By Legal Futures Associate Hoowla
As a freelance solicitor specialising in vehicle damage claims, Kevin Smith knew that efficiency was going to either make or break his practice. With no wider team to lean on, he needed a case management system that didn’t just cover the basics but could be tailored precisely to his way of working. Hoowla gave him the freedom to do just that by giving him the freedom to build a bespoke platform that keeps his cases organised, his correspondence flowing, and his admin to a minimum.
From the moment a new client comes on board, Kevin’s system is set up to run smoothly. He has configured bespoke workflows that mirror the exact steps of a vehicle damage claim, with automated tasks kicking in key milestones. Using Hoowla’s custom entities, he’s defined the specific categories of information that matter to him, from client records and vehicle details through to finer case particulars. Those entities also drive workflow rules, automatically generating documents, sending follow-ups, and flagging key points throughout the workflow. Instead of spending hours chasing paperwork, Kevin can let the system handle routine tasks in the background.
Documents and correspondence have also become faster and simpler. Kevin created his own library of templates, which pull case data directly into letters, reports, and legal forms. What once meant repetitive typing is now a matter of a few clicks. Every email, too, is automatically synced into the right file, so the full thread of communication sits neatly alongside case documents. Whether it’s a client email or a shared document, everything is stored in one place, ready to access whenever he needs it.
As all legal professionals know, staying on top of deadlines is critical in litigation work, and Hoowla helps Kevin manage this with ease. He uses task lists and calendar reminders to keep every case on track, while notes added directly into files provide a quick reference to essential details. Opening a new case is equally straightforward, Kevin has stripped away any unnecessary fields so he can launch into work with just a few clicks. The result is a unified system that reflects his process rather than forcing him to adapt to someone else’s template.
Hoowla also powers the financial side of Kevin’s practice. He uses the system’s built-in accounting tools to manage his office accounts, track payments, and generate financial reports whenever required. This means he can keep on top of his finances without juggling multiple systems, with clear records that give him confidence and control over his business.
Since joining Hoowla in February, Kevin has taken charge of configuring almost everything himself, supported by Hoowla’s team when needed. In a short time, he’s built a fully customised system that works seamlessly for his solo practice.
Kevin’s story highlights one of Hoowla’s biggest strengths: flexibility. Whether you’re a sole practitioner or a multi-office firm, the platform adapts to the way you work. For Kevin, that means spending less time on admin and more time focused on his clients. For others, it can mean scaling complex operations across whole teams.
With Hoowla at the centre of his practice, Kevin has proven that even as a one-person firm, it’s possible to build a system as powerful, professional, and organised as that of a much larger operation, without compromising on the personal service his clients value.
Hoowla is fully customisable and scalable to firms of every size. If Kevin’s story has piqued your interest, why not book a no-obligation case management demo? See how our features can be tailored to your way of working and discover what Hoowla could do for your firm.
