The Hi-Tech of Cloud Service Providers in Law Firms
May 24, 2017
It is no secret that attorneys are not the fastest movers into the tech world. As a general rule, attorneys do not like to make changes in how they run their practices. Which is a bit strange when you consider that the rest of their lives is full of change. However, more firms are learning that the Download our cloud report to learn more about how the cloud can help your firm stay competitive in the legal industry.
More consumers are expecting more out of their services, and legal is no exception. Once a client hears that law firms are using portals, digital vaults, and special security and mobility options, then other firms better get on board to keep up with the competition.
Digital Vaults
A digital vault is a spot on a server hard drive locked with special privileges. In most cases, there are only two people who have access to the vault – the client and the attorney. Cloud service providers can create these vaults and make them available to as many people as you need, and the cost is relatively low for you and for the client. The firm can purchase several of these vaults and have them available as needed. The vault is billed monthly, which is then charged to the client if they request. Probates, wills and other documents can be stored in the vault, and all previous versions are kept safe within it.
The vault file system is managed by your law firm and can allow access to as many employees as you wish. Each file within the vault can be structured and protected as you need, so once a file has been updated by both parties it can be stored and not altered without a new version being created.
The Mobile Advantage
Lawyers are always on the go and it is about time technology has caught up with them. Mobile phones and tablets have become a standard staple in the attorney’s arsenal. In fact, according to the Chicago-Kent Law Library blog, “Half of all attorneys use a tablet now.” Smartphones and tablets give lawyers access to all their case files within their office. The mobile office has become so common that it is now a standard in the law industry.
Connecting to clients have never been easier, and it is about to become even more so. Through virtual portals, clients will have the ability to videoconference attorneys on their iPads. Awesome! And a little terrifying. It has its place and that place you will be able to determine. Not much different than the iPhone’s FaceTime application, the client will call and the attorney can accept or not.
Management
This applies to your office and the cases you handle every day. According to the American Bar Association, these are some of the primary resources you should be using the cloud for:
There are several tools that can help your firm achieve all of these suggestions and much more. The key takeaway is to work smarter, not harder. If you talk to your cloud service provider you may find a software suite that will perform all the functions above and more. A suite would allow you to use one vendor to supplement all your cloud software applications. Get a free assessment and find out more about all-in-one practice applications.
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