Firms nationwide are exploring their work from home options. Technology is what enables us to work remotely in the first place, so it’s important to evaluate your available tools to empower you and your staff. Here is the essential technology to keep your firm running:
Case management software has been available to attorneys for decades and they’ve become a staple for many personal injury practices. However, some server-based softwares only provide access to local computers, making working from home near-impossible.
With the advent of the Cloud, platforms like Amazon and Microsoft have enabled case management softwares to be accessible from anywhere, and with as little as a stable internet connection. These modern softwares are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive so as to provide attorneys with the tools they need to handle their most complex cases from their own home.
For those of you already using CASEpeer, users have the ability to perform intake, access your cases, track staff productivity, and even text your clients from any device. With as little as an internet connection, you can still provide your clients with quality service and keep your doors open (figuratively, of course).
This can be set up through a VoIP service provider or a digital receptionist.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology allows you to convert your voice into a digital signal, meaning that you can use the internet to make and receive calls. This means that, compared to traditional landline phones, your phone services won’t have to keep you tied to your office. Signing up with VoIP service providers such as RingCentral, Vonage, Nextiva, and Grasshopper will give your firm more tools to seamlessly work from home. For law firms already using VoIP, be sure to reach out to your provider about transitioning from hard phones to smartphone applications and computers; or send phones home with your staff.
Signing up for a digital receptionist service such as Ruby Receptionists and Smith.ai will also provide your firm with the tools to effectively handle its intake needs while working remotely. Smith.ai, for example, combines live agents with A.I. to provide superior virtual receptionists for phone calls, web chats, and SMS texts your firm might receive.
Every week in the CASEpeer office starts off with an all-staff stand-up meeting. As we transitioned to working remotely, our office has leaned on video conferencing apps to continue these “face-to-face” meetings and as a means for our teams to stay connected. There are plenty of platforms such as Zoom, Skype, GoToMeeting, and Slack. With these platforms your firm can thankfully stay in touch with your staff while safely practicing social distancing. In fact, we highly recommend your team meet at least once a day to touch base on any pressing cases and matters your firm may be working on.
Being on a video conference for an entire work day isn’t feasible for most of us. For the less pressing conversations, we recommend your law firm turn to workspace chat applications, such as Slack, Microsoft Chat, and Google Hangouts. We personally recommend Slack, which offers a free plan for new users.These platforms have the workspace in mind, and features tools such as channels and announcement capabilities to let your team communicate effectively.
Pro tip: If using Slack, create different channels to separate more focused work conversations from the office banter.
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As we continue living in changing circumstances, it is even more important to create contingency plans for your law firm. We’re all in this together, and harnessing work from home technology will assure your staff and clients of your commitment to them and to your firm’s long term success.