Technology
Surge in legal comparison websites
The rate of new lawyer comparison websites is speeding up, with at least four ramping up in the past month. Arguably the most significant has been the launch of a UK version of FindLaw, the leading free legal information website in the US.
Award-winner Toller Beattie goes live with online client services from SOS
Devon law firm Toller Beattie LLP this week launched anytime client online access to their files after fully implementing SOS Connect from Solicitors Own Software. Last month the firm picked up the Federation of Small Businesses’ awards for best use of IT and overall Devon county winner.
More people searching for legal terms online
The number of UK consumer online searches for legal-related services in May was up 25% over the quarter to 1.5 million, new figures have shown. National Accident Helpline was the most visible site – meaning a front-page Google ranking.
140-user firm MFG switches to SOS Connect
Kidderminster-based mfg Solicitors LLP has become the latest law firm to move to Solicitors Own Software for a new IT system serving 140 users.
Harris Cartier and Stones connect to SOS
Thames Valley law firm Harris Cartier and south-west solicitors Stones have become the latest practices to switch to SOS Connect from Solicitors Own Software.
Smarter working
At a time when firms need to move forward if they are not going to be left behind, fast-growing west country law firm Everys outlines the benefits of integrating case and practice management systems since going live with SOS Connect last year.
Virtual law firms on the rise
The growing interest in so-called virtual law firms has led to one technology provider seeing a 200% increase in customers over the past year. Virtual Practices says it now has hundreds of users for its product, with London start-up Matrix Legal the latest.
Firms streamline operations by standardising software systems
Regional law firm Woodfines and Jackson Brierley Hudson Stoney (JBHS) in Rochdale have both selected SOS Connect from Solicitors Own Software to standardise their software, citing the need to prepare for the post-Legal Services Act landscape.
Exclusive: SRA seeks Law Society approval for £22m investment in new IT system
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will this week ask the Law Society Council for around £22 million to invest in a new IT system, Legal Futures can reveal. The ‘Enabling Programme’ will also offer benefits to the wider Law Society but has come in at more than 50% more than estimated a year ago.
The new reality
Dominic Cullis, chairman of the Legal Software Suppliers Association, considers what alternative business structures mean for high street firms that want to retain their current model and the role IT has in the new legal landscape.
Blog
Legal director: an alternative to partnership
Firms are increasingly acknowledging the need for alternative senior roles – positions that offer influence and recognition without the obligations of ownership.
It’s time for law firms to ask tougher questions
For years, many law firms have treated ID verification as a box-ticking exercise. Run a liveness check, match a face to a document and move on. But that is no longer good enough.
Business fatigue to AI will risk job security
Whilst we know professional learning has always been part of career paths, to hire, retain and keep talent, AI needs to be embedded as a core part of this training.
