The benefits of using law firm software are considerable, but you have to do your homework to be reasonably certain you are making the right choice. Some key components should be part of the software, and a lot of people are surprised when they learn about all the possibilities.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the features that can take your legal practice to the next level when used properly.
Comprehensive Firm Management
Top-notch estate planning software for attorneys will provide a comprehensive, turnkey foundation upon which you can build your practice. There is no reason to settle for limitations when all of your needs can be satisfied through the utilization of a single product.
Estate Planning Document Creation Software
When people think about estate planning software for attorneys, they will naturally envision document creation capabilities. This is the basic core, and this type of functionality is easy to find on the surface.
However, from a deeper perspective, there are nuances. First, does the product have capabilities that allows you to customize your documents as per your clients’ needs. Is it user friendly when it comes to making changes to your documents or templates whether those changes are driven by statutory changes or your personal preferences.
Another important feature, can the product produce state-specific documents? Can the same software produce documents for multiple different states?
Aside from Wills and living trusts, is the software capable of producing more complex vehicles like supplemental needs trusts, ILITS, and charitable remainder trusts?
These are the questions you should ask yourself when you are weighing your options. The best estate planning software for attorneys will cover all of these bases effectively.
Cloud-Based Updates
Estate planning attorneys emphasize the fact that ongoing updates to a plan will be necessary as things change over the years. In addition to individual life scenarios, laws related to various aspects of the estate planning process can and do change.
Preferred estate planning attorney software should either be automatically updated in the cloud or at least allows you to update templates without any challenges, so you will never be behind the curve. This is a complicated task when you consider state specificity, but the leading solutions will keep you current at all times.
When you are comparing products on this level, look for software that is designed on trusted CRMs like ActionStep.
Client Information Management
Client intake software for estate planning attorneys is another major part of the equation. Data security is a huge consideration, and your software should provide state-of-the-art protective measures like multi-factor authentication and secure data-sharing portals.
A single point of data entry is another thing to look for when you are conducting comparisons. Duplication of effort can be problematic, and this feature will eliminate the potential for wasted effort.
Client Communication
Drawing up letters, reminders, and emails one by one is a time-consuming and tedious process. Simplified communication is one of the benefits of using law firm software that sits on the cutting edge.
You can obtain a product that will come equipped with hundreds of prewritten correspondences with automated updates and follow-ups. This will free up time that your staff can use to complete other tasks.
Integration Capabilities
A lot of firms are attracted to the benefits of using law firm software, but they are already comfortable with existing systems, like LawPay, Google or Microsoft calendars, Zapier, etc.
This is an understandable concern, but the latest high-quality estate planning legal software will allow for smooth integration with external systems.
Integration increases your operational capabilities to next level without worrying about multiple data entries in multiple different systems.
Trust Administration
You can create an additional revenue stream if you offer trust administration services. Some firms would like to go in this direction, but they simply do not have the infrastructure that they need.
This is where law firm software can enter the picture to open up an additional avenue. The top estate planning software for attorneys will include a trust administration workflow. When you have this capability, you can provide a turnkey solution for your clients.
Operations Workflows
Managing your client base is simplified and streamlined when you implement the proper estate planning case management software solution. When that box has been checked, it’s time to evaluate the practice management features that are being offered.
The best estate planning software for attorneys will enable fluid task assignment and monitoring, time entry, note-taking, and seamless communication among staff members.
Plus, from a managerial overview, you can run reports that provide insight into your financials from top to bottom on an ongoing basis. With the leading systems, the reporting functionality is customizable to suit your specific needs.
Grow Your Law Firm
The best way to grow your law firm is to streamline your operation on every level. When it takes less time to complete everyday tasks, your team will have the bandwidth that it takes to break new ground.
This is one of the primary benefits of using law firm software, and as you build your client base, your system will give you the ability to manage client information communications effectively.
Prakash Sharma
CounselPro™ Product Manager
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com
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