Eclipse implements bespoke Proclaim Case Management Software solution at HD Law

Eclipse Legal Systems, the sole Law Society Endorsed legal software provider, has implemented its Proclaim Case Management solution at new start-up firm, HD Law.

The Bradford-based practice specialises in litigation involving the Consumer Credit Act 1974, in general recovering compensation for those who have fallen victim to mis-sold financial products or products purchased using credit. This includes a wide range of claims including mis-sold insurance policies such as PPI, under-performing investments, timeshare and renewable energy products and interest rate hedging products.

The new start-up has opted for an entirely bespoke Proclaim Financial Claims Software solution which will facilitate a secure approach to individual client files, bringing with it a high level of efficiency to the firm's operations and enabling staff to seamlessly share cases with an established Leeds-based practice. Furthermore, Proclaim will help to streamline processes for HD Law by collating all incoming documents, ensuring every piece of client matter is stored, ready for extraction, in the relevant case.

The firm has also implemented Eclipse's Task Server tool which will eradicate hours of administration time by carrying out various time-consuming yet vital tasks - ideal for a busy start-up practice.

Adam Hizzett (pictured), Director at HD Law, comments:

"From previous experience with Eclipse and Proclaim I knew the software was the market leader and definitely the best placed solution for our business. As a new start-up it's essential we are able to establish ourselves and maintain the impeccable standards we promise to our clients. Thanks to Proclaim, I can be confident moving forward that our claims processes can be handled expertly within the system, allowing us to focus on expansion and outgrowing our competition."

Eclipse's Proclaim Practice Management System selected in 6-figure deal by QualitySolicitors Copley Clark

QualitySolicitors Copley Clark, part of a national network of law firms, has selected the Proclaim Practice Management Software solution from Eclipse, the Law Society's sole endorsed provider.

Based in Surrey, the multi-disciplinary practice offers an array of legal services to individuals and businesses, ranging from family and probate through to conveyancing and employment law. The firm prides itself on its reputation for providing clients with access to some of the best lawyers in the UK.

In a 6-figure deal, Copley Clark will be rolling out ready-to-go Proclaim Case Management solutions across a number of departments including Conveyancing and Probate to provide a one-stop desktop application for fee earners. As part of the implementation, Eclipse will be conducting a full data migration from the incumbent system, allowing the integrated Proclaim practice accounting and financial toolset to be implemented, resulting in increased efficiency throughout all departments.

Furthermore, to ensure practice-wide compliance, the firm has opted to take Eclipse's integrated compliance toolset providing an improved risk management strategy.

Copley Clark will also benefit from a number of Eclipse integrations, including with the Land Registry's Business Gateway (LRBG). The Conveyancing team will have full access to Land Registry services directly from their desktop, providing the ultimate in operational effectiveness as well as enhancing overall client service.

Taking this further, the firm has implemented Eclipse's TouchPoint self-service portal to provide a device-independent and interactive experience for clients, enabling fee earners to deliver bespoke real-time data and information, resulting in an entirely personal 'self-service' experience.

Esther Janalli-Brown (pictured), Partner at Copley Clark, comments:

"As part of such an established network of law firms, we need to ensure our systems are the best they can be. Eclipse's Proclaim software was the obvious choice, not only as the market leader, but also as the Law Society's sole endorsed provider. With Proclaim we've found a solution that will improve our internal processes, financial management and compliance strategy, as well as enable us to enhance our client service - something that is crucial for us to continue staying ahead of the competition and maintaining our enviable reputation for incomparable client service."

Eclipse's Proclaim Case Management solution implemented at Personal Injury expert, Brooklands Solicitors

Brooklands Solicitors, a law firm specialising in Personal Injury, has chosen to implement the Law Society Endorsed Proclaim Case Management Software solution from Eclipse Legal Systems.

The Bolton-based firm represents clients nationally, recovering compensation for all types of Personal Injury claims from road traffic accidents (RTA) and slips, trips and falls through to accidents at work. The practice has gained an excellent reputation by ensuring its clients receive an individually tailored service, provided by its highly experienced and understanding team of solicitors.

As the Personal Injury sector is renowned for heavy document production, Brooklands decided to implement a Proclaim Personal Injury Case Management system to increase productivity and cope with an expanding volume of cases. The desktop application will provide fee earners with all the necessary precedent letters, produced at the click of a button, saving hours of administration time and enabling staff to concentrate on client relationships.

Taking this further, Eclipse's Task Server tool will automate a number of regular tasks, carrying out the time-consuming yet vital administrative chores. Brooklands will be able to rely upon the Task Server to alert the team as necessary to ensure actions are never overlooked.

Furthermore, a key business driver for the practice was to have the ability to process RTA claims entirely through the Proclaim desktop. Thanks to Eclipse's integration with the MoJ's Claims Portal, fee earners will have 2-way access via the 'Application-to-Application' technology, providing clients with a fast and proactive service.

Zeeshan Muneer, Director at Brooklands Solicitors, comments:

"By implementing Proclaim we are providing ourselves with a solid platform for development and growth which is something we are committed to doing within the rapidly changing legal landscape. We will now be able to streamline our processes efficiently which will enable us to focus solely on our clients, rather than the labour-intensive administrative tasks.

"In summation, Proclaim will help us to maintain our ability to deliver exceptional results and exceed client expectations."

Eclipse's Proclaim Practice Management System supports new start-up, Virtus Law Ltd

New start-up firm, Virtus Law Ltd, is implementing the Law Society Endorsed Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse Legal Systems.

The new Manchester-based firm has been founded by Director Rossanna Schurink and will be primarily focusing on Personal Injury. Having worked in a number of large national firms, Rossanna decided to set up Virtus Law Ltd to provide clients with expert advice and guidance through a process which can often be traumatic. This ambitious new start-up plans to expand in the future, continuing to offer a personal touch that can often be lost in larger practices.

Virtus Law Ltd will be implementing a ready-to-go Proclaim Personal Injury solution enabling a secure and instantaneous approach to matter management. Proclaim’s integrated practice accounting and financial management toolset will provide a seamless approach to billing and overall practice management, supplying a detailed analysis of operations.

Additionally, the practice will take advantage of Proclaim’s integration with the MoJ’s RTA and EL/PL Claims portal via a seamless Application-to-Application (A2A) method, enabling comprehensive management of claims through the Proclaim desktop.

Furthermore, as a solution to the ‘know your customer’ problem, Virtus Law Ltd will benefit from the integration between Eclipse and CRIF, the ID/AML checking service. Ideal for a busy new start-up practice, the ID checking service will allow Virtus Law Ltd to request ‘one-click’ ID and AML checks directly from the Proclaim desktop, with search results returned directly to the relevant client files.

Rossanna Schurink (pictured), Director and Founder of Virtus Law Ltd, comments:

"As a new start-up business, it was imperative that I implemented the correct Practice Management solution to help me reduce as many administrative overheads as possible, and therefore focus solely on my clients. Proclaim stood out due to its unrivalled reputation and experience within the market, providing me with the confidence to know the software is entirely futureproof.”

Client Case Study: SSB Law

Dynamic Sheffield law firm boosts marketing efforts and client relationships with Proclaim Case Management Software 

“SSB is focused on offering excellent client services at a great price. Proclaim allows us to work efficiently so that the cost savings can be passed directly to the customer, allowing us to offer straightforward legal advice that doesn’t cost the earth.”

Steve Westwood, Operations Manager, SSB Law 

Sheffield practice, SSB Law, offers a wide range of services from family law and probate to personal injury and employment law.

Founded in 2007, the firm prides itself on its reputation for providing accessible legal services to suit any circumstance. SSB Law is unrelenting in its focus on client relationships, ensuring its team of handpicked staff is entirely focused on client success.

The Challenge
SSB Law required a scalable Case Management System, flexible enough to meet the firm’s requirements as it developed and grew over time. From previous research, the practice knew Proclaim possessed an exceptional level of versatility and provided a great open platform.

The Solution
SSB Law implemented the Proclaim Case Management System to provide fee earners with a user-friendly, centralised desktop application.

Furthermore, the practice opted for Eclipse’s New Business Enquiries module to manage ongoing relationships with potential clients, and analyse marketing strategies. As part of the drive to further enhance this, SSB Law also implemented Proclaim’s DotMailer connector, allowing for targeted and relevant email marketing campaigns.

The Results
Since implementing Proclaim, SSB Law has greatly enhanced its marketing efforts, and in turn its relationships with current and potential clients.

The NBE module has enabled staff to monitor and maximise conversion rates – from initial contact with a client through to instruction.

Taking this further, Proclaim’s DotMailer integration has enabled the firm to automatically upload all new enquiries to specific address books, ensuring all potential clients receive personalised and attractive email communications. Proclaim’s inbuilt reporting toolset means the practice can seamlessly identify particular client details and directly upload them to DotMailer, creating an efficient and accurate mailing list with minimal human intervention.

Case Study highlights
• Enhanced marketing efforts with Proclaim’s DotMailer connector
• Exceptional levels of versatility
• Maximised client conversion rates

Social Housing specialist, Viridian, to roll out Eclipse’s Proclaim Matter Management System

Viridian Housing has chosen to implement the Proclaim Matter Management Software solution from Eclipse Legal Systems, the Law Society’s sole Endorsed software provider.

The ambitious housing association provides social housing to over 30,000 residents spanning across London, the south east, the Midlands and West Sussex. Having experienced tremendous growth since inception, the association now owns around 16,000 homes and works in partnership with local authorities, organisations and residents to create safe, sustainable communities.

In order to streamline its processes and enable its lawyers to maximise matter management efficiency, Viridian Housing decided to invest in a flexible software solution for its in-house legal team. Eclipse’s Proclaim solution is being implemented to automate routine tasks and enable staff to benefit from enhanced regulation of their working practices. As part of the implementation of Proclaim, Eclipse will be conducting a data migration of existing and historical matters from Viridian’s incumbent system.

The housing association has also opted for Eclipse’s Task Server tool which will automate a number of routine tasks and enable staff to automatically schedule and distribute reports to relevant stakeholders, colleagues and third parties.

Katrina Robinson, Head of Legal at Viridian Housing, comments:

"As a rapidly expanding housing association, we need our core Matter Management solution to not only be as efficient as possible, but also as flexible as possible. It was clear to us from the outset that Eclipse offered the best solution within the legal software sector, allowing us to successfully build upon our new process improvement strategy, and concentrate on what we do best – providing a best-in-class legal service for our stakeholders.”

T M Costings chooses Eclipse’s innovative Proclaim Costs Drafting Software solution

T M Costings, a Buckinghamshire-based firm of dedicated costs lawyers, draftsmen and consultants, has selected a Proclaim Case Management Software solution from Eclipse, the sole Law Society Endorsed legal software provider.

Since its inception in 2005, T M Costings has grown year on year, largely through word of mouth, and now enjoys an enviable reputation for its unwavering commitment to client care, assisted by its continued development and maintenance of quality systems.

T M Costings has implemented a Hosted out-of-the-box Proclaim Costs Drafting Software application to integrate a core case management system with reporting, document management and word processing, providing a complete solution for the business needs of the firm.

As well as further streamlining its case management functions, the fully comprehensive Proclaim software will assist the firm with a number of aspects for bill creation, including production of a ‘red line’ bill. This latest ability, introduced by Eclipse earlier in the year, means T M Costings will be able to complete the preparation of a red line bill with greater efficiency, whilst maintaining the highest quality standards. Furthermore, once created, the bill can be electronically forwarded to the firm’s clients for instant review, therefore reducing settlement times and overall cash flow.

Toby Moreton, Principal at T M Costings (pictured), comments:

"In order to offer our complete ‘cradle to grave’ service, we needed a solution that would seamlessly encompass every aspect of civil and commercial legal costs. By implementing the Proclaim Costs Drafting Software we have significantly simplified the processes associated with these. Additionally, as a number of our clients are Proclaim users themselves, we can now offer a seamless file transfer service at the click of a button, ensuring much quicker case progression and a greatly improved bottom line.”

Client Case Study: Principal Global Investors

International firm utilises Proclaim Case Management Software for in-house legal services

“Overall, Proclaim has become an integral part of our business, enabling us to provide a seamless service to our stakeholders. Eclipse’s efficient approach to our needs and ability to provide a flexible and extremely robust solution convinced us that Proclaim is the definitive solution for legal services.”

Ruth Clapton, Head of Legal at Principal Global Investors

Principal Global Investors is the institutional asset-management arm of the Principal Financial Group.

The in-house legal team covers a wide range of law including asset management, employment and corporate. The team also act as the company secretarial department and look after a number of boards.

The Challenge
Principal Global Investors was looking for a system that would centralise all information into one desktop application and provide easy to use workflows in order to streamline procedures and make efficient use of the legal team’s time.

The Solution
A Proclaim Case Management Solution was implemented and is utilised across the department. Proclaim allows the legal team to open and commence work on cases as soon as instructions are received and allows staff to best manage the way in which cases are progressed, exceeding expectations in terms of efficiency.

Proclaim ensures the legal team is constantly connected. The system collates every piece of client information, which for stakeholders, means progress updates can be accurately provided by any member of the department. Data is sufficiently organised so every action taken can be seen and is available for recall within seconds, providing a seamless and efficient service.

The Results
Proclaim has enabled the legal team to provide stakeholders with more information, at a quicker rate and in a suitable format. Building the system in line with the organisation’s preferred way of working, means the team has been able to modify the way information is conveyed, whilst retaining the flexibility to make fast, reliable changes to workflows.

Additionally, Proclaim’s Task Server has proved invaluable in maintaining Principal Global Investor’s service. The Task Server automates regular tasks and now carries out administrative and time-consuming chores, whilst ensuring actions are never overlooked.

Case Study highlights
• International firm
• Seamless and efficient service
• Flexible and robust solution
• Exceeding expectations in efficiency

Gotelee Solicitors selects Proclaim Case Management to benefit from immediate process enhancements

Full-service Suffolk law firm, Gotelee Solicitors, is implementing the Law Society Endorsed Proclaim Case Management solution from Eclipse Legal Systems.

The leading firm offers a full range of legal services and has a reputation for its professional work and its personal approach with a broad range of clients, from individuals and families to companies and local authorities.

Gotelee will be implementing ready-to-go Proclaim Conveyancing and Personal Injury Case Management systems enabling both departments to experience immediate process enhancements.

Furthermore, the firm will benefit from Eclipse’s exhaustive list of ready-to-go integrations with a variety of complementary third party providers. Gotelee will take advantage of Proclaim’s integration with the Land Registry Business Gateway (LRBG) to allow the Conveyancing team seamless access to the Gateway directly from the Proclaim desktop, as well as enhancing the risk control element by using Proclaim’s integration with the online service, Lawyer Checker.

In addition, the Personal Injury team will have access to the MoJ’s RTA and EL/PL Claims portal via a seamless Application-to-Application (A2A) method, enabling staff to manage claims entirely through the Proclaim desktop.

Alistair Lang (pictured), Chief Executive Officer at Gotelee, comments:

"Having researched the legal software market for some time, we came to the solid conclusion that Proclaim was the best placed solution, enabling us to take full advantage of new process and efficiency gains.  Additionally, the sheer scope of Proclaim integrations will ensure we consistently provide a high quality and transparent service for our clients.”

Client Case Study: Goldsmith Williams

Proclaim provides award winning property expert with superb flexibility for over a decade

“Proclaim stood out to us as being both resilient and incredibly flexible. A decade later, the constant upgrades and the inclusive toolkits mean we can still rapidly adapt to the legal sector and tailor the software in line with our development. In short, Proclaim is utterly vital to us as a complete business tool.”

Eddie Goldsmith, Founding Partner at Goldsmith Williams Solicitors

Goldsmith Williams Solicitors – winner of the ‘Highly Commended Legal Partner’ in the Bridging and Commercial Awards – has utilised Eclipse’s Proclaim Practice Management software for over a decade. The firm now employs over 150 staff and offers expert legal advice in Conveyancing, Personal Injury, Probate and Finance.

The Challenge 
Goldsmith Williams was experiencing rapid growth within its services and required a robust and adaptable IT solution that would scale up in line with ambitious plans.

The Solution
In 2002, the firm chose to implement a Proclaim Practice Management Software solution. The flexibility of the system allowed Goldsmith Williams to tailor the solution in line with business needs and provided a fluid and reactive process that guaranteed cost-effectiveness.

In addition, FileView was implemented which allowed the firm’s clients access to case status and provided real-time, secure data. FileView enabled Goldsmith Williams to offer around the clock support to clients, without increasing staff numbers or hours.

Furthermore, Proclaim’s import/export routines are utilised extensively by the firm to integrate with other Proclaim users so case data can be instantaneously shared between Goldsmith Williams and its partners, creating and cementing strong relationships within the market

The Results
As an Eclipse client for over 10 years, Goldsmith Williams has witnessed Proclaim’s ability to evolve. The constant upgrades of the system have allowed for growth and development alongside the practice and its requirements. Today, Goldsmith Williams is one of the UK’s leading national law firms. The firm has the ability to rapidly adapt to any client needs, changes in legislation and as yet unknown requirements to the legal sector, thanks to Proclaim’s inherent flexibility.

Case Study highlights
• Integrated Practice Management Solution
• Utilised by over 150 staff
• Facilitates superb client service
• Seamless integration with partners

Eclipse fundraising generates over £9,000 for Martin House

A number of staff at Eclipse Legal Systems took part in the Great North Run on 13th September to raise funds for Martin House Hospice.

The group of runners participated as ‘Team Kelso’, a dedication to Dolores’ son, Kelso, who sadly lost his battle to cancer in 1993.

Despite the unexpected sun and soaring temperature, there were some excellent times posted by our runners, who all completed the half marathon in less than 3 hours.

• Tracey Longbottom (Sales Consultant): 2h 04
• Dolores Evelyn (Sales Director):           2h 29
• Kiran Gill (Relationship Manager): 2h 45
• Alex Haddy (Project Consultant):           2h 45

In order to show support for ‘Team Kelso’ all the staff at Eclipse took part in fantastic fundraising efforts – so much so, the original £5,000 target was increased to £6,000 – with special thanks to Claire Field (Accounts Consultant) for donating her time and baking skills to bringing in a variety of cakes to the Eclipse HQ, helping to raise £120 towards the overall target.

The fundraising total is now over £9,000 and continuing to increase, with all proceeds going to Martin House, a hospice for children, young people and their families from throughout the Yorkshire region.

Dolores Evelyn, Sales Director at Eclipse, comments:

“The support Team Kelso has received is overwhelming! We would just like to say a huge thank you to all who have donated as it truly makes a difference to the difficult lives of the children and families who rely on the Hospice.”

To show your support for our runners and the Hospice, visit the Eclipse Virgin Money Giving page.

Pictured below, 'Team Kelso', from left to right: Tracey Longbottom, Dolores Evelyn, Alex Haddy and Kiran Gill 

Eclipse celebrates summer success with over 30 new clients

Law Society Endorsed legal software provider, Eclipse Legal Systems, has announced superb summer quarterly results.

The 3-month period from 1st June 2015 - 31st August 2015 saw a total of 32 new client signings including 4 six-figure deals. Ranging from established high street practices through to boutique operators and new start-ups, the firms implemented an array of Proclaim Case and Practice Management Software solutions. Among the wins were:

• Full service law firm, Slater Heelis – utilising the Proclaim Practice Management Software solution across multiple areas of law

• Thomson Snell & Passmore, Guinness World Record holder for the UK’s oldest law firm – implementing a ready-to-go Personal Injury Case Management system

• Niche new start-up, Consilia Legal – utilising Proclaim Case Management Software with a bespoke Mediation solution

The continuing success of Eclipse and its Proclaim solution – now with over 23,000 users – can be attributed to the complete flexibility of the system. Available in a variety of flavours to suit firms’ needs, Proclaim has grown organically to become the most tailorable and complete solution available.

Eclipse’s Sales Director, Dolores Evelyn (pictured), comments:

"Our recent performance is evidence of the demand for flexible robust legal software and Eclipse’s reputation as the market leading supplier. Our broad range of clients and the diversity of their requirements mean Proclaim is often not seen as just a legal case management solution, but as an all-inclusive business management solution.”

Client Case Study: Jefferies

Compensation specialist selects Proclaim Practice Management Software solution to enhance personalised client service 

“Overall, as a well-established law firm, we continually develop our services to meet the needs of the dynamic personal injury sector. Proclaim is a fantastic solution for us as it’s completely flexible, therefore ensuring that we are providing the most efficient and tailored service for our clients.”

Michael Jefferies, Managing Director and Jefferies Solicitors 

Jefferies Solicitors has been providing personal injury legal services for over two decades. The firm deals with a wide range of compensation claims for accidents and personal injury throughout the UK. Operating from Altrincham and Hanley, Jefferies Solicitors provide legal advice with a strong emphasis on a friendly and approachable service to clients.

The Challenge
Jefferies was looking for a Practice Management Software solution that would regulate working practises across the firm, whilst allowing fee earners to continue providing a personalised service to
clients.

The Solution
After an intensive selection process, a Proclaim Practice Management Software solution was chosen. Proclaim provides all fee earners with full access to live cases – regardless of locations – and seamlessly stores all details of clients and their claims, simplifying the retrieval process.

Additionally, Jefferies also opted for Eclipse’s CaseViewer tool, allowing staff to export entire cases into non-Proclaim environments (e.g. a Microsoft tablet), and interrogate the history, from simple searching to filtering data based on tailored rules, without affecting the case in the main Proclaim system – extremely useful when in court.

The Results
Since implementing Proclaim, Jefferies has been able to operate as a paperless office. Every document is now scanned into the system and automatically stored in the relevant case history, minimising paper usage, whilst providing fee earners with a complete picture of cases.

In the future, the practice is planning to implement Eclipse’s TouchPoint system to take client service to the next level. TouchPoint will provide Jefferies’ clients with a completely personal ‘self-service’ experience and total transparency, giving them the ability to check on their case at any point and from anywhere – providing them with a greater understanding of the entire process.

Case Study highlights 
• 100% digital Practice Management Solution
• Paperless departments with no physical documents
• Integrated online portal technology
• Facilitates superb client service

Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall selects Eclipse’s Proclaim Practice Management Software solution

Greater Manchester and Lancashire law firm, Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall (WHN), has implemented the Proclaim Practice Management Software solution from Eclipse Legal Systems.

Employing over 100 specialists across seven locations, WHN offers a comprehensive array of legal services. The firm’s expertise ranges from corporate and commercial property disputes through to conveyancing and medical negligence. WHN prides itself on its commitment to delivering outstanding service and results to businesses, individuals and families.

The deal means the firm will be implementing the Proclaim Matter Management Software solution, with a ready-to-go Conveyancing Case Management system enabling the residential property team to experience immediate process enhancements. WHN will also utilise Proclaim as its integrated practice accounting and reporting toolset, providing a ‘one view’ approach to the firm’s finances and financial management data.  

As part of the drive to further enhance efficiencies in property transactions, WHN will take advantage of the integration between Proclaim and the Land Registry’s Business Gateway (LRBG). Providing two-way integration for both data and documentation, solicitors will have instant access via the Proclaim desktop application, delivering the ultimate in operational effectiveness.

Mike Gillibrand (pictured), Finance Director at Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall, said:

“The decision is client led. In a modern, flexible world the right IT can make a huge difference in how law firms deliver legal services.”

“More of our solicitors are working offsite, on the move with clients, so the new legal software will give them the tools to bring greater efficiencies into the way they advise clients, accessing important documents as and when they need them.”

“Whether it’s working with businesses or individuals, due to the nature of our business, we must have a rigorous and robust document storage management system. The process in how we store and recover documents will now be quicker and more secure, bringing greater operational efficiencies.”

Guinness World Records holder, Thomson Snell & Passmore, implements Proclaim Case Management solution

Full service law firm, Thomson Snell & Passmore, is implementing the Law Society Endorsed Proclaim Case Management Software solution from Eclipse Legal Systems.

Rated by Guinness World Records as the UK’s oldest law firm, Thomson Snell & Passmore can trace its history back to 1570, signifying a unique promise of longevity and continuity. Providing a full range of services to private clients and business organisations, the firm offers a friendly and supportive service from its team of astute solicitors.

The firm will be implementing a ready-to-go Personal Injury Case Management system, serving to improve transparency and efficiency, whilst providing fee earners with a consistent approach to matter management. Additionally, Eclipse’s integration with the MoJ’s Claims Portals will ensure the process of submitting claims is much quicker, allowing fee earners to manage all submissions entirely through the Proclaim desktop.

Further to this, Thomson Snell & Passmore will take advantage of Proclaim’s integration with the incumbent Envision legal accounting solution, providing the firm with a ‘one view’ approach to financial management and enabling further analysis of overall productivity and efficiency throughout the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence departments.

Anthony Graham (pictured), Head of Information Systems at Thomson Snell & Passmore comments:

"As an extremely well-established practice, we aim to continually develop our services, not only to meet the needs of the dynamic legal sector, but also to meet the needs of our clients. After conducting research into the market, we found Proclaim to be a fantastic solution, ensuring total flexibility and therefore enabling us to offer the most efficient and flexible service to our clients – something that is key to our longevity within the legal profession.”

Client Case Study: AVRillo

Award-winning Conveyancing specialist thanks Proclaim for enhanced client service

“AVRillo is a Sunday Times Award winner, with thanks to Proclaim which has allowed us to structure our commitment to customer services across the entire firm.”

Angelo Piccirillo, Partner and Co-founder of AVRillo 

Based in Enfield, AVRillo is a family-run practice specialising in Conveyancing. The firm, established in 1989, is still setting the standards within the legal sector with its multi-award winning services. In addition to being an Investors in Business winner and a Sunday Times Award winner, AVRillo’s reputation for quality and expertise has been rewarded by the Law Society, which has granted AVRillo the prestigious ‘Quality Conveyancing’ accreditation, as well as the ‘Legal Excellence’ award.

The Challenge
AVRillo was looking for a Practice Management System that could grow and develop in line with changing client and business demands. The PMS needed to be flexible and allow for control over the firm’s processes and working practices.

The Solution
A Proclaim Practice Management Software solution was selected and is utilised throughout the firm. The inbuilt toolsets mean staff can easily organise or create changes to workflows and continuously develop the system without the need of an IT specialist.

In addition, AVRillo decided to implement Eclipse’s TouchPoint system, to provide clients with a completely personal ‘self-service’ experience and allowing the delivery of bespoke real-time data via any smart device and any web browser.

The Results
Since implementing Proclaim, AVRillo has managed to reach ISO International Management standards, become Investors in Business and been able to structure its commitment to client service across the entire firm.

The Practice wanted to introduce a mobile application for its clients, but quickly realised Proclaim’s TouchPoint could offer much more, and would allow for the flexibility that clients demanded.

TouchPoint will provide complete transparency - AVRillo’s clients can check on their cases and documents at any point and from anywhere. The flexibility and transparency of the system will provide clients with the full conveyancing picture, and a greater understanding of the entire process, using plain-English explanations and useful FAQs.

Case Study highlights 
• Complete control over working practices
• Enhanced client service
• Powerful financial reporting
• Closer client relationships through TouchPoint

Eclipse announces ‘Outlook Add-in’ for Commercial law firms and departments

Law Society Endorsed legal software provider, Eclipse Legal Systems, has announced an Outlook Add-in for users of its Proclaim Case and Matter Management systems.

The new feature is available for the benefit of Eclipse clients, seamlessly embedded within the Proclaim solution. Fee earners working in a commercial department – who may not ordinarily use Proclaim for day-to-day matter management – can now benefit from Proclaim’s document and email handling capabilities, accessible via an Outlook interface.

This new Proclaim solution provides commercial users with a view of ‘favourite’ matters, contacts and documents, as well as regularly used email and group contacts. Relevant contacts can be attached to matters, enabling the user to rapidly access key contact data when they enter the appropriate client file(s).

In addition, the new Outlook Add-in development enables users to create draft documents (using versioning if required) which are available for viewing in the Outlook previewing pane. Fee earners can also add Word documents from their desktop into a specific client file – via a simple drag and drop method – which are then available for review and editing. Furthermore, a search facility not only enables users to search Outlook for emails from specific clients, but also enables the requested search to be selected and re-used at later times.

Mick Thompson (pictured), Technical Director at Eclipse, comments:

“Eclipse’s development philosophy means that we are constantly enhancing the feature-set offered by Proclaim. This Outlook Add-in provides the kind of flexibility and accessibility that our clients have come to expect from Eclipse, and opens up Proclaim’s benefit pool to a broader audience who may ordinarily not experience the system.”

Client Case Study: Joseph Frasier Solicitors

Award-winning legal specialist adopts Proclaim to maintain exceptional client commitment 

“Modern legal practise depends upon the right technologies to deliver the services clients need – Proclaim meets all our objectives.”

Chris Kushner, Practice Manager at Joseph Frasier Solicitors

Joseph Frasier Solicitors – recently crowned ‘Legal Business of the Year’ at the Red Rose Awards 2015 – is the leading law firm offering information and legal advice for deaf, hard of hearing people and others. The practice covers a range of law from Industrial Disease and Clinical Negligence to Personal Injury and Family. It also provides an impressive Costs service to other solicitors as well as its internal departments. The firm prides itself on its passion and commitment to clients.

The Challenge 
Joseph Frasier Solicitors was beginning to attract an increasing number of new cases to manage. The firm needed to acquire a Practice Management System that would allow staff to monitor and report on the increased workload.
The practice was also looking for a more efficient accounting system with the ability to create and schedule reports accurately, considering the volume of work anticipated.

The Solution
A Proclaim Practice Management Solution was implemented and is utilised across the firm, providing a core desktop application for fee earners. Proclaim creates standard precedent letters and packs with the click of a mouse button, and pulls in relevant case data, merging it into the chosen documents automatically, saving the firm hours of administration time.
Proclaim’s integrated accounting toolset enables the firm to see the ledger on each file, and gives them access to departmental and company data, with the option to drill down into miniscule detail.

The Results  
Joseph Frasier Solicitors is increasingly making use of Proclaim’s reporting functionality, easily creating reports to identify progress made by the firm compared to expectations, and anticipate future needs.
Additionally, the New Business Enquiries (NBE) module has allowed the practice to seamlessly manage incoming enquiries and on-going prospect relationships, meaning staff never overlook a potential client.

Case Study highlights
• Fully integrated Practice Management system
• End-to-end management of incoming enquiries
• Powerful reporting
• Inherent flexibility

The Shortlist for the Law Society Excellence Awards 2015

We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the Law Society Excellence Awards 2015, proudly sponsored by Eclipse Legal Systems. The event takes place on Thursday 22nd October at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane.

The judges were extremely impressed with the high calibre of the nominations for the 16 awards categories and had an overwhelming number of individual entries to consider. After much deliberation the panel of VIP judges have whittled down all the entries to the final shortlist of firms and individuals below:

Excellence in Pro Bono
• Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP
• Bernard Chill & Axtell Solicitors
• Freshfields
• Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
• Hogan Lovells
• Lawford Davies Denoon
• Weil, Gotshal & Manges
• White & Case LLP

Excellence in Client Service
• Crater Law Solicitors LLP
• Emsleys Solicitors
• Kingsley Napley LLP
• LA Law Limited
• Makin Dixon Solicitors Ltd
• National Centre for Domestic Violence
• QS Jackson Canter

Excellence in Technology
• Napthens LLP
• RPC with Intralinks
• Saracens Solicitors Limited
• Schillings

Excellence in Marketing & Communications
• Bernard Chill & Axtell Solicitors
• Bircham Dyson Bell LLP
• Bott & Co Solicitors
• Giles Wilson LLP
• Keystone Law
• McMillan Williams Solicitors Ltd
• RPC
• Stephens Scown LLP

Excellence in Private Client Practice
• Debenhams Ottaway
• Emmersons Solicitors
• Giles Wilson LLP
• Latimer Hinks Solicitors Ltd
• Pinney Talfourd LLP Solicitors
• Randall & Phillips LLP
• Shoosmiths LLP
• Tees Law
• Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP

Excellence in Learning & Development
• Ashfords LLP
• Baker & McKenzie
• Bird & Bird LLP
• Giles Wilson LLP
• JNP Legal
• Mills & Reeve LLP
• Myhomemove
• RPC
• Taylor Wessing LLP

Excellence in International Legal Services
• Addleshaw Goddard LLP
• JMiles & Co
• PLMJ Law Firm
• Shulmans LLP
• Stephenson Harwood LLP
• Trowers and Hamlins LLP

Excellence in Business Development
• Eastlaw, North Norfolk District Council
• Emsleys Solicitors
• Giles Wilson LLP
• Harmans Costs
• HB Public Law
• Ian Henery Solicitors Ltd
• Navistar Legal Limited
• Osbornes Solicitors LLP
• Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP

Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion
• Baker & McKenzie
• CMS Cameron McKenna LLP
• Duncan Lewis Solicitors
• Gordons LLP
• Hogan Lovells
• InterLaw Diversity Forum
• Irwin Mitchell LLP
• Reed Smith LLP

The Law Society Gazette Legal Personality of the Year
• Robin Murray and Bill Waddington, CLSA
• Zoe Norden, Guardian News & Media Limited
• Tunde Okewale, Doughty Street Chambers
• Joss Saunders, Oxfam
• Rebecca Stevens, Withy King
• Michael Ward, Gateley PLC
• Ayesha Vardag, Vardags

Solicitor Advocate of the Year
• Greg Foxsmith, Freelance Advocacy Services
• Simon Heaney, Heaney Watson
• Helen Johnson, Emery Johnson Astills
• John-Paul MacNamara, McMillan Williams Solicitors Limited
• Michael O'Brien, Broudie Jackson Canter
• Tim Taylor QC, King & Wood Mallesons
• Adam Tear, Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Junior Lawyer of the Year
• Claudine Adeyemi, Mishcon de Reya
• Jonathan Hodge, Giles Wilson LLP
• Stuart Mason, Clifford Chance LLP
• Nina Rathbone Pullen, Wilson Solicitors LLP
• Laura Scaife, Addleshaw Goddard
• Natalie Sedacca, Hodge Jones & Allen LLP
• Philippa Southwell, Birds Solicitors

Woman Lawyer of the Year
• Victoria Davey, Gordons LLP
• Laura Devine, Laura Devine Solicitors
• Sara Maccallum, Boodle Hatfield LLP
• Daphne Robertson, DR Solicitors
• Caron Rockey, Martyn Prowel Solicitors

Solicitor of the Year - In-house
• Suber Akther, Siemens PLC
• Andrew Barnes, Virgin Money PLC
• Mark Beer, DIFC Courts
• Mandeep Kaur Gill, NSPCC
• Musonda Chibwe Kapotwe, Citigroup Global Markets Limited
• Annemarie Roberts, One Housing

Solicitor of the Year - Private Practice
• Rachel Carter, Wollen Michelmore Solicitors
• Sarah Collier, Gorvins Solicitors
• Peter Garsden, Quality Solicitors Abney Garsden
• Marcus Hayes, Mason Hayes Solicitors
• Matthew James Claughton, Olliers
• Edward McMullen, Blake Morgan LLP
• Chris Partington, Slater Heelis LLP
• Laura Saunsbury, Lewis Nedas Law LTD
• Koser Shaheen, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
• Polly Sweeney, Irwin Mitchell

Human Rights Lawyer of the Year
• Jules Carey, Bindmans LLP
• Richard Charlton, R Charlton Solicitors
• Katherine Craig, Reprieve
• Sonal Ghelani, The Migrants' Law Project, Islington Law Centre
• Stephen Grosz QC, Bindmans LLP
• Philip Leach, European Human Rights Advocacy Centre
• Emma Norton, Liberty
• Yakaré-Oulé (Nani) Jansen, Media Legal Defence Initiative
• Mark Scott, Bhatt Murphy Solicitors

Proclaim Case Management System implemented by claims specialist, United Legal Assistance

New start-up firm, United Legal Assistance, has implemented the Proclaim Case Management Software solution from Eclipse Legal Systems, the Law Society’s sole endorsed provider.

Formed in 2014, United Legal Assistance provides a friendly and professional service, boasting over 20 years of experience in the insurance and claims management industry. Whether working on behalf of a broker, or representing a client, the team offer a range of services from claims management and legal expense insurance to uninsured loss recovery and fleet management.

United Legal Assistance will be implementing an out-the-box Claims Case Management system enabling fee earners to streamline processes and work from a centralised desktop application. In addition, the firm will use Proclaim to manage its fleet of hire vehicles; ensuring all tax, servicing and MOT information is stored, as well as utilising Proclaim’s integrated diary to provide automated reminders when these appointments are due.

As part of the firm’s ambition to further its exceptional client service, United Legal is integrating Eclipse’s FileView tool within its overall solution. FileView will securely display selected live, Proclaim information, allowing client access to 24/7 support without the need for United Legal to increase staff numbers or hours.

Adam Hughes (pictured), Co-founder and Director at United Legal Assistance, comments:

"Eclipse is the clear market leader in Case Management Software, standing head and shoulders above other providers. From initial implementation the Eclipse team ensured our system was up and running efficiently, whilst the bespoke training we received has guaranteed our team will be getting the most from Proclaim. Overall, our new Case Management system will significantly increase our efficiency, resulting in an enhanced reputation for high quality client service.”

Client Case Study: PI Law Direct

Unique barrister-led start-up firm implements Proclaim 

“PI Law Direct is the first and only barrister-led PI firm in the country. Proclaim has not only helped us maintain our business model of offering professional, accurate advice from the true leaders in the field – it has helped us achieve that smoothly, efficiently and with ease for our clients.”
Andrew Smith, Head of Legal Services, PI Law Direct  

New start-up firm, PI Law Direct, is the first barrister-led PI law firm specialising in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. Based in London and Sheffield, the expanding firm ensures its clients receive high quality service, providing experienced barristers to manage each claim from inception right through to completion.

The Challenge 
As a new start-up firm, PI Law Direct needed a Practice Management System to support its ambitious growth plans. The firm was looking for robust software that had the flexibility to adapt and develop, allowing fee earners to process a high volume of cases in a cost-effective manner.

The Solution
 A Proclaim Practice Management System was chosen and is utilised by all staff at PI Law Direct. The system provides a centralised solution for a range of injury claim types, which are now processed seamlessly with Proclaim’s A2A integration with the Government’s Claims Portal.

The Practice Management toolset provides full integration with fee earner activity and gives PI Law Direct the option to manage appropriate access to financial information, as well as cater for a full range of posting types, resulting in less work for cashiers.

The Results 
Proclaim has provided a centralised desktop solution for handling claims, ensuring staff know where each piece of client data is at all times, meaning an improved client service.

The A2A feature (which provides direct integration with the Government’s RTA and EL/PL portals) has been a key business driver for PI Law Direct, providing staff with the ability to process claims quickly and efficiently through the Proclaim desktop and enabling the firm to take on a larger volume of cases.

In the long-term, PI Law Direct plans to expand its operations and have Proclaim sitting at the core providing a flexible and future-proof solution.

Case Study highlights: 

• Integrated Practice Management Solution
• Utilised firm-wide 
• Seamless integration with Government's Claims Portal 
• Improved client service 

Client Case Study: Gedye & Sons

National practice implements Proclaim to provide universal access to data across 278 miles 

“Implementing Proclaim has allowed us to have one consistent system across all of the practice’s access points. We can now offer our clients instant comment on correspondence regardless of fee earner location. Proclaim ensures our clients see an already outstanding service enhanced for their benefit.”
Nick Davis, Head of Risk and Compliance at Gedye & Sons

With offices in the Lake District and Old Bailey in the heart of London, award winning firm, Gedye & Sons, provides a range of legal services nationwide. Clients range from private individuals and family trusts, through to small businesses, company boards and multi-national organisations.

The Challenge
Gedye & Sons took the decision to replace its existing solution and needed a new system that would be capable of centralising operations and providing universal access to data regardless of fee earner location. It was paramount the new software solution could provide ease of access to consistent, live data.

The Solution
A Proclaim Matter Management Software system was implemented and is utilised across the Conveyancing and Probate work areas. The software’s ability to automate a vast number of administrative processes allows Gedye & Sons to achieve its ultimate goal of becoming a paperless practice.

Proclaim’s integration with BigHand has ensured the firm continues to utilise a business application that guarantees the maintenance of operational efficiencies and reduction of overhead costs.

The Results 
Since implementing Proclaim, Gedye & Sons has revolutionised client-contact and minimised paper usage across the firm, reaching the objective to become a paperless practice.

Integration between Proclaim and the ID/AML tool has enabled the firm to request ‘one-click’ ID checks directly from the desktop, and embed the search results into relevant case history, providing fee earners with an excellent solution to verification requirements and giving the firm a distinct competitive advantage.

Case Study highlights: 
• Universal data access across 278 miles
• Increased operational efficiencies
• Revolutionised client-contact
• Full ID/AML integration

Progressive law firm, Slater Heelis, selects Proclaim Practice Management System in a 6-figure deal

Slater Heelis LLP, which operates from Manchester and Cheshire, has selected the Law Society Endorsed Proclaim Solution from Eclipse Legal Systems as its new Practice Management system.

Slater Heelis traces its history back to 1773 and is well known for offering expert legal advice and exceptional client care. Slater Heelis provides multi-disciplinary coverage from Construction and Corporate Commercial to Family and Personal Injury, providing services to clients in the North West, the UK and abroad. With specialists across all fields of law, Slater Heelis has developed an enviable reputation for delivering results.

In a 6-figure deal, the Proclaim Practice Management Software solution will be rolled out across the firm providing staff with instant desktop access and ensuring a secure and consistent approach to matter management. Proclaim’s integrated financial platform will enable a seamless approach to billing and overall practice management, providing streamlined processes and full integration with fee earner activity.

Eclipse will also carry out a full client and financial migration from the practice’s incumbent system, converting all relevant data into Proclaim.

Mark Heptinstall (pictured), Partner at Slater Heelis, comments:

"Eclipse is widely acknowledged as the market leader in providing legal software solutions and we are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with them. As an integral part of a full review of our IT infrastructure - following a period of growth by way of mergers and a resurging economy - Proclaim will be fundamental to our future success. The end result will mean we can increase efficiencies, reduce waste and streamline our business, whilst continuing to provide our clients with the exceptional service they have come to know us for.”

Eclipse Legal Systems first with ReviewSolicitors integration

Eclipse Legal Systems, the sole Law Society-endorsed legal software provider, has announced integration with new-to-market ReviewSolicitors.

Founded by trio Saleem Arif (co-founder of QualitySolicitors), Michael Hanney and Pete Storey, ReviewSolicitors is a review site exclusively for the legal profession.  It uniquely enables law firms to capture client feedback and display it within an unbiased online platform.

The integration between ReviewSolicitors and Eclipse's market-leading Proclaim Case and Practice Management solution will provide law firms with the option to automatically email clients at the end of a transaction, requesting a review be left at www.reviewsolicitors.co.uk.  This automated feedback capture process could enable law firms to refine service offerings and provide invaluable information to assist new clients seeking legal advice.

Darren Gower (pictured), Marketing Director at Eclipse, comments:

“This integration with ReviewSolicitors gives Proclaim users the option to harness the latest review technology platform, capturing vital satisfaction data in a way that is a seamless part of their client and matter management process."

Saleem Arif (pictured), of ReviewSolicitors adds:

“In the past, review sites in the legal profession have attracted two types of review: either from those who are extremely satisfied with their service, or those that have had a bad experience. This integration will help to provide a fuller and more representative sample of overall client satisfaction, not just the extremes.  This adds a new level of integrity, helping clients to make an informed decision.”