Is the ‘mobile apps’ trend for law firms a significant game-changer or just another tech fad?
Mobile apps first became prevalent in 2008, with the launch of Apple's App Store for the iPhone. The App Store allowed developers to create and distribute mobile apps for the iPhone, making it easier for users to discover and download new applications. Prior to this, mobile apps were mostly limited to pre-installed software or basic games that came with mobile phones. The introduction of the App Store and the subsequent release of Google's Android Market (now known as Google Play) in 2009 marked the beginning of a new era for mobile apps. This led to a surge in mobile app development, with developers creating a wide range of applications for various purposes, such as entertainment, social networking, productivity, and gaming. Since then, mobile apps have become an integral part of our daily lives, and the mobile app industry has continued to grow and evolve with many new tools emerging for both our private lives as well as our business lives.
The history of law firm technology
The history of law firm technology over the past 100 years has been a rich, colourful and rapidly-evolving journey, which will no doubt continue at an ever-increasing rate of knots. There have been many game-changing tech developments over the years, as well as a number of short-lived fads that have presented themselves to the world of law firm tech. For example, the switch to cloud computing, which started to build momentum from c2006 for law firms (as well as the rest of the business world globally) has led to phenomenal positive change for the profession. Even the popularisation of the fax machine which took place in the 1980s, which seems so old fashioned now, was quite a game-changer back in the day. Whereas schemes like the Veyo, the e-conveyancing tool that was launched in 2014 and then quickly scrapped in 2015 is now viewed as nothing more than a passing fad in our dim and distant memories. Google Wave is another more general technical flop that created great interest back after it was first announced in 2009. Designed as an online communication and collaboration platform Google Wave was as a revolutionary tool that could replace email and improve productivity. However, although it was probably born out of a good idea, , it soon became the subject of much criticism for its complexity and lack of user-friendliness, and was shut down around 3 years later in 2012.
8 Examples of how mobile apps are changing the game for today’s leading law firms
The importance of mobility in today’s fast-paced legal environment has led to the rise of mobile apps that enable fee earners and other law firm staff to manage caseloads from anywhere at any time.
In our experience, the following mobile app tools for legal case management provide the kind of benefits law firms are looking for in terms of convenience, efficiency and flexibility. More importantly, a good mobile app can have hugely positive impact on the levels of client care a law firm is able to deliver.
1. Time tracking
Mobile apps can enable fee earners to track their time on the go, whether they're traveling, working remotely, or in court.
2. Document management
Lawyers often need to access case documents, such as pleadings, briefs, and exhibits, while on the move. Mobile apps can provide secure access to these documents, allowing attorneys to review, edit, and share them from their mobile devices.
3. Communication
Mobile apps can facilitate communication between law firm colleagues and clients, providing a convenient way to share case updates and respond and ask questions quickly.
4. Task management
Lawyers are often expected to juggle multiple cases and tasks at once. Mobile apps can help them manage their to-do lists, set reminders, and stay on top of deadlines, even when they're away from the office.
5. Research
Law firm staff may need to conduct legal research on the go, whether they're in court or meeting with a client. Mobile apps can provide access to legal databases, case law, and other research tools, allowing users to find the information they need quickly and easily.
6. Billing
A mobile app can help law firm staff with billing by providing them with a convenient and efficient way to track and manage their time and expenses while on the go. The app can allow lawyers to enter their billable hours, expenses, and disbursements in real-time, without having to wait until they are back at their desks. An app could also provide lawyers with access to client information, billing history, and payment status, allowing them to monitor and manage their accounts receivable more effectively whilst away from the office.
7. Analytics
A mobile app could help law firm staff with analytics by providing them with real-time access to key performance metrics and business intelligence from their mobile device. The app could gather data on various aspects of the firm's operations, such as case volume, billing rates, and profitability, and present this information in an easy-to-understand format. This would help senior law firm management to continue to make data-driven decisions, identify trends, and measure the effectiveness of their strategies, even when they are not at their desks. The app could also provide personalized dashboards and alerts to help lawyers and staff stay informed and proactive, allowing users to share and analyze data in real-time.
8. Collaboration
A mobile app could help law firm staff with collaboration by providing them with a platform to share information and work together on projects from wherever they are. The app can allow lawyers and staff to collaborate in real-time, share documents and data, and communicate more effectively. This can help increase productivity, streamline workflows, and improve the quality of work by allowing lawyers and staff to work together more efficiently and effectively from wherever they may be.
Access Legal’s conclusion
In conclusion, fully integrated case management software with mobile apps for lawyers on the move are most definitely a game-changer. Many of the leading firms in the sector are already making great use of mobile apps, giving their people the tools they need to be the best they can be. The most important thing to remember is that not all apps are created equal. Some are more secure and user-friendly than others. Also the mobile apps that tend to work the best are the ones fully integrated with the firm’s legal case management system. Law firms should carefully evaluate their users’ overall needs from a mobile app to ensure they provide adequate security, integration and functionality for the job in hand.
Want to delve deeper?
Access Legal, part of The Access Group, offers software solutions designed specifically for law firms. We have a team of legal software experts available to help any law firm wishing to explore how mobile apps can enhance the case management software experience.
If you would like to or book a consultation with a legal software expert please follow this link. Alternatively, you can download a brochure or build your own legal case management software demo at any time.
