Phoenix Legal benefits from smoother case progression with Eclipse Compact, the legal software solution for small law firms

New start-up firm, Phoenix Legal, is implementing the Eclipse Compact solution from Eclipse Legal Systems, the sole Law Society Endorsed legal software provider.

Phoenix Legal is an ambitious boutique firm, providing specialist knowledge and expertise within the personal injury sector. Recovering compensation for a range of claims, including road traffic accidents, slips, trips and falls, and accidents at work, the team is quickly gaining a reputation of excellence for its client-focused service.

As a new start-up, Phoenix Legal needed a robust case management system that would enable the team to manage its caseloads efficiently, but with an accessible payment model to suit the financial demands of a new business. After an initial demonstration, the firm selected Compact, Eclipse's new legal software solution for small law firms and new start-ups.

A personal injury Compact solution will be rolled out across the boutique firm, enabling the team to hit the ground running and manage matters in an organised and centralised fashion. Taking the core functions of Eclipse's Law Society Endorsed Proclaim Case Management system, Compact will enable Phoenix Legal to benefit from fast and effortless document production, high level automation and smoother case progression.

Alisha Butler, director of Phoenix Legal (pictured), comments:

"Having used Proclaim extensively at other firms throughout the course of my career, I knew it would be the system of choice when starting my own practice. The release of Compact however, means I can benefit from a selected suite of Proclaim toolsets that are relevant to the size and requirements of my firm, and that are available on a suitable pricing model.

"This new release demonstrates Eclipse's ability to recognise the requirements of boutique firms, and as such develop a solution to specifically cater for the smaller market, further cementing its reputation as the go-to legal software supplier."

Harnessing the power of social media

Eclipse Legal Systems spoke to Modern Law Magazine on the advantages of social media, and how law firms can use it as a tool to stand out.

Social media isn't a flash in the pan, it's here to stay and these days it plays an important role in the daily lives of virtually everyone, and it's changing the way clients and businesses interact.

A strong social media campaign is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach thousands of potential clients, and with that comes the ability to increase revenue at a much lower cost than traditional marketing methods. As an added benefit, it also increases a firm's visibility, and the chance to establish a reputation as an industry leader.

Savvier law firms are using some of the below techniques to harness the power of social media and effectively handle the risks, simultaneously building an online presence of expertise and approachability:

• To improve client service -  as a starting point, social media can be used to 'listen', that is, to see what clients and prospective clients are saying about the services on offer; the solicitors at the firm; client care; and the overall client experience.
  
  Armed with an understanding of how a firm is portrayed online will provide in-house marketing teams and/or senior management with insights as to how the client service and experience can be enhanced (whether this discussions taking place are positive or negative), and from here can set realistic benchmarks and integrate these into the wider marketing strategy. 

• To build authority - one of the major perks to using social media is that it allows firms to demonstrate their industry knowledge, whether that's sector-specific information, or general advice for those experiencing legal issues. The use of online platforms means that firms are in control of what they post and when, and this can include helpful resources and thought-leadership articles on trending topics, or even to simply demonstrate a more 'human' side to the firm using its culture and social engagement.
  
  
• To gain a competitive advantage - the increasing use of social media within the legal profession means it's easier for firms to gain competitive intelligence, and keeps tabs on competitors. This information can then be leveraged, enabling firms to provide differing insights and new perspectives on particular topics, and contributing to a reputation of authority. 

For many firms the perceived risks of social media can outweigh the benefits, however missing out on a social media marketing strategy means missing out on an untapped resource of potential business that most firms simply cannot afford to ignore.

Harvey Howell Solicitors selects Eclipse's Proclaim Practice Management system to aid with a rapidly expanding client base

Young North West firm, Harvey Howell Solicitors, is implementing the Law Society Endorsed Proclaim Practice Management Software solution from Eclipse Legal Systems, the UK's leading legal software provider.

Harvey Howell Solicitors is a modern and professional law firm based in Liverpool. Specialising in Private Client and Family work, the team of qualified solicitors boasts extensive experience and provides a dedicated service to a range of clients, from police federations and hospitals through to local and national charities and palliative care teams.

Eclipse will implement its Proclaim Case Management Software solution firm-wide, serving to eliminate duplicate data entry and enhance case progression.

Much of the work carried out at Harvey Howell Solicitors is administrative, painstaking in character and necessitates heavy document production. Where previously these processes were handled manually, staff will now benefit from Proclaim's fast and effortless document production, meaning at the start of a case all relevant letters and forms will be generated automatically via a single mouse click, saving the team hours of administrative work.

Additionally, Proclaim's feature-rich financial accounting and practice management toolset will provide an overview of the firm's operations, as well as a comprehensive set of reports, ranging from fee earner analysis to monthly budgets.

Gareth Howell, Chief Executive at Harvey Howell Solicitors, comments:

"We pride ourselves on providing a dedicated and professional service and as our client base is continually expanding, it became apparent our manual system was no longer fit for purpose.

"We want to spend our time giving closely trusted specialist advice to our clients at the best possible value, and once implemented, Proclaim will allow us to concentrate on these important aspects, whilst keeping our administrative costs to a minimum."