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By Jared Correia
These days, most law firms have invested in a law practice management software solution — that’s a relational database organized around matters, and it helps law firms to better organize their cases. Law practice management, or case management, software often becomes the business software hub for lawyers who adopt it.
Most modern law practice management software now includes “client portals,” which allow law firms to share information with clients via the software through a secure platform. Lawyers add information to the client portal, and clients access the information by creating a unique login and password to the portal. For the law firms, this is an effective and easy way to gather and share data with clients. But it’s also inherently more secure than using email for the same purpose, because that data never leaves the law practice management system — whereas email messages (including their content) may be exposed, as they pass through various servers on the way to their final destination. Data accessible via the client portal never goes to transit and remains encrypted the entire time.
Law firms can add branding, share notifications, documents, invoices and more via a client portal. Truly, almost any client interaction can take place through this media. And some lawyers love client portals so much, they direct all client communication to that spot — even including a clause in the engagement agreement reflecting that.
So, if you’re not using a law practice management software, check out the options. Don’t know where to start? I can help. And if you’re already using one, consider the client portal as an efficient and effective communication platform for your clients.•
Jared D. Correia, esq., is the founder and CEO of Red Cave Law Firm Consulting. A former practicing attorney, Jared has been advising lawyers and law firms for over a decade. He is a regular presenter at local, regional and national events, including ABA TECHSHOW. He regularly contributes to legal publications, including his column, “Managing,” for Attorney at Work, and his “Law Practice Confidential” advice column for Lawyerist. Jared is the author of the American Bar Association publication, “Twitter in One Hour for Lawyers.” He is the host of the Legal Toolkit podcast on Legal Talk Network. Jared also teaches for Concord Law School, Suffolk University Law School and Solo Practice University.
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If you’re looking to enter the client portal, we can help.
Through a collaboration with the IndyBar, Jared Correia and Red Cave Consulting are proud to offer NO FEE one-on-one virtual law practice management consulting for all IndyBar members and Practice Builder subscribers.
To request a consult, visit the IndyBar law practice management consulting landing page at www.indybar.org/lpm, and start running your law firm like a business.
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