By Legal Futures Associate Osprey Approach
From high street roots to multi-branch success, Slade Legal’s journey with Osprey Approach shows the value of adaptable legal technology. For over 20 years, the Oxfordshire-based firm has used the platform to support operational efficiency, financial control, and client service, illustrating how technology can underpin growth, compliance, and agility.
Growing with the firm
Slade Legal’s partnership with Osprey reflects a technology platform evolving alongside the firm. According to Amanda Hodson, finance manager, “We’ve grown with Osprey. It’s evolved as we have, and it continues to support us in the right ways.” The firm keeps up to date with what is on the software market, but has found that Osprey’s combination of functionality, familiarity, and support consistently meets their needs.
For a family-run firm with a strong high street presence, maintaining hands-on client service is central. Amanda explains that Osprey’s workflows and efficiency features allow lawyers to focus on delivering personal, high-quality service rather than being bogged down by administrative tasks.
Financial confidence through integrated accounts
Managing finances, IT, and office operations, Amanda relies heavily on Osprey to oversee day-to-day operations and cashflow. She notes that reconciling client accounts is straightforward: “I take my reference, do three things, and it’s done.” Reporting is another feature that has become essential, providing clear, flexible insights into performance and helping the firm stay on top of financial management.
By integrating practice, case, and accounts management for both client and office accounts, Osprey has simplified processes and reduced administrative overhead, enabling the team to concentrate on client-facing work.
Enhancing compliance with workflows
One of the most significant improvements has been the introduction of workflows, particularly in the conveyancing department, which handles about half of the firm’s fee-earning work. Workflows give the team visibility over each file, making compliance easier and file audits more straightforward. Amanda highlights that the firm uses several workflows covering everyday tasks, practice-specific processes, and SRA-focused AML risk assessments.
This structured approach has proved invaluable and Slade Legal is now extending workflows across all departments to ensure consistency and efficiency firm-wide.
Osprey’s support makes a difference
Amanda believes that what sets Osprey apart is its support: “Most of the software platforms on the market have similar features, but I know I can rely and trust in Osprey’s support… that’s worth a lot, to know they will act on their promises and guide us.”
Beyond the software, Slade Legal values Osprey’s responsive support and collaborative training. Amanda explains that being able to rely on the support team for technical issues or guidance provides reassurance in a busy practice. She also highlights the value of in-person training: “When people get in a room together, they start talking and sharing ideas. That’s when the real learning happens – and Osprey helps facilitate that.”
This combination of accessible technology and dependable support has made Osprey not just a tool, but a practical partner in Slade Legal’s ongoing growth.
Scaling with the right partner
As Slade Legal continues to expand and modernise, Osprey Approach remains a strategic partner – helping the firm scale without compromising client service. The firm’s experience shows what’s possible when legal technology is applied thoughtfully, with staff engagement and process efficiency at its core.
