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P E E R T O P E E R : I L T A ' S Q U A R T E R L Y M A G A Z I N E | W I N T E R 2 0 2 0
F E A T U R E S
New matter process requires using multiple sys-tems, often entering some of the
same data more than once.
SOLUTION: Single Data Entry: Custom front-end software can integrate with multiple
sys-tems and output the correct information to each of those systems with only one entry
on the part of the initiator. Remove repetitive entry entirely.
Manual or partially automated Client/Matter Intake processes lack data
validation, resulting in messy databases with errors or omissions.
SOLUTION: Rules-based Data Validation: In a customized front-end, automate data clean-
liness and compliance. Required fields can display dynamically based on the matter type and
role of the initiator. Get all the correct data on the first try and keep databases clean.
Lack of customization leads to acceptance issues, bottlenecks, and internal push
back, wasting time and causing repeat work. Firms accept that they have to use
workarounds with their application.
SOLUTION: Fully-Custom Solution: keep existing applications, but add a fully
customizable matter intake solution. Areas of customization can include: forms, data,
routing, approvals, conditional events, exceptions & special circumstance handling,
time-line enforcement, escalations, system integrations, automated system and re-minder
notices, and automated or ad hoc reporting. Customization can change with time or adapt
to newly added systems in the overall network.
Approvals fail to align with the way a firm needs them to work, especially matters
with exceptions or special circumstances.
SOLUTION: Custom Approvals and Routing: Rules-based routing for standard and
special circumstance approvals can easily accommodate a firm's unique circumstances
and can easily adapt to re-organizations. This can also identify and route to the primary
approvers or their designated alternates based on the matter type, in addition to other
data-driven or threshold criteria selected on the form as it is completed.
The Best Resources We Found
A few articles really stood out. They focused on automation at law firms
or reviewing legal-focused automa-tion solutions:
American Bar Association Guide on Using Automation to Improve
Your Practice
Discusses new business intake, document management, accounts payable,
billing, compliance, and client communication.
An Attorney Provides a Detail-Rich Account of His Automation Efforts
Explores client communication, scheduling, billing, new business intake, and
document assembly and management.
An Incredible, Comprehensive Review of 35 Current Legal Software
Applications
From Emerj, an AI research and advisory company, explore many current (and
some cutting-edge) legal automation solutions. Covers areas like due diligence,
case prediction, analytics, document assembly, billing, and more. ILTA
Jeannette Russell is the President and founder of I-nnovate, a
leader in law firm workflow automation and systems integration
for nearly 20 years. She specializes in working with firms
to leverage investments made with both contemporary and
legacy systems by optimizing business processes that often
see institutional resistance to change or adoption. Under her
leadership, I-nnovate has assisted numerous AmLaw 200
firms achieve their digital transformation goals through high
return software automation solutions. She can be reached at
jrussell@i-nnovate.com.
