AN ADERANT WHITE PAPER FOR LAW FIRMS EMBEDDED CASE MANAGEMENT: A BETTER WAY AUGUST 2014, ADERANT HOLDINGS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Transcription

1 AN ADERANT WHITE PAPER FOR LAW FIRMS EMBEDDED CASE MANAGEMENT: A BETTER WAY AUGUST 2014, ADERANT HOLDINGS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2 EMBEDDED CASE MANAGEMENT: A BETTER WAY For law firms seeking to increase profitability, reduce risk and enhance client service, case management software that s embedded into core business processes offers a better way of managing cases. It s a time-saving tool for a firm s fee earners and support staff, while delivering compelling improvements to business operations. EMBEDDED CASE MANAGEMENT: A BETTER WAY - 2

3 WHY LAW FIRMS NEED A COMPREHENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The business of law has made rapid advances in recent years, but along with that has come increased competitive pressures and higher client expectations. Case management systems address these needs by providing a suite of capabilities including standardization and automation of tasks, document assembly and template management, and workflow enablement that enable firms to operate at higher performance levels. Benefits include greater collaboration, streamlined information access, more effective client communications and enhanced management visibility. Modern case management software also helps firms more effectively manage fixed-fee billing and other alternative fee arrangements, ensuring high levels of productivity and client service. This translates into increased competitiveness especially important with the growing trend toward a competitive bidding process that relies less on established relationships and more on superior service at the lowest possible price. A Case Management System Delivers Comprehensive Information at a Glance In addition, case management systems provide users with comprehensive, up-to-date information at a glance. This facilitates exceptional client responsiveness, including promptly responding to inquiries, proactively communicating important issues and justifying pricing and billing. EMBEDDED CASE MANAGEMENT: A BETTER WAY - 3

4 THE CASE AGAINST SEPARATE SYSTEMS Case management software has been in use since the 1980s, delivering important benefits to adopters. But traditional case management solutions have a built-in shortcoming: they operate separately from financial management systems. Even so-called integrated systems require work-arounds and periodic data synchronization. This results in significant inefficiencies. Because of the need to manage information from two applications, important tasks such as oversight, collaboration and reporting are more challenging. And there are time-draining reconciliation issues when, inevitably, data from the separate systems don t match. While most law firms can benefit from implementing a case management system, choosing a separate or third-party solution can limit operational efficiencies and competitive advantages. Practice Management System Application Chaos Workflow Financial Management Analytics/Dashboards Rules Database Case Management Document Management Client & Matter Intake Resource Management Business Intelligence Calendar/Docketing Matter Management Matter Planning Time & Billing Business Development Profitability EMBEDDED CASE MANAGEMENT: A BETTER WAY - 4

5 BETTER TOGETHER A new generation of case management software from Aderant promises to deliver an enhanced experience and important advantages. This approach embeds a rich suite of capabilities into the proven Aderant Expert practice management solution, creating a framework that is both simpler and more powerful: Ensures one version of the truth Provides 24x7 availability of business data Eliminates data synchronization and duplicate data entry Features self-installation, pre-configuration, easy customization and mobility capabilities Offers improved support due to one database schema and no silos of expertise Utilizes one common service layer, consistent user interface methodologies and a consistent toolset for set-up and management Better Together Business Intelligence Case Management Matter Planning Client Intake Matter Intake Expenses Collections Aderant Expert INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE Workflow Time Capture & Reconstruction MOBILITY On the Go Mobility Business Development Paperless Billing EMBEDDED CASE MANAGEMENT: A BETTER WAY - 5

6 By creating a unified solution that s truly integrated, this new approach not only delivers enhanced benefits, but it also offers a lower cost of ownership. Embedded Case Management Software Brings it All Together EMBEDDED CASE MANAGEMENT: A BETTER WAY - 6

7 KEY BENEFITS AND CONSIDERATIONS When considering which case management solution is right for them, decision-makers should look for a single, scalable offering that can grow with the firm, as well as built-in management of client service-level agreements (SLAs). Equally important is choosing a supplier with a proven track record. Aderant, for example, has been providing case management solutions for more than two decades, with a continuous client-focused development process that incorporates user input and feedback. That experience and expertise results in unsurpassed functionality that delivers key benefits such as streamlined business processes, enforced consistency and enhanced client service. And it also ensures successful implementations that minimize disruptions and begin delivering tangible results from the first day. With Aderant Expert as their framework, firms are assured of a robust, flexible foundation for the future that enables them to adapt quickly to changing business conditions, new business imperatives and evolving legal software technology. For law firms seeking to improve profitability and competitiveness, an embedded case management system from a leading provider such as Aderant can raise the firm s operations to a higher level. Improve Productivity Reduce Risk Enhance Client Service Streamline Business Processes Enforce Consistency Improve Law Firm Competitiveness Automate repetitive tasks and functions Workflow enabled task management Leverage Microsoft Office (and other systems integration) Single solution Minimize inaccuracies Visibility and awareness of critical court dates Consistent data capture Improved analytics and trending Increase visibility of management of matters Identify bottlenecks and improve processes Tracking of client SLAs EMBEDDED CASE MANAGEMENT: A BETTER WAY - 7

8 ABOUT ADERANT With more than 35 years dedicated to delivering practice management solutions, Aderant is the world s largest independent legal software provider offering comprehensive practice and financial management solutions for law and professional services firms of all sizes worldwide. With more than 3,300 clients, their products and services are designed to help securely, effectively, and profitably manage your firm and gain a competitive advantage. From case and financial management to business intelligence, CRM to legal calendar and matter management, Aderant offers a wide suite of legal software solutions to optimize operations, protect assets, and increase the bottom line. Ultimately, the focus is to help manage, grow, and protect businesses with innovative, proven solutions that are backed by superior service and ongoing support INFO@ADERANT.COM August 2014, Aderant Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved EXP_WP_ _v01 EMBEDDED CASE MANAGEMENT: A BETTER WAY - 8