards, such as, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and state-specific laws such as California’s CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) .
The technology you choose should seamlessly integrate with your existing systems and workflows. It should be user-friendly and intuitive, minimizing the learning curve for your team. Consider whether the provider offers adequate training and support to help your team get up to speed.
The ability to work from anywhere is a significant advantage. Cloud-based solutions offer this flexibility, allowing your team to access work-related data and applications from any location, at any time. This can also facilitate collaboration among team members, regardless of where they are.
Your technology should be able to grow with your firm. As your firm expands and takes on more clients, your technology needs will also evolve. Choose solutions that can scale to meet these growing needs, whether that means handling more data, accommodating more users, or providing additional features. This will ensure that the technology you choose will not only meet your current needs but also support your firm's growth and evolution in the long term.
To assist with the process of building or upgrading your law firm tech stack, we’ve curated a list of some of the key technologies and options in each category. This isn’t a list of all solutions, but it does provide some of the most widely used tools within each technology area.
In the modern law firm, office productivity and collaboration tools are indispensable. They form the backbone of your day-to-day operations, enabling your team to manage documents, communicate effectively, schedule tasks, and much more. These tools are designed to enhance productivity and facilitate seamless collaboration, regardless of location, thanks to cloud-based technology. Here are some leading solutions in this category:
Office 365 E3 is a cloud-based suite of productivity apps and services that offers built-in information protection and compliance features.
Google Workspace Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, is a suite of secure productivity and collaboration tools designed for businesses of all sizes, encompassing applications like Gmail, Drive, Meet, and more, along with resources for learning and support, making it an essential business tool for fostering innovation and efficiency in the modern workplace.
Zoho Workplace, although not as popular as Microsoft Office 365 or Google Workspace, Zoho is a unified business productivity and communication platform that centralizes team workspaces, simplifies file storage, streamlines team communication, and integrates context from various business functions into productivity apps, offering a flexible and remote-friendly work environment with automation and collaboration at its core.
Applications and Services
Microsoft: Offers a suite of productivity tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams. It also includes access to more specialized tools like Publisher and Access (PC only). Microsoft's tools are generally more feature-rich, which can be beneficial for complex tasks.
Google: Includes Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, and Drive. Google's tools are generally simpler and more streamlined, which can be beneficial for collaboration and ease of use.
Collaboration
Microsoft: Offers real-time collaboration in documents, spreadsheets, and presentations through Office Online. Microsoft Teams provides a hub for team collaboration with chat, video meetings, and file sharing.
Google: Known for its strong collaboration features. Real-time collaboration is available across all its productivity apps. Google Meet and Chat provide video conferencing and messaging for teams.
Storage
Microsoft: OneDrive provides 1 TB of cloud storage per user for most plans.
Google: Offers 30 GB of storage on the Basic plan, with unlimited storage on higher-tier plans (or 1 TB per user if fewer than 5 users).
Microsoft: Uses Outlook as its email client, which includes features like scheduling, rich formatting options, and mail categorization.
Google: Uses Gmail, which is known for its strong search capabilities, spam filtering, and integration with other Google services.
Compatibility
Microsoft: Office applications are the industry standard in many fields, and files in Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) tend not to have compatibility issues when shared.
Google: While Google Workspace can open and edit Microsoft Office files, complex formatting might not always be preserved when Office files are imported into Google Workspace or when Google Workspace files are exported to Office formats.
Pricing
Microsoft: Offers several pricing tiers, from basic plans for small businesses to enterprise-grade solutions. Pricing generally reflects the number of features and services included.
Google: Also offers tiered pricing based on the number of features and services. Google Workspace's pricing structure is generally simpler and more straightforward than Microsoft 365's.
Both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace are powerful productivity suites, and the choice between them often depends on the specific needs and preferences of the business or individual.
Slack is a productivity platform designed to enhance team communication and collaboration, offering a flexible workspace where users can automate routine tasks, integrate their favorite apps, and communicate through various methods such as chat, audio, and video, making it a widely used tool by companies worldwide to streamline workflows and improve remote work capabilities.
Microsoft Teams is a multifunctional platform that supports various work, learning, and networking activities. It provides a range of tools for video conferencing, meetings, and calling, with the aim of streamlining collaboration and improving communication. The platform can be utilized across different environments, such as offices, homes, or while traveling, and is capable of accommodating business growth.
Zoom is a platform that provides a variety of collaboration tools, such as video meetings, team chat, VoIP phone, webinars, and a digital whiteboard. It serves as a unified solution for communication and collaboration, assisting businesses in their efforts to connect, collaborate, and innovate. The platform is frequently used in remote and hybrid work settings.
Asana is a work management platform designed to facilitate project and task organization for teams. It provides a centralized workspace that promotes collaboration and coordination among team members. With automation features for routine tasks and extensive integrations with various tools, Asana claims to be a comprehensive solution for improving productivity and optimizing workflows. It serves as a tool for teams aiming to enhance their project management capabilities and streamline their operations.
ClickUp is a productivity platform designed to centralize all work for teams, offering a suite of tools including tasks, docs, chat, goals, and whiteboards. It's built for teams of all sizes and across various industries, with features for project management, real-time collaboration, progress tracking, and more. ClickUp also introduces an AI solution custom-built for users to work faster and more creatively. It provides various views for project planning, real-time chat for team collaboration, and dashboards for tracking progress. The platform also stands out for its strong support, offering 24/7 real-time assistance, and its ability to replace multiple apps, consolidating all work needs in one place.
Monday.com calls their solution a “work operating system” (Work OS) designed to provide teams, projects, and organizations with the ability to customize workflows to their specific needs. It offers a range of tools such as boards, views, dashboards, integrations, automations, apps, and documents. The platform tries to centralize work, processes, tools, and files, thereby aiming to eliminate silos and maintain a unified source of information across an organization. Monday.com provides specialized products for task management, sales & CRM, and software development, and its adjustable dashboards aim to provide an overview for decision-making and scalability. The platform also offers round-the-clock support.
Trello is a project management tool designed to assist teams in organizing tasks and workflows using adjustable boards, lists, and cards. It offers a range of views, automation features, and integrations with other tools, aiming to provide a solution for teams to oversee and visualize their projects, improve collaboration, and increase productivity. Trello can be utilized by teams of varying sizes.
While all four platforms offer strong project management and collaboration features, they each have unique strengths. Monday.com and ClickUp are ideal for teams needing comprehensive and customizable solutions, Trello is great for teams preferring a simple, visual approach, and Asana is suitable for teams seeking a balance between simplicity and functionality. The best choice would depend on the specific needs and preferences of your firm.
Dropbox Business is a cloud storage solution that goes beyond basic file storage, offering features for file sharing, eSignature, document tracking, and backup. It provides a secure platform for teams to collaborate, share, and manage their work. Dropbox Business is an essential tool for businesses looking to simplify workflows and enhance productivity.
Evernote Business is a collaborative tool designed to centralize note-taking, task management, and scheduling for teams. It offers features for real-time collaboration, knowledge sharing, and project visibility, along with seamless integrations with popular apps. Evernote Business seeks to provide businesses with a comprehensive solution to streamline workflows, boost team productivity, and facilitate efficient project management.
Legal Practice Management Software is a solution that centralizes various aspects of law firm management. From client management and billing to case handling and document storage, these tools are designed to streamline operations, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. These solutions can help law firms save time, reduce errors, and maintain a seamless workflow. Here are some of the options in this category:
Clio is a legal practice management software that aims to streamline law firm operations. It provides a range of tools for billing and payments, client intake, document management, and calendaring. Having multiple integrations with other tools, Clio offers a solution for legal professionals to efficiently manage their clients, cases, and billing.
MyCase offers a wide range of tools for effective case management, client communication, billing and payments, and lead management. These features are designed to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and improve client relationships for law firms of all sizes.
PracticePanther is a law practice management software that provides a variety of tools intended to automate and streamline operations within a law firm. These tools cover areas such as case management, billing, time tracking, and client intake. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, aiming to help legal professionals save time, reduce administrative tasks, and improve client relationships. It is suitable for law firms of all sizes.
CARET Legal is a legal practice management software that offers a range of tools for case management, billing and accounting, document management, contact management, and secure client communication. The software is designed to provide a unified platform to help law firms enhance efficiency, improve productivity, and improve client service. It caters to legal professionals across various practice areas.
Rocket Matter is a legal software tailored for law firms of various sizes. It provides a suite of tools encompassing case management, timekeeping, billing, payment processing, and document management. Additional features include online invoicing and secure file sharing. The software is designed to offer a unified platform to help law firms manage their matters, enhance efficiency, and increase profitability. It caters to solo practitioners, small firms, and mid-sized to large law firms.
CosmoLex is a legal practice management software that caters to law firms of various sizes. It offers a range of tools for case management, timekeeping, billing, payment processing, document management, and client relationship management. Additional features include calendar management, workflow creation, trust accounting, and integrated payment processing. The software aims to provide a unified platform to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and ensure compliance, eliminating the need for separate accounting software.
HoudiniEsq is a legal practice management software that provides both cloud-based and on-premise solutions. It includes a suite of tools for case management, billing, invoicing, document management, and workflow automation. Additionally, it features an integrated AI assistant, email client, and chat. The software also has a reporting and customization system and can integrate with various applications such as Acrobat, Outlook, Word, WordPerfect (yep, WordPerfect is still a thing), Office 365, Google, and Quickbooks. It is used by solo practitioners, legal teams, and agencies.
Lawmatics is a legal software platform designed to assist law firms with client intake, legal billing, and marketing efforts. The platform offers features such as automated scheduling of consultations and reminders, email campaigns for past clients, and automated follow-ups. It also provides a centralized platform for tracking the status of all leads and clients, and offers tools for document management, task management, and e-signatures. Lawmatics is designed to integrate with a law firm's existing workflow, aiming to increase efficiency and revenue.
MerusCase is a cloud-based legal practice management system that seeks to simplify operations for law firms of all sizes and sectors. It provides features such as document management and automation, time tracking, billing, calendaring, email, and case management. The platform is designed to adapt to a firm's specific needs, enabling efficient navigation and quick access to case files, documents, and other pertinent information. Additionally, it offers training and live support, unlimited storage, and robust security, positioning it as an extensive solution for law firms seeking to automate daily tasks and expand their business.
Here are some of the stand out features of each solution:
Each of these platforms has its strengths and unique features, and the best choice would depend on the specific needs and preferences of your firm.
Legal research tools are essential for any law firm, providing a vast database of case law, statutes, regulations, and other legal materials. These tools enable efficient and reliable legal research, making it easier to find the information you need to support your cases. Here are some leading solutions in this category:
Fastcase is a legal software that offers a variety of tools aimed at enhancing the efficiency of legal professionals. It provides a suite of cloud-based software, including Fastcase for legal research, Docket Alarm, and NextChapter, designed to expedite research goals and tasks. Fastcase also provides data-driven tools to assist in answering questions and advancing legal practice. It offers data feeds and links to enhance marketing and client resources, with a focus on automation. Fastcase is used by numerous national, state, and county bar associations and offers a free trial for new users.
Westlaw, a product of Thomson Reuters, is a legal research service that provides various platforms to cater to diverse needs. These include Westlaw Precision, which offers capabilities for quicker case relevance; Westlaw Edge, which provides AI-enhanced reports and data-driven insights for strategic case planning; and Westlaw Classic, which provides legal research with access to a large collection of primary and secondary law. All versions of Westlaw aim to improve the efficiency and accuracy of legal research, positioning it as a dependable resource for legal professionals.
LexisNexis offers a suite of tools and resources for law firms designed to help law firms conduct thorough and efficient legal research, develop solid case strategies, perform effective transactional law, and stay updated on legal and business news. A few of the tools available are as follows:
Bloomberg Law is a legal research platform that integrates legal technology, analytics, research tools, primary and secondary sources, news, expert analysis, and business intelligence. It offers legal AI tools and data analytics with the aim of enhancing productivity for lawyers. Bloomberg Law provides ongoing product updates at no additional cost to subscribers and unlimited access to all its content. It also offers access to breaking news from a large team of reporters worldwide. For small and mid-size law firms, Bloomberg Law provides predictable pricing, AI-powered tools, and broad coverage to assist with compliance, understanding of legal and employment practice developments, tax code changes, and docket coverage needs.
Casetext is a legal research platform that utilizes AI technology to provide a variety of tools for law firms, including CoCounsel, an AI legal assistant. CoCounsel is capable of performing tasks such as document review, legal research memos, deposition preparation, and contract analysis. It aims to identify crucial documents in contract databases and key information in discovery, with the goal of increasing accuracy and reducing costs. Since 2013, Casetext has been used by over 10,000 law firms and offers a free trial for new users. The platform is designed with the intention of enabling lawyers to deliver higher-quality, more efficient, and more cost-effective representation.
Effective document and data management is key to maintaining efficiency in a law firm. These tools automate the creation of frequently used documents, digitize paper documents, and provide a secure and organized system for storing, searching, and sharing documents. Here are some of the solutions in this category:
HotDocs is a document automation software that aims to streamline document workflows. Its platform, HotDocs Advance, is designed to reduce the time spent on drafting, assembling, and distributing documents, potentially improving efficiency. The software also seeks to mitigate risk by helping to prevent legal issues that could arise from inaccurate content or typing errors. HotDocs allows for the creation of document templates that follow internal business rules and centrally manage all versions, which could enhance compliance. It also aims to improve document quality by applying rules, version control, and internal brand guidelines to all templates. HotDocs is used by over a million users in 60 countries for its document generation capabilities.
Worldox, now a part of NetDocuments, is a document and email management solution that centralizes an organization's knowledge and intellectual property. It aims to improve document organization, control, and access, ensuring that content is accessible to authorized team members. The system includes features such as document profiling, security controls, full text retrieval, version control, and document history. Worldox addresses issues like misplaced documents and lengthy information searches, offering a solution to enhance the management and retrieval of data for legal professionals.
NetDocuments is a cloud-based content management platform that caters to legal professionals. It provides a system for organizing, automating, and collaborating on work-related content. The platform emphasizes security, aiming to protect information from potential threats and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. NetDocuments integrates with commonly used software, aiming to streamline workflows and anticipate future needs. With a history of over 20 years in the cloud, NetDocuments offers solutions at scale and includes built-in tools, seamless integrations, and open APIs. The platform is designed with a focus on user-friendly experiences and has been adopted by over 4,000 customers in the cloud.
iManage is an artificial intelligence-enabled platform designed to optimize knowledge management within organizations, including law firms. It provides robust document and email management systems that facilitate data connections, informed decision-making, and collaboration. The platform also emphasizes the protection of intellectual property through embedded governance security and promotes innovation via its network of partners and integrations. Additionally, iManage offers a user-designed application, "Work 10", aimed at enhancing productivity in document and email management.
Box is a cloud-based platform designed to streamline work processes by offering secure collaboration tools that can be accessed from any device. It places a high emphasis on the security of sensitive files, providing advanced security controls and information governance. The platform supports collaboration among various stakeholders, including teams, customers, partners, and vendors, and promotes digital workflows. Box also includes integrated e-signatures for digital business processes and allows for the automation of repetitive workflows. It is compatible with over 1,500 app integrations, enabling teams to work in their preferred manner without compromising on security or manageability. For customization, Box provides open APIs and developer tools. It also offers tools for content migration and user management to enhance control and visibility.
Dropbox Business is a cloud-based platform designed to facilitate secure file sharing, synchronization, and collaboration. It offers features beyond storage, such as electronic signatures, document tracking, and backup capabilities. The platform provides various plans tailored to freelancers, growing teams, and complex teams, each with different storage capacities and features. Dropbox Business includes features for real-time document analysis, advanced document management, and personalized document spaces. It also allows for the easy restoration of lost or deleted files and offers a secure method for sending large files through Dropbox Transfer. The platform emphasizes security and control, providing tools for data management and visibility across an organization.
Accounting and Financial Management tools are critical for managing budgets, cashflow, taxes, and all other accounting needs. They simplify tasks such as invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, providing a clear picture of your firm's financial health. Additionally, they can facilitate faster and more convenient payments. Here are some leading solutions in this category:
Xero is an accounting software that offers tools for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers. It provides features for tasks such as paying bills, claiming expenses, and connecting bank accounts. Xero also offers plans tailored to accountants and bookkeepers, including data capture capabilities and mobile access. With pricing options to suit different business needs, Xero aims to provide essential accounting solutions.
QuickBooks is an accounting and financial management software that provides tools and features to help businesses manage their finances effectively. It offers plans and pricing options for small businesses, along with additional services like payroll and live bookkeeping assistance. With QuickBooks, businesses can track income and expenses, invoice and accept payments, manage receipts, track time, and generate reports. The software is designed to simplify accounting tasks, assist with tax preparation, and provide support for staying organized and compliant.
FreshBooks is an accounting software designed for business owners and accountants. It offers easy-to-use features for invoicing, accounting, payments, expenses, time tracking, projects, reporting, and mobile access. With professional invoicing capabilities, users can impress clients and automate payment reminders. FreshBooks caters to freelancers, self-employed professionals, businesses with contractors, and businesses with employees. It has been used by over 30 million users worldwide. The software integrates with over 100 apps, providing an extensive solution for streamlining business operations. FreshBooks also offers award-winning customer support with highly-knowledgeable staff available globally.
Clio Accounting is an accounting software designed specifically for law firms. It offers features for managing legal and trust accounting in accordance with industry regulations. With Clio Accounting, law firms can easily track and manage client funds in trust accounts, ensuring compliance and separation from the firm's operating funds. The software provides a simplified user interface for reconciling accounts, allowing users to match trust transactions to their bank account statements directly within the platform. Clio Accounting also generates reports required for trust accounting compliance and provides the ability to set up separate ledgers for trust and operating accounts. In addition to trust accounting, Clio Accounting helps law firms manage their overall financial health, including work in progress, billing history, invoice payments, and more. The software integrates with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks Online, enabling seamless data synchronization and simplifying financial management for law firms. Overall, Clio Accounting provides law firms with the confidence and efficiency they need to handle their accounting tasks effectively.
LawPay is an online payment technology designed specifically for the legal industry. It offers a secure and efficient way for law firms to process payments, with the added benefit of compliance with ABA and IOLTA guidelines. The platform is endorsed by all 50 state bars, over 60 local and specialty bars, and the ABA. LawPay also integrates with most major practice management solutions. In addition to payment processing, LawPay recently introduced LawPay Pro, an end-to-end legal billing solution that includes time-tracking, invoicing, and digital billing within the platform.
CosmoLex in addition to offering a suite of tools for legal practice management, CosmoLex provides features for legal billing and payments, and law office accounting. The platform connects each entry to the relevant client matter and includes calendar, document, and email management functionalities. It also has capabilities for capturing billable time, generating invoices, and processing electronic payments. CosmoLex includes a client relationship management (CRM) component, document management tools, calendar management features, trust accounting tools, and integrated payment processing.
The client intake process is a critical first step in establishing a successful attorney-client relationship. Law Firm Intake Tools are designed to streamline this process, providing efficient and effective solutions for capturing, tracking, and managing potential clients. These tools offer a range of services, from virtual receptionist and live chat services to client relationship management (CRM) and workflow automation. They aim to enhance initial client communication, automate scheduling and reminders, and provide a seamless transition from potential leads to active clients. Here are some of our picks for solutions in this category:
Ruby is a platform offering virtual receptionist and live chat services. Its goal is to help businesses manage their customer communications by providing human-powered solutions. The platform is designed to be flexible, catering to businesses of various sizes and specialties. Ruby's services range from part-time backup to full-service support, depending on the needs of the business. The platform also integrates with other tools, providing a unified platform for customer communication.
LEX Reception is a service providing 24/7 legal reception and answering services. The platform is designed to support law firms of all sizes, offering services such as call screening, appointment scheduling, and real-time notifications. It also provides bilingual services for a more inclusive client communication. LEX Reception integrates with various CRM systems and offers a mobile app for on-the-go access. The platform aims to improve lead response time, automate feedback tracking, eliminate data entry, and streamline workflow.
Smith.ai is a platform that combines artificial intelligence and human agents to provide 24/7 customer engagement. The platform offers services such as virtual receptionists, outreach campaigns, and web chat. The virtual receptionists handle calls, the outreach campaigns aim to engage and qualify leads, and the web chat service offers both bot and human interactions for pre-sales and customer support. Smith.ai integrates with various software systems, automatically logging calls, chats, and appointments. The platform is designed to serve various industries including law firms, home services, software & SaaS, and marketing agencies.
Clio Grow is a cloud-based client intake and legal client relationship management (CRM) software. It is designed to help law firms streamline their client intake process. The platform offers features such as online intake forms, document automation, and e-signature capabilities. It also provides appointment booking, automated reminders, and tracking of potential clients through various intake stages. Clio Grow integrates with Clio Manage, allowing information captured during the intake process to sync directly when leads are converted to clients. The platform also includes features for automating workflows and reporting on new business channels.
With the multitude of online solutions used in a law firm, maintaining security across all platforms is essential. Password Management tools securely store and manage your passwords, ensuring that you can access your tools without compromising security. Here are some leading solutions in this category:
LastPass is a password management tool that provides secure password storage and autofill capabilities across multiple devices. The platform uses encryption at the device level to ensure the security of stored passwords, which are kept secret even from LastPass. In addition to password management, LastPass offers features such as dark web monitoring, multifactor authentication, and compliance with global security certifications. It also provides a built-in password generator and a security dashboard. The platform offers different plans tailored to individual users, families, and businesses.
Dashlane is a password management tool that provides secure storage and autofill capabilities for passwords. The platform uses device-level encryption to ensure the security of stored passwords, which are not accessible even to Dashlane. It offers features such as continuous scanning of breach and hack records, two-factor authentication, and compliance with global security certifications. Dashlane also includes a built-in password generator and a security dashboard. The platform provides different plans tailored to individual users and businesses. It also offers a dark web monitoring service that sends alerts if any stored personal data is compromised.
1Password is a password management tool that provides secure storage and autofill capabilities for passwords across multiple devices. The platform uses device-level encryption to ensure the security of stored passwords, which are not accessible even to 1Password. It also offers features such as continuous scanning for potential security incidents and compliance with global security certifications. 1Password includes a built-in password generator and a security dashboard. The platform provides different plans tailored to individual users and businesses. It also offers additional features such as storing sensitive documents, SSH keys for developers, and many other secrets. It facilitates secure sharing and collaboration, and provides actionable security recommendations through its Watchtower feature.
Keeper Security is a password management tool that provides secure storage and autofill capabilities for passwords. The platform uses device-level encryption to ensure the security of stored passwords, which are not accessible even to Keeper Security. It offers features such as continuous scanning for potential security incidents and compliance with global security certifications. Keeper Security includes a built-in password generator and a security dashboard. The platform provides different plans tailored to individual users and businesses. It also offers additional features such as storing sensitive documents, SSH keys for developers, and many other secrets. It facilitates secure sharing and collaboration, and provides actionable security recommendations through its Watchtower feature.
Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that offers a variety of features to help users protect their online accounts. These features include password generation, password vault, autofill, sharing, and two-factor authentication. Bitwarden has been independently audited by Cure53, a security firm, and found to be secure and reliable. It is free to use for personal accounts and is a good choice for law firms, as it offers a variety of features that can help to protect sensitive data.
NordPass is a secure and reliable password manager that offers a variety of features, including a dark mode, password health features, and a family plan. It is a good choice for users who are looking for a password manager with these features. NordPass also offers the standard features, such as password generator, password vault, autofill, sharing, and two-factor authentication.
| Feature | Bitwarden | NordPass | LastPass | Dashlane | 1Password | Keeper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Password generator | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Password vault | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Autofill | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Security breach checker | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dark mode | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Password health | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Family plan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Price | Free, Premium, Family | Free, Premium, Family | Free, Premium, Family | Free, Premium, Family | Individual, Family, Business | Individual, Family, Business |
| Unique features | Open source, free tier includes unlimited passwords and devices | Dark mode, password health feature, family plan | Emergency access feature, password sharing with guests | Device trust, password generator | Watchtower, Travel mode, secret sharing | Data breach alerts, audit logs, self-hosted option |
With remote workers becoming commonplace, good telecommunication tools are vital for maintaining effective communication within your team and with clients. These tools offer features like video conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing, facilitating seamless communication regardless of location. Here are some leading solutions in this category:
Vonage is a telecommunications company that offers a variety of communication services for businesses. The platform provides unified communications, contact centers, and communication APIs. Vonage aims to enhance customer experiences and facilitate employee connections from any location and on any device. The platform's services include messaging, voice, video, and data capabilities. It also offers tools for customer engagement, such as conversational commerce, which aims to turn conversations into sales by engaging customers on their preferred channel. Vonage is used by over 100,000 businesses worldwide and has registered over 1.15 million developers.
RingCentral is a telecommunications company that provides a unified communications platform for businesses. The platform includes messaging, video, phone, and fax services, all accessible from a single app. RingCentral also offers a webinar service and customer experience solutions. The platform is designed to integrate with various business applications and provides features such as call handling, video meetings, team messaging, and integrated fax. It also offers professional services and a range of phones and headsets. RingCentral aims to support businesses of all sizes and across various industries.
Ooma is a telecommunications company that offers customizable communication solutions for both businesses and residential users. For businesses, it provides phone, video, and messaging solutions, while for residential users, it offers home phone service and smart security solutions. Ooma aims to keep users connected from anywhere and provides features such as e911 services for emergencies. The platform is designed to be flexible and caters to the needs of various sizes and types of businesses. It also offers a community for small businesses to help each other grow and get the help they need for their Ooma communication needs.
Zoom Phone is a cloud-based phone system provided by Zoom, a company widely recognized for its video conferencing solutions. The platform offers a variety of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) features, aiming to provide a flexible and scalable phone solution for businesses of all sizes. Zoom Phone includes features such as call handling, voicemail, call forwarding, and automated attendants. It also integrates seamlessly with other Zoom services, allowing users to switch between voice calls and video meetings. The platform is designed to work across multiple devices, enabling users to make and receive calls from anywhere.
Google Voice for Google Workspace is a cloud-based phone system that integrates with other Google Workspace products. The platform offers VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) features, providing a flexible and scalable phone solution for businesses of all sizes. Google Voice includes features such as call handling, voicemail transcription, and Google Calendar and Google Meet integration. It also provides a web application and mobile apps for Android and iOS. The platform is designed to work across multiple devices, enabling users to make and receive calls from anywhere. Google Voice offers different plans tailored to the needs of various sizes and types of businesses.
All of these cloud-based solutions offer cloud-based VoIP services with a variety of features, including unlimited calling to the US and Canada, international calling, voicemail, call forwarding, call recording, video calling, conferencing, text messaging, and apps for iOS and Android. Pricing generally starts at $9.99 per month.
Here are a few of the unique, stand out features for each of these solutions::
Vonage: Visual voicemail, call screening, call analytics
RingCentral: Team messaging, video conferencing, cloud faxing
Ooma: Home security system integration, free local calling
Zoom: Breakout rooms, screen sharing, live transcription
Google Workspace: Integration with Google Workspace apps, spam and phishing protection
Pricing: Prices generally start at $9.99 per month.
In the legal profession, time is a precious commodity. Automation tools can help law firms make the most of their time by streamlining repetitive tasks and processes. By automating these tasks, law firms can free up more time for their team to focus on more complex, high-value tasks that require human expertise and judgment.
Automation can be applied to various areas in a law firm. For instance, document assembly tools can automate the creation of legal documents based on pre-defined templates, saving hours of manual work. Similarly, practice management software can automate tasks like client intake, billing, and scheduling, reducing administrative burden.
One popular tool for automation is Zapier, which allows you to connect different applications and tools to automate workflows. For example, you can set up a 'Zap' to automatically create a task in your task management tool whenever a new case is added in your practice management software. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing the risk of errors and saving time.
Another area where automation can bring significant efficiency gains is email management. Tools like SaneBox and Front help manage email overload by using artificial intelligence to automatically sort and prioritize emails, provide a unified inbox for team collaboration, and offer automated workflows to enhance productivity and ensure important client and other communications are never missed.
Automation can also help with client communication. For instance, client relationship management (CRM) software such as those provided in some of the Legal Practice Management Software section above can automate follow-ups with potential clients, ensuring you stay top of mind without having to manually track and manage each follow-up.
Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions like ChatGPT and Google Bard are becoming increasingly valuable tools for law firms. These AI models can streamline various tasks, from legal research and document drafting to client communication and contract review, thereby creating new efficiencies and opportunities. AI can be a powerful ally, but it's important to approach its use with a clear understanding of its limitations since AI models can often "hallucinate", or generate information that isn't factual. For example, in testing we found that ChatGPT actually used information in it’s database to synthesize a sexual harassment case that didn’t exist. When we called the tool out on this, it apologized and admitted that it was not factual.
This can be avoided in learning how to use these tools in a way that minimizes hallucinations, including using prompts in an intelligent way and lots of human review and verification. Also having realistic expectations about what it can and can’t do, especially when it comes to law-related matters.
Here are a few ways in which solutions like ChatGPT or Google Bard could be useful in a law firm.
Again, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of verifying the accuracy of the information it provides. It’s ideal if your firm has a subject matter expert in using these AI tools, who can also train others. It may even be worth contracting with an outside agency or consultant who is expert in using these tools. Here are a few example prompts to give you an idea of some use cases for your firm.
Incorporating chatbots, such as LawDroid or AlphaChat, into a law firm's website can be a game changer. These AI-powered assistants can provide immediate responses to visitors, answering common questions and guiding them through various processes. They can operate around the clock, ensuring that potential clients receive assistance whenever they need it. Here are some of the benefits of using chatbots on a law firm's website:
Safeguarding sensitive client data is a top priority and law firms need to adopt robust security measures to protect against data breaches and cyberattacks. Here's a breakdown of some of the key steps to enhance your firm's data security:
As law firms integrate technology into their operations, managing the resulting "tech stack" can become a complex task. This is where Managed IT Services for Law Firms can make a significant difference in the implementation and maintenance of the firm’s technology. They bring expertise in managing diverse IT infrastructures, ensuring that all components of the tech stack work seamlessly together. This allows law firms to focus on practicing law - while the IT partner takes care of technology management.
A Managed IT Services partner can offer:
The process of implementing and maintaining a tech stack is a continuous journey that requires strategic planning and ongoing effort. Here is the basic outline to follow:
Building a robust technology stack for your law firm is not just about adopting the latest tools or trends. It's about strategically leveraging technology to enhance your firm's operations and improve client service and outcomes.
While the process may seem complex, remember that it's a journey, not a destination. The key is to start with a clear understanding of your firm's needs, then choose and implement tools that address these needs effectively. And remember, the technology is there to serve you, not the other way around.
Don't hesitate to seek help. Whether it's from IT professionals, peers who've been through the process, or the technology providers themselves, there's a wealth of resources available to guide you.
