Law firms are always collecting and sharing information. Critical data flows back and forth between clients and employees too. One little mistake could cost a firm money – and their reputation. To tackle document sharing and data collection, workflow automation technology provides several benefits.
#1 Increased Accuracy
Using workflow automation to collection information saves on menial tasks. A client punching in data saves a paralegal time manually keying in the data from a paper form. This automation will also stop the back-and-forth emails or time spent on phone calls with intake details. It also lessens mistakes with data entry.
#2 Better Productivity
Some workflow automation software will notify the lawyer or associate that a document is ready for review or signature. A firm can even configure reminders to make sure documents are processed in a timely manner. It is even possible the workflow software can integrate with billable hours tracking so that an analysis can be made to enhance time-spent on billable and non-billable activities.
#3 Greater Client Satisfaction
This is the digital age and clients want to take advantage of digitally signing documents when possible. No matter how old-school your firm is, you must accept this. As an example, DocuSign and Adobe Sign are used with different software packages. Clients will appreciate uploading documents to storage in the cloud (like Dropbox or OneDrive) from the comfort of their homes.
#4 Freedom from the Boring
Nobody becomes a lawyer to push papers around. With the correct workflow automation tools, a lawyer can use technology to:
- Initiate document requests
- Obtain internal approvals
- Document signatures, dates, and information receipts
- Organize and finalize documents
Workflow automation software is configured to set conditions to trigger next actions. As an example, if a firm is trying to collect a potential client’s details or sign up for the firm’s newsletter, their email is address is automatically added to a spreadsheet, like MS Excel.
#5 Mobility and Collaboration
Improved collaboration is supported by moving document workflow to the cloud. With more people than ever working remotely, sharing information online is beneficial. In real-time, with several tools, people can work together online. Even those still back in the office can enjoy the benefit of keeping up with a case and communications when they are on the go. Clients and staff can stay engaged from any mobile device with cloud software.
#6 Extra Security
An old-school law firm solely relying on paper documents is at risk of all its firm’s history going up in flames or being destroyed by flood or other natural disaster. Cloud based workflow automation can digitize and provide an online backup of the information. As always, it is a good idea to have another backup as well. We recommend keeping current data backed up in three different locations.
#7 Savings
The accurate and efficient handling of administrative tasks by workflow automation software means hiring fewer administrative personnel. In addition, with digital documents, think of the storage space you save since you no longer need file cabinets. You might even be able to add some meeting rooms, office space or even cut your real estate costs because you need less space.
Conclusion
Workflow automation is available to any law firm. There is Google Forms, Microsoft Forms, and Dropbox, or DocuSign. There are intermediate tools like Zapier and IFTTT. Then there are workflow automation tools that are specific to law firms.
No matter the software, you need to have the right IT Policy and ITSM processes in place to support it. That is where an IT Policy and ITSM Consultant can assist you.
If you have not read our eBook guide yet, here’s the link again ‘The Top 5 Tech Mistakes Lawyers Make.’
The Top 5 Tech Mistakes Lawyers Make
Posted from my blog with Exxp : https://itsmrhino.com/blog/7-things-lawyers-benefit-from-workflow-automation/