A lot of work goes on in law firms. It involves managing different types of work all at the same time. This is coupled with ensuring clients are well-informed and meeting tight schedules. It is so easy to fall short of being an excellent law firm without proper planning and management.
Thus, it is essential for law firms to use project management tools to help manage their firms. The use of project management tools is not restricted to a particular area of practice. Car accident lawyers, personal injury lawyers, and other kinds of lawyers can all use project management tools in managing their law firms. It is not limited to one area of practice. It cuts across various areas and practices of law.
In this article, we will discuss the best project management tools. The benefits of using management tools in law firms will also be addressed.
Project Management and Software for Law Firms
Project management involves organizing and planning projects in a company until they are completed and project management tools can be used to achieve that.
Law firms can plan, organize, execute and track their projects using project management tools. This is very essential because workflows can be tracked and collaboration between teams in the firm is fostered. It also enables law firms to track their projects and get a better understanding of the status of each client’s case.
There is a variety of project management software that can be used. In choosing software, its features and benefits must be considered. It must be such that it meets the needs of the law firm and also possesses features that can better manage the firm’s needs. Examples of some project management tools that law firms can use are:
- Nifty
- Avaza
- Work zone
- Trello
- Exterro
- Mycase etc.
Benefits of Project Management Tools
It has been established that project management tools are used to plan and improve the projects within law firms. Some of the ways law firms can use project management tools to better provide excellent service to their clients include:
1. Tracking projects
There are project management tools that allow you to categorize your tasks. You can keep track of your tasks in the law firm by naming and updating the status of each task. This way you can know which task needs to be completed in a client’s case and when. Lawyers can meet the necessary deadlines for each task.
2. Promote teamwork
Project management software allows collaboration between team members. You can share files, edit tasks and track progress together. This eradicates any form of confusion and everyone is on the same page, working towards a particular goal.
3. Management of resources
Law firms can know the time and effort required for each case and allocate resources accordingly. For example, if a case is not meeting the target deadline because it needs expert review, the law firm can have such a case reviewed by an expert accordingly.
4. Foster productivity
When tasks and schedules are properly organized, there is room for increased productivity. Tasks are properly assigned to members of the law firm and a highly organized workplace gives employees a healthy environment for productivity.
5. Keeping clients well informed
There are project management tools that allow clients to see the status of their cases. Clients can keep track of their cases. This also enables clients to communicate any issues they might have with the law firm.
This enables good communication and transparency between the clients and the law firm. Clients can trust their lawyers more with their cases when there is transparency.
6. Ensuring changes are well incorporated
Some changes might arise as the case proceeds. Using project management tools is a well-organized way to incorporate changes to a client’s case. This ensures that the law firm does not leave out any of the changes in the client’s case.
7. Ability to use cases as templates and reference documents
Project management software organizes and stores cases worked on in a law firm. This allows the law firm to refer to the documents used later on as a template for other cases. They can also be used as a reference for documentation purposes in future cases.
8. Efficient planning for budgets
You can plan the cost of each client’s case using project management tools. You will be able to give a detailed report to the client about every cost incurred on their case. You can track and budget better and accordingly using project management software. This enables the firm to spend within the set budget for each case. The firm can track when they are spending above their budget and account for extra expenses.
9. They give more time to focus on other clients
Since project management tools are planning and organizing software, they give you more free time to attend to other clients. You’re able to write contracts and letters as fast as possible because of the already stored-up templates on the software. Hence, this gives you enough time to focus on the needs of other clients. You will also have the advantage of being able to take more briefings in the firm.
10. Help you avoid duplication of tasks
Project management tools enable you to mark already completed tasks as done. This prevents you from duplicating a task and ensures you don’t appear as careless to your clients.
11. Accurately ensure completion of tasks
Time is of the essence in a lawyer’s work and all tasks must be completed within the stipulated time. A delay in getting a case done can adversely affect the case and affect the firm’s reputation.
Project management tools ensure reminders are set concerning every task. This ensures you get things done at the right time and do not miss important deadlines.
Conclusion
A highly organized and properly managed law firm is every client’s dream. Project management tools are valuable resources that a law firm can utilize in this regard. Lawyers can meet their obligations when their workflow is streamlined. It also improves their work process and ultimately provides a good lawyer-client experience.