SOS Connect from Legal Futures Associate is proving to be a catalyst for change and delivering improvements in performance, efficiency and management at Barker Gotelee Solicitors as they start to feel the benefits of rolling out their new SOS system.
The software went live throughout the firm in October as part of a project to totally revamp IT in the firm.
Based in Martlesham Heath near Ipswich, Barker Gotelee provides commercial, competition, litigation, road transport, taxation, family law and private client expertise to businesses and private individuals. The firm has established a national reputation as agricultural law experts.
“As a specialist firm, we are determined to build upon our high quality service and not dilute our offering,” said practice manager Mandy Suchocki, who headed up the implementation.
“The investment in SOS Connect was made to prepare the firm for growth coming out of the recession. Having weathered that storm, we could now be facing another recession, but with SOS Connect in place we are operating more smoothly, reducing duplication, introducing more automated processes and deploying our people more effectively. Having implemented the software now, we are best placed to implement further improvements and face the future with confidence.”
Work began on the replacement of the previous IRIS AIM system in May with SOS Connect live for firm-wide generic workflows, document management and accounting six months later. Case management has been introduced for conveyancing, with probate and debt recovery scheduled to follow.
Mandy Suchocki said: “Our intention is to have some form of case management in place for all areas. The flexibility of SOS Connect and the scripting tools, in which we are trained, enable us to automate processes as much or as little as is appropriate to each speciality.”
Capitalising on the investment is a key driver in the firm. “The determination is here to maximise the use of as much functionality as we can,” she continued.
“Already SOS Connect has highlighted areas and procedures that need to change as we modernise and is proving to be a catalyst for making improvements. I strongly believe that the best way to maximise the return on investment is to work closely with SOS who can help us to use the software as extensively as possible. I have had a genuinely positive experience in collaborating with SOS to understand what more the software can do to help the firm to evolve.”
David McNamara, managing director of SOS, said: “I am delighted to hear that Barker Gotelee values its relationship with SOS highly and believes that a close working relationship is a key ingredient for a successful implementation and fast return on investment.”
