How to select the right law practice management software for your firm

Step 1: Begin with the end in mind

This statement is from Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and it’s the most important item on your checklist.

It’s critical to determine your goals and expectations of the practice management system at the very beginning – even before you begin researching provider options. During this process you need to:

• Identify your information-management and day-to-day workflow pain points and gaps.
• Make a list of goals and needs before you look at a solution’s features.
• Consider what will be a priority in your future, will you eventually want to:
  • Add staff or practice areas?
  • Have the option of working remotely?
• Prioritize your goals.
• Expand the list as you examine various tools and note features you’d like to have.

There will be trade-offs. Let’s repeat – there will be trade-offs.

For instance, being able to easily record billable time is likely a goal for all law firms. But you may want to generate invoices or export billing information as well. Selecting a system with all of the functionalities you want and need requires good planning. If your law practice management solution has a shortcoming or an overly complex feature, understand this before you purchase.