Transfer to the Cloud
So you’ve finally decided to take the plunge into cloud-based law practice management- congratulations and welcome to the world of the cloud! As you prepare to set up your files in the system, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you prepare for this new and exciting transition.
Keep Calm—It’s Handled
We all know someone who takes care of business, the person who helps you through stressful situations. Set-up should not be stressful and with the right provider, it won’t be.
Make sure you understand who will be assisting you in training on your new cloud based practice management system. Will you be able to talk to a real, live person? Or are you left to pre-recorded webinars and cookie-cutter user guides? Make sure the support that is offered is aligned with what you expect. Expect a real person to personally and professionally walk you through each step.
Security and Data Import
You’ve managed to wade through hundreds of cloud based practice management options-and settled on the one with the highest data security rating, right? Of course you did, but why does data security matter? It matters because your reputation and frankly livelihood is built on trust. Your clients trust you to keep their matters confidential and keep those records secure no matter where you move them. When transferring files to your new practice management software, make sure your provider affirms how safe and secure your data is. Look for the SOC2 data certification. This premier compliance standard includes security, availability, processing integrity, and confidentiality trust service principles as defined by the AICPA. Basically, this is the real deal certification in data security and your provider needs to have it.
Hidden Fees? No Thanks
Most people enjoy surprises, but not surprise monthly fees! Understand that support should be free of charge and available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the form of a real person on the other end of the phone. Yes, it is possible to reach someone at all times and yes, you should expect it. Understand that calling centers with 8am-8pm hours may not be available to you when you absolutely need help depending on what coast you live on. Not fun.
Leave Nothing Behind
Don’t leave anything out—make sure all of your contacts, clients, matters, documents, calendars, tasks, activities, and more can be set up in your new system. Check with your provider on how to efficiently import entire folders into your new system. Your provider should communicate this to you in the onboarding process as it is an important feature. Importing by the bulk will save you time so you can start billing what matters, like firm-wide happy hour.*
(*It is not recommended to bill firm-wide happy hour)
Firm Central from Thomson Reuters is the cloud based legal practice management tool designed for solo and small law firms. Learn more here.
The post Ease the Anxiety of Onboarding to Practice Management appeared first on Law Technology Today.
