Good case management software is a busy Oklahoma attorney’s best friend. It helps them catalog and control information about both clients and cases, share details with other attorneys in the firm, and enter complete and accurate billing data.
Some case management technologies are cloud-based, supporting regular access to the firm’s information.
The best solutions offer the following features:
- A centralized database with information on all cases
- Statute of limitations checking and review
- Reviewing past files for conflict of interest
- Links to time management, billing, and accounting programs
- Document drafting and assembly
When selecting a program, an Oklahoma law office’s purchasing department needs to consider the size of the practice and its specific needs. Some case management software is too basic for a larger firm, but presents an effective solution for a solo practitioner or smaller practice. Others are more suited to larger offices with multiple practice areas.
Abacus Law
A popular program recommended by the American Bar Association, Abacus Law provides law practices of all sizes the tools they need to streamline daily operations, manage cases effectively, and keep accurate track of time and billing issues.
Features include:
- Legal calendaring: Schedule appointments and keep track of deadlines
- Rules calendaring: Automatically schedules all key deadlines based on applicable federal, state and local court rules
- Case management: Centrally organizes all case data
- Conflict of interest checking: Detailed search feature to avoid potential conflict scenarios
- Document and form generation: Produce error-free, signature-ready documents and forms
- LawPay: Separate earned and unearned fees when accepting credit card payments, avoiding trust account violations
ProLaw
ProLaw allows busy law offices to streamline and automate certain core activities so that the attorneys can focus on growing the business and making it more profitable.
The software has time-tracking, billing, and accounting capabilities that help manage an entire matter from beginning to end, as well as detailed integration with Westlaw research, court rules and decisions, and other important, practice-relevant applications.
Features include:
- Comprehensive integration capability: Increase productivity and efficiency by seamlessly integrating with other key programs and software
- ProLaw Mobile app: Access important program functions from mobile devices
- Integral research capability: Carry out legal research and examine docks from Westlaw or Westlaw Next
- Time tracking: Supply and track billable time directly in Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat
- Case Calendars: Keep track of deliverables and deadlines
SmartAdvocate
A valuable tool for personal injury lawyers, SmartAdvocate allows Oklahoma law offices to manage their tasks more efficiently by compiling all case-related files in a central location. It automatically logs all calls and emails, permits lien tracking, and imports new case inquiries.
Features include:
- Reports and dashboards: Manage cases and track filings, deadlines, statutes, and more
- Calendar: Track and display all court appointments
- Email integration: Send emails directly from the case and log all emails and calls relating to a given case
- Document control: Important documents such as authorizations, questionnaires, and retainers can be bar-coded for automatic attachment to certain cases
- Case management: Centrally organize and manage all case data without having to search for missing files
Bottom Line
Attorneys at Oklahoma law offices handle a lot of information. Proper data organization and collection are important parts of developing the business and strengthening client relationships.
The case management software spotlighted in this article automates the process, minimizing the risk of errors and omissions and increasing client satisfaction. They all work well for sole practitioners as well as multi-lawyer firms, demonstrating a scalability that can make each program a company asset for years to come.
What case management software is used at your firm? Do you find it to be especially effective? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments box below.
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