An agile approach

Charlotte Parkinson, Modern Law, spoke to Dolores Evelyn, Eclipse Legal Systems about how an agile approach to running a law firm, whether a niche firm or a full service entity, is fast becoming the solution to the challenges presented in the modern legal arena.

Recent legislative changes have forced many law firms to swiftly acclimatise and adapt to a completely new marketplace. Developments in a multitude of areas of the legal market are forcing many firms to take stock and reconsider their approach. In order to remain afloat, firms have to consider ways to run their practice as an agile business. In most recent times, changes to the personal injury sector have forced many firms to reconsider their approach to the market entirely. Consolidation of the market is a threat, and these changes have affected the whole legal market, but it is the niche law firms in particular which might be experiencing the brunt of the new landscape.

A challenge for all

The ‘Red Tape Challenge’ launched by the Government - a scheme devised to cut lengthy regulatory and administrative processes – has also lead to a number of legislative revisions in recent years and the legal sector has been on the receiving end of these. Although the scheme initially proposed changes to make processes within business easier, it has also sparked changes which have caused a greater work load for some firms. As well as the reforms to PI legislation, this government scheme has sparked change for regulation of claims management companies and commercial law amongst others. Reforms to the entire sector, such as the LASPO act and developments in commercial and public litigation in recent years have brought about swathes of change across the wider legal market. In light of these ongoing developments and reforms, there are a number of different ways in which these firms of all kinds can consider diversifying to retain a competitive offering for clients. For niche firms of all specialisms, there is an option to adjust and streamline processes to take into account these new factors and continue to remain profitable regardless of the changes.

How to streamline your service

The recent legislative changes to Road Traffic Accident Claims, for example, have seen government reforms affecting how these claims can be practised – and the new fixed fee regime being introduced, which has led to these types of claims becoming less profitable. Many firms have been looking at ways of streamlining their processes within these claims (such as utilising technology) in order to reduce overall costs – thus still benefitting from taking on RTA claims, regardless of the legislative change. Some firms are looking to restructure their processes by diversifying and taking on new areas of legal service offerings, in order to increase and expand the firms’ client base and ensure they stay ahead in the new market. Looking at ways to adapt quickly and effectively and remaining agile by adopting the ability to diversify your business offering is something which all law firms now have to do in this newly competitive and evolving market.

As Dolores, the Sales Director, at Eclipse Legal Systems, says:

“An agile business approach has to be underpinned by technology. Without the ability to create great IT processes, you are at an immediate disadvantage. Processes should reduce administration, remove duplication, and provide a ‘framework’ for increased efficiencies. So if you have the right kind of software, you can not only create processes which improve the way you do things now… but you can also expand these core processes into different work areas – using the nuts and bolts of your existing methodologies. “We have a wide range of clients, using our Proclaim Case and Practice Management systems, who have successfully expanded into new work areas – or configured the way they deal with existing ones. They have all used this ethos – taking a great ‘process’ and adapting it to a changed or new environment. The fast and agile will survive and thrive!”

Specialist private-client practice chooses Proclaim

Christchurch-based law firm, Williams Thompson Solicitors LLP, is implementing Eclipse's Proclaim Practice Management Software solution.

Stephen Bowden, Partner at Williams Thompson, comments:

"This is major investment in the future for our firm.  It reflects the confidence we have in our business and our recognition as to how essential it is to ensure that we continue to provide an exceptional quality of service to our clients.  Having investigated the market widely, we came to the firm conclusion that Eclipse’s Proclaim software was best placed to enable us to take full advantage of the latest IT developments available and will assist us in improving both our administration and our client services.  We are really looking forward to the benefits that we believe this investment will bring."

Williams Thompson specialises in private-client legal services, specifically in the areas of property, family and probate.  The firm sought to replace its incumbent system with a solution that could provide new client service tools, cross-practice matter consistency and reporting.

Eclipse's Proclaim system is being implemented as Williams Thompson's core Practice Management solution.  Dedicated Matter Management casetypes in conveyancing, family and probate are being introduced, as well as a bespoke casetype solution to cater for non-standard work areas.  The integrated Proclaim Accounts solution will provide firm-wide financial management, while Proclaim's Credit Control Centre will ensure tight management of client payments.  As part of the implementation, Eclipse is carrying out a migration of data from the incumbent financial system.

Williams Thompson is also taking the Proclaim Lead Management and Compliance toolsets to provide seamless client inception processes, with ongoing adherence to SRA regulations.

Express Solicitors: driving efficiencies and business growth

James Maxey, Managing Partner at Express Solicitors, tells us how Proclaim Practice Management Software has enabled him to grow his practice.

About Express Solicitors

• Personal Injury claims specialist, from RTAs through to complex negligence cases
• The very first firm to implement Proclaim ABS PI
• 150 staff and growing…

Click here to view video

Explosive growth at Personal Injury specialist

Leeds-based law firm, Michael Lewin Solicitors, has announced explosive growth at a time of challenging legislation for claimant solicitors.

Michael Lewin Solicitors was founded in 2001 and has recently passed the 120 employee mark (across 4 office locations). The firm implemented Eclipse’s Proclaim Practice Management software solution in 2009, when headcount numbered 15 employees, to replace its incumbent Case Management system.

Proclaim is utilised by all Michael Lewin staff, providing a core centralised solution for a range of injury claim types – from minor RTA (Road Traffic Accident) claims through to £multi-million clinical negligence matters.  The firm also utilises Proclaim as its practice accounting and reporting toolset, providing full integration with fee earner activity.

Michael Lewin’s expansion is not complete – the firm has introduced a range of non-personal injury services in recent times – all using Proclaim – including debt recovery and employment work.

Abbie Keech, Director at Michael Lewin, comments:

“Back in 2009 we sought out a system – and a supplier – aligned with our aggressive growth plans.  Proclaim has delivered over and above expectations, providing an easy to use and incredibly scalable solution.  We can process claims with greater speed, greater accuracy, and in greater volumes.  Proclaim’s flexibility in, for example, enabling us to add more work streams outside of the core personal injury work, is invaluable.”

The shortlist for the Eclipse Proclaim Personal Injury Awards

We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the Eclipse Proclaim Personal Injury Awards 2013 which take place on 26th November in London at the Park Plaza Riverbank hotel.

Due to the large number of high calibre nominations received, the panel of judges were faced with many tough decisions to make when whittling down all the entries to create the final shortlist of firms and individuals.

The shortlist for the 17 awards can be seen below:

Associated Industries Award
HARTECuk
i-sign
Trevor Gilbert & Associates

Barrister of the Year
Theo Huckle QC – Civitas Law
Stuart McKechnie – 9 Gough Square
Hugh Preston QC – 7 Bedford Row

Barristers’ Chambers of the Year
9 Gough Square
Civitas Law
Parklane Plowden

Claimant Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year
Warren Collins – Simpson Millar
Peter Garsden – Quality Solicitors Abney Garsden
David Greenwood – Switalskis
Lorna Vanderkamp – Roberts Jackson Solicitors

Claimant Personal Injury Team of the Year
Hugh James
Quality Solicitors Abney Garsden
Roberts Jackson Solicitors
Switalskis – Child Abuse Team

Defendant Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year
Jared Mallinson – Horwich Farrelly
David Pugh – Keoghs

Defendant Personal Injury Team of the Year
Direct Line Injury Teams
Horwich Farrelly
Keoghs

Claims Management Company of the Year
Atrium Legal
First4Lawyers
S&G

Insurance Provider of the Year
ARAG
DAS LawAssist
F&L

Mediation Achiever of the Year
InterResolve
Quentin Smith

Medical Agency of the Year
Doctors Chambers
IQED
Speed Medical

Outstanding Case of the Year
Hugh James
TRUE Personal Injury Solicitors
Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP

Practice/Operations Manager of the Year
Imran Akram – Asons Solicitors
Abdul W Hussain – Carter Law Ltd
Gladys Swaim-Rutter – Roberts Jackson

Rehab Provider of the Year
Medicess
Momentum Skills
Papworth Trust Rehabilitation

Young Achiever of the Year
Leila Bridgett – Roberts Jackson Solicitors
Kevin Timms – Garden House Solicitors
Helen Tinsley – Keoghs
Gladys Swaim-Rutter – Roberts Jackson

Outstanding Achievement Award
To be announced on the night

Lifetime Achievement Award
To be announced on the night