publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/395170
effectiveness, efficiency and necessity, and developing a new policy and procedure plan that eliminates unnecessary administrative tasks. While small changes are often sufficient, in some cases, a complete overhaul might be in order. • Make sure the technology complements the process. That might involve purchasing new computer equipment and software or repairing and upgrading an existing environment. Such changes will reduce unproductive time and help speed the final process. • Additional training and materials should be provided after all current manuals and training documents have been updated to support the new procedures. Align tasks with proper staff expertise. • A firm should establish measurable goals to determine whether the new processes provide the desired improvement. EFFICIENT BILLING BENEFITS ALL The legal industry has experienced tumult in the last decade, from a recession that rattled firms across locations and industries to increased client demands to technology that is changing with breathtaking speed. E-billing is one area that has presented significant challenges for many firms. However, e-billing will not go away. Clients now have intelligence they never had before and very high expectations. The effect on the bottom line of timekeepers not getting paid can often impact a firm by more than 50 percent. Law firms have no option but to adjust both their technology infrastructure and their related procedures. Firms that do not respond to client demands and cannot comply with their requirements will compromise their business relationships. By being responsive to client demands and focusing on continued process improvement, firms can maximize profitability, realize benefits from automated e-billing processes, cut paper to e-bill conversion costs, reduce e-bill submission costs, shrink training and maintenance costs, process six times as much work per staff member, speed e-bill collection cycles, decrease related write-offs, increase staff efficiency and ensure faster payment from clients. The right approach also allows firms to differentiate themselves from the competition and improve relationships with clients, benefiting firms and clients alike. ILTA WHITE PAPER: OCTOBER 2014 WWW.ILTANET.ORG 36 EFFICIENT BILLING AND FASTER PAYMENTS HELP FIRMS THRIVE A firm should establish measurable goals for the team to ensure the new processes provide the desired improvement.