publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/535467
ILTA WHITE PAPER: JUNE 2015 WWW.ILTANET.ORG 19 For example, the firm might ask a client to collect terms information for the assembly of a letter of intent to be signed by the client's customer. That information can later be fed into the assembly of a lease agreement, and a workflow can automatically route nonstandard document requests to attorneys within the firm for review. Once a document has been finalized, a combined solution can leverage the workflow to send the document to the client and the client's customer for electronic signature. All of this also allows for the collection of a rich set of data that can be analyzed for trends and exceptions. NEXT STEPS When exploring combined client-connectivity solutions, attorneys and IT leaders should look for platforms that deliver the functionality they and their clients need to yield value and strengthen the firm-client relationship. Features to consider include: • An Intuitive Approach: Any collaboration tools or platforms must be easy to install and use or no one will take advantage of them. These platforms should integrate well with existing legal technology to extend their native functionalities and allow for customization within the platform. • A Truly Collaborative Tool: Firms might have considered collaboration platforms such as SharePoint, which offers robust document storage, workflow and the ability to integrate easily with other legal technology systems. Law firms should also think outside the box. Platforms such as Salesforce are not used by corporations just to run their sales functions but also by HR and even legal for contract management. This and other platforms offer document collaboration, social features, workflows, APIs and the ability to create custom secure microsites for clients. As attorneys and staff become increasingly comfortable with social media, some programs also do an excellent job with less formal communication methods. This allows for quick and easy exchanges that provide immediate feedback and information. • Data Analytics: Firms should look for programs that allow for extensive reporting, searching and analytics capabilities. • Security Features: For IT personnel, the security of these systems should be a major concern, especially when they reside in the cloud, as many do. IT staff and others at the firm should ask potential providers what security features are in place, such as data encryption and sign- on features. Firms might also want to look for providers that offer dedicated space in the cloud rather than mingling data with that of other organizations. Working with providers that have proven track records can ease many worries for law firms and clients. • An Exit Strategy: Whether tools are legal- specific or initially targeted toward other sectors, many are tied to proprietary platforms. That means if firms decide to switch to different software programs they may not be able to convert their data. It is important to look for systems that allow firms to retrieve their own information whenever they want it. EMBED YOUR FIRM IN CLIENT OPS The old days of emailing files or delivering packages of documents to clients are long past. Today's businesses expect immediate responses using a wide range of software and communication tools. If law firms want to retain business, set themselves apart and improve efficiencies, they should look for collaboration systems that embed the firm's expertise directly into the client's operations. By doing so, they establish themselves as true partners and invaluable counselors. CREATING CLIENT CONNECTIVITY PLATFORMS TO IMPROVE CLIENT SERVICE