Which Type of Management Software is Right For Your Law Firm?

Originally published on June 8, 2020. Updated March 10, 2023.

Law firms use software to streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies, and offer better services to their clients. The right software exponentially improves the way your team works, so if you’ve been looking for solutions for your firm, know that you’ll benefit greatly from incorporating one into your law firm’s workflow.

When you consider options for a management software, you’ll notice that there are two types of systems: case management software and practice management software.

So, what is the difference between case management software and practice management software, and which is best for your law firm? Read on for more information to help you decide.

WHAT IS CASE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FOR LAW FIRMS?

Case management software provides you with the tools you’ll need to stay on top of all aspects of your cases. Client outreach, correspondence with insurance companies, and many other vital processes can be tracked, assigned, and in some cases, automated through case management software.

WHAT IS PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FOR LAW FIRMS?

Practice management software includes the same features of case management software, but it has the added benefit of managing other data and processes that are vital to running your firm. One of the most powerful tools is the inclusion of business analytics, which can help you identify how cases are impacting your bottom line.

WHY BACKDOCKET RECOMMENDS PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

We’re big believers in practice management software as a solution to most law firms’ problems. Practice management software offers users a more comprehensive toolkit to grow their firms.

As we mentioned, this type of software has all the benefits of case management systems. It also improves communication and efficiency across all aspects of a firm’s operations, not just those directly related to cases.

When you use practice management software, you’re incorporating business analytics into the data you use. This means that you aren’t simply optimizing the parts of your practice that relate directly to litigating cases. Instead, you’re looking at how to bring in new clients, follow up on prospects, move cases forward, and follow up on settlements or owed payments.

Although they’re more capable and powerful, practice management systems aren’t necessarily more expensive than case management systems, either. You’ll often get a much bigger bang for your buck with the right practice management software.

LOOK AT A SOFTWARE’S FEATURES TO FIND THE RIGHT FIT

Ultimately, you’ll want to research the specific features of each software you’re considering to determine whether it’s the right fit for your firm. Every firm has different needs, so conducting some basic research will help you narrow the field of candidates.

Look for software that meets your needs regarding:

• The size of your firm and number of people using the system
• The functionality you need to manage and improve your firm’s processes
• The onboarding and learning opportunities offered by the software’s provider
• The support you’ll receive if you encounter issues

Some firms are granular about what they need from software. If that’s the case at your firm, consider it a good thing; you know exactly what you need the software to do. However, in most cases, a firm’s team members want their management system to be flexible. Take time to speak to representatives of the management software you’re considering to make sure it offers what you’re looking for.

WHY BACKDOCKET COULD BE THE ANSWER TO YOUR PROBLEMS

At backdocket, we’ve built our software to solve the most pressing problems facing growing law firms. In fact, we are constantly collaborating with our clients to address their specific needs, and offer the option to customize any client’s software to make sure it delivers the features and functionality our clients want.

Our team centralizes all your firm’s information so your staff can quickly access a client’s information. We’ve automated processes that might otherwise be overlooked and create a backlog. Above all else, we want backdocket to meet you on your terms instead of requiring you to fit to our system.

CONTACT OUR TEAM ANYTIME TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BACKDOCKET

Choosing the right management software for your law firm might seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. At backdocket, we love working with law firms to assess their needs and see how our product could solve their problems.

We also know that cost is a concern for every firm, regardless of their size or growth. That’s why we charge a flat monthly rate of $39.99 per user. This price point makes our software extremely competitive with other systems that are less accommodating to the needs of growing firms. If you’re in the market for a practice management software, give us a call to learn more about backdocket. We offer free demonstrations, so you can find out if backdocket is the right fit for your law firm.

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