eclipselegalsystems

[eclipselegalsystems]

Eclipse launches Proclaim Go – a new application allowing fee earners to work anywhere

Eclipse Legal Systems, the Law Society Endorsed legal software provider, has announced the launch of Proclaim Go – a mobile and tablet friendly application powered by Proclaim.

Proclaim Go is designed especially for fee earners who are often travelling or in client meetings, with a need to access accurate live information on their cases. With Proclaim Go, users can record meetings and update information, such as logging phone calls, creating memos, recording time and viewing future tasks – all on the go.

The new secure environment with optional two-factor authentication increases the accessibility of the Proclaim case management solution. As well as access via traditional desktop or cloud channels, fee earners can now access case history details (including documents and previous correspondence) while away from their PC or laptop. All they need is an internet connection, and login details to their own personal Proclaim Go application.

Darren Gower, Sales & Marketing Director at Eclipse, Comments:

“Our latest innovation gives users of the Proclaim case management solution the extra flexibility they need to continue providing an exceptional service away from a traditional desktop or cloud environment. Fee earners can stay up to speed with the latest live information whenever and wherever they take their smartphone, making it even easier to adopt more flexible ways of working.

“Fee earners can provide excellent client care instantly through a smartphone by searching for a client’s case by name and retrieving the requested information all whilst on the phone. Once the call has ended, users can record the time spent on the call and the details discussed directly into the case history using Proclaim Go. Notes can even be added using a smartphone’s existing digital dictation functionality.”

[eclipselegalsystems]

Bespoke Case Management – how to get the perfect solution

A good case management system will work around you. A bad case management system will expect you to adapt, change your preferred way of working, and make sacrifices in order to use it. Which would you prefer?

Technology is at a point where rigid software is no longer acceptable. Two people using the same piece of software are going to use it in slightly different ways – thousands of people using the same software are going to find even more things to do with it – so these options need to be available.

No two case management systems have to be the same, even if produced by the same supplier. Of course they can be. There are thousands of law firms in the UK, and there will be a lot of overlap in the way they work.

But the ability to have a truly bespoke system will prove to be massively beneficial to those who do require something more than an out of the box solution.

There are a variety of different ways in which you can modify and customise your case management solution.

Workflows

Tailored workflows based on the areas of law you work within are the natural first step towards creating a bespoke system.

Out of the box solutions are available, where fee earners can complete common, generic tasks not exclusive to a particular area of law. But individual workflows allow you to work more efficiently in the unique tasks found in certain specialist fields such as conveyancing, probate, criminal and family law.

Each workflow has its own tailored screens to guide fee earners. And you can implement as many as you like. Pick and choose based on your specialist areas of law.

For example, if you obtain the probate workflow with Proclaim, you can download the latest IHT forms directly from our Client Area into your Proclaim environment – for you to complete and store in the appropriate case file.

Integrations

Case Management developers will always try to build new features they think will benefit their users. But sometimes, it’s easier and more cost effective for everyone if they take something that has already been built, and integrate it into their software.

So instead of something being created from scratch, they can take an already industry-leading product and offer it to their user through their Case Management solution.

Providers will often have a variety of integrations their users can choose to implement. Proclaim has almost a hundred lots to choose from. For example, Legal Bricks – a conveyancing search supplier that enables searches to be conducted directly from within Proclaim.

Again, users can pick and choose which integrations they would like, creating an even more bespoke solution.

Additional Products

You’ve got your Case Management set up, with suitable workflows and a couple of useful integrations that will allow you to add real value to your services. But it can get even better – with the addition of other products that plug into your main system.

These products can do any number of things. At Eclipse, we have a range of products that work seamlessly with our Proclaim Case Management system. Below is a brief overview of some of the things we can offer:

TouchPoint+ – An online portal for a fee earner’s, clients and referrers to view all their case information in a secure, interactive and branded environment.

SecureDocs – An online document delivery and acceptance tool – firms can securely provide clients with documents via an online portal.

FileView – Enables you to securely display Proclaim case information on your firm’s website, for your clients to see once they have logged in.

CaseViewer – Allows you to export case histories from Proclaim, for use in a non-Proclaim Windows environment.

With Proclaim you can choose your own personalised combination of workflows, integrations and additional products. So you can use it in a way that best suits you and your firm.

And with it, you’ll be better placed to deliver an exceptional service to your clients.

[eclipselegalsystems]

CKE Law selects Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse

Manchester-based CKE Law is implementing the Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse, the Law Society Endorsed legal software provider.

Providing legal services to both individuals and businesses, CKE Law places high importance on delivering a quality and efficient service to clients, so as to meet all expectations they have.

The firm specialises in a range of legal areas, including personal injury, probate and debt recovery, and so required a solution that would enable the effective management of different case types in the most efficient way possible. Proclaim’s tailored workflows for these particular areas of law will prove to be massively beneficial to the firm.

The Practice Management solution includes an accounting toolset that allows seamless billing procedures, so the software can be used throughout the practice by each department – further boosting efficiency.

Charles Edwards, Solicitor at CKE Law, comments:

“We firmly believe Proclaim will enable growth at our practice over the next few years. The time-saving nature of the inbuilt task automation toolsets, and the increased efficiencies it will bring, are certain to open up more opportunities for us to service a higher number of clients.

“It was important for us to have an accounting toolset so everything can be run through one system, and the Proclaim Accounts solution was exactly what we were looking for. We’re very excited about how this solution will help us deliver an even better service to our clients.”

[eclipselegalsystems]

TouchPoint+ security and usability enhancements

Create greater confidence in your law firm with increased security

Two-factor authentication Dan needs to obtain the services of a solicitor. He’s buying his first home, and needs to get the conveyancing process started. Unfortunately, the law firm he was going to choose recently suffered a data breach, and sensitive client information was obtained by hackers.

So now he’s worried that if he chooses the wrong solicitor, his information could be compromised.

As such, his search for a conveyancer is very thorough. Dan comes across a law firm that uses TouchPoint+ – an online interactive self-service portal that allows clients of law firms to get updates on case progress at any time and facilitates easier communication between solicitors and their clients.

Dan noticed the law firm uses the latest version of TouchPoint+ that comes with a new security feature. Two-factor authentication, which means there are two things he needs to do before he can login to his account. First, he uses his login details (username and password) as normal. Then he will receive a text message to his phone with a unique code that needs to be entered into the portal.

Without the two-factor authentication – if anyone untoward were to get hold of Dan’s password and login, they will have access to communications between the law firm and Dan, as well as confidential documents regarding the case. Adding this extra layer of security prevents this scenario from occurring and gives Dan peace of mind his personal data will remain secure. If anyone were to steal Dan’s username and password information, they would also need his phone to gain access.

Dan sees this technology as a sign the law firm is dedicated to providing clients with a safe environment from which they can communicate and service his conveyancing needs. Dan hires this law firm to complete the purchase of his property.

Streamline case processing whilst enhancing client care

See all your matters in one place Mid-way through the conveyancing process, Dan has an accident at work and is looking to make a claim. Thankfully, the firm he has chosen to arrange the purchase of his new home also specialises in personal injury law.

So he speaks to the firm and his case is set up in no time. Whilst a different solicitor is handling his personal injury claim, Dan can use the same TouchPoint+ account to view both of the different matters the law firm is looking after.

There’s no need for another account. He can seamlessly switch between viewing the details of his conveyancing and personal injury cases, making everything more efficient. The Solicitors that are looking after Dan’s matters can also log into in to TouchPoint+ and view all the different matters they are working on in the same easy to use interface – helping to provide Dan and others like him with great client care.

[eclipselegalsystems]

Using technology to improve the client experience – but in a safe and secure way

Delivering a good client experience is essential in the legal world. Many who seek the advice or services of a law firm are in a difficult situation, and need the necessary expertise to help finalise their house purchase, handle their personal injury claim, or deal with the sensitive nature of probate work.

People want to pay for legal services that are going to get them the best end result – but they also want to ensure the entire process, whatever their needs might be, is handled smoothly, efficiently and with a certain amount of transparency.

But that could lead to other problems.

The evolution of technology in client services

First, let’s talk about the role technology can play, and has played, in enabling businesses to provide a higher level of customer service.

15 years ago it was becoming essential that every brand, big and small, had a website. They were fantastic platforms for displaying their information, customers could easily get in touch with them, and they helped generate lots of leads. Today brands are discovering ways to improve that experience even more, typically with the development of their own app.

Most individuals have their own smartphone and/or tablet, and so having information available on those platforms with excellent usability features has become very popular. The legal sector has been slow adopting this type of thing, but is beginning to embrace technology more and more when it comes to customer service.

Here’s where the problems start.

Digital solutions could mean less security

Whilst most customers appreciate the way they’re able to better connect with their lawyer, it does require a certain give and take. Having their case information available on an online portal or an app, ready for them to view at any time, is extremely convenient.

They don’t have to constantly phone or email anyone, asking for an update on their circumstances. Everything can be readily available with information provided in real-time. Why would you want to hire a law firm that doesn’t provide that kind of transparency?

But it does mean their case details are going to be available digitally. When it was just on paper, there was very little risk of this information falling into the wrong hands. Now, with news stories about security breaches seemingly quite common, there’s no guarantee everything is safe and secure.

Do your customers want to run the risk that their personal information – details that can be used to defraud them – could be stolen? Absolutely not.

Ensuring a safe and secure environment to protect people’s data

Technology devised to improve the client experience needs suitable security measures in place. One data breach, accidental or malicious, will lose all trust in your services.

TouchPoint+, the self-service portal from Eclipse integrated with the Proclaim Case Management solution, boasts features that ensure a very high level of security. The latest version of this solution now includes two-factor authentication.

It uses SMS text messaging to verify a user’s identity when logging into the portal to view their documents and case status.

That way they can be sure nobody has intercepted anything. Even if a malicious user had their login details, they wouldn’t be able to do or see anything without that text message.

If you’d like to learn more about how TouchPoint+ can securely transform client care at your law firm, you can find out more here.

[eclipselegalsystems]

How Proclaim Practice Management enables growth for the UK’s largest family law firm – Stowe Family Law

Stowe Family Law is the largest specialist family law firm in the UK.

Founded in Leeds in 1982, the practice employs 180 people in 23 different offices, and services around 2,600 clients at any one time. Staff and clients alike enjoy the enormous benefits that come from utilising the Proclaim Practice Management solution.

John Anderson, a digital marketing consultant at Stowe Family Law, spoke to us about how the software has enabled success for the business.

Why Proclaim?

We felt that Eclipse provided a solution in Proclaim that would evolve as the firm did. Stowe Family Law is the UK’s largest specialist family law firm – our goal was to become even bigger and we knew Proclaim would scale along with our own growth.

There was a six-month process to determine which Case Management software to go with. After initial research, we asked four companies to present their solution to our working group – which contained a mix of management, lawyers, finance and secretarial staff. We scored each one based on our requirements, and Eclipse was the clear leading supplier.

Proclaim scored strongly overall, but particularly in the areas of flexibility, scalability and data.

Flexibility-wise, our fee earners appreciated the pre-built workflows, but also were impressed they would be given space to work with the autonomy in a way that suits them.

In terms of scalability, it was clear Proclaim could be built and developed in line with how the business was projected to grow.

And with regards to data, we liked the fact we would have the ability to manage, measure and report on all activity – from initial enquiry through to billing – across a significant number of locations throughout the UK.

Stowe Family Law was paper-based previously. This is our first experience with a Case Management system, and we’re happy to have moved into the current century, removing manual ways of working from our business.

What is the primary use of Proclaim for you?

We do lots with Proclaim. Aside from utilising the standard features such as time recording and billing, which has saved our employees an incredible amount of time and made the firm extremely efficient, Proclaim is also our enquiry and referral management system.

The fact that we can handle enquiries and referrals in the same system we handle cases has proven to be massively beneficial. Our Management Information is also stored in Proclaim, so its use is very widespread throughout the firm.

Each of our family lawyers uses Proclaim, as do their secretaries, the marketing team and the finance department. In total that’s around 180 employees – and our clients, which stands at approximately 2,600, are confident in the way we effectively manage their case due to the efficiency of process, data security and accuracy of billing.

When we initially opted for Proclaim it was launched across 16 locations. Since then we’ve opened several new offices and that number now stands at 23.

What are the benefits of Proclaim?

One of the biggest benefits of Proclaim is the data and insights it has provided to our firm. This information is used to help make key decisions throughout the business – whether it’s determining the outcome of a day-to-day or a boardroom level issue.

The consistency in which our employees can work also enables us to effectively manage risk. The fact that multiple individuals can see the progress of a case means we’re not overly reliant on one person. We’ve also been able to reduce our overall lawyer to secretary ratio due to the efficiencies generated by Proclaim.

How configurable is Proclaim?

We’re very happy with how configurable Proclaim is. We actually recruited a Proclaim developer to work internally, so we can move very quickly to design, build and test new functionality.

If you were to look at our Proclaim system you would see a number of bespoke elements that we consider key to our way of working. For example, our new enquiry management process, an initial client care letter creation feature, and risk assessments.

It’s highly likely we’ll be doing more of this in the future. We constantly review our way of working and tailor the workflows accordingly – and this will continue.

How does Proclaim suit your ongoing needs?

We see Proclaim as the foundation on which we will continue to grow the business.

We’re only two years in. But now we’ve embedded the system and will continue to build on the foundations we’ve created. We’ve found it very easy to train 50+ new users on the system, who all joined the business after implementation.

And it’s that usability that will keep Proclaim as a central part of our company in the years to come.

[eclipselegalsystems]

Core Legal selects Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse

Core Legal is implementing the Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse, the Law Society Endorsed legal software provider.

Founded in 2015, the practice has established a strong reputation for providing exceptional legal services at a fair price, and is committed to operating in a way that has a positive economic, social and environmental impact.

Specialising in a range of legal services, including conveyancing and probate, Core Legal has a dedicated legal team with a proven track record. The firm required a fully integrated practice management solution that would enable them to improve internal efficiencies whilst continuing to deliver a high-quality service to clients.

Proclaim was chosen as the best solution to facilitate their business goals. The tailored workflows for Conveyancing, which are enhanced by an integration with the Land Registry Business Gateway, will be key to creating a more efficient working environment and a quicker turnaround for clients.

As part of the project, Eclipse is carrying out a conversion of both case and accounting data from the practice’s incumbent systems.

Matthew Dickenson, Director at Core Legal, said:

“Proclaim will undoubtedly facilitate growth for our firm. The time-saving nature of this solution will allow us to spend more of our efforts on high-priority tasks that add value for our clients and generate more revenue for the business.

“The data conversion from our incumbent case and accounting systems to the single practice-wide Proclaim solution will ensure a seamless continuation in client care from our team.”

[eclipselegalsystems]

Amity Law selects Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse

Bolton-based property specialist Amity Law has chosen the Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse, the Law Society Endorsed legal software provider.

Founded in 2005, the award-winning firm provides a modern alternative to traditional law firms. Amity Law specialises in conveyancing services and employs a team of leading legal property experts; who pride themselves on ensuring clients’ transactions go ahead as planned.

Amity Law sought to replace its incumbent system with a solution that would continue to facilitate excellent client satisfaction whilst increasing efficiencies and enabling the completion of business goals. The firm chose the Proclaim Conveyancing Practice Management system to automate administrative tasks and reduce the time taken to process each property transaction.

Efficiencies will be further enhanced through integrations with the Land Registry Business Gateway (LRBG) for property enquiries, and Legal Bricks – which allows conveyancing searches to be ordered directly from Proclaim.

The integrated Proclaim accounting and financial toolset will provide the Directors with live access to financial data and practice operations.

Jayne Hart (pictured), Director at Amity Law, comments:

“Delivering a timely-service of exceptional standard is incredibly important to our clients, which means it’s important to us. Proclaim’s time-saving functionality, particularly the LRBG and Legal Bricks integrations, will allow us to complete more property transactions in a much shorter time for our clients helping to cement our reputation for great client care even further.”

[eclipselegalsystems]

Heptonstalls selects Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse

Award-winning law firm Heptonstalls Solicitors is implementing the Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse, the Law Society Endorsed legal software provider.

Established in 1812, the long-established Yorkshire-based firm has a rich history serving the local area, offering specialist advice to those seeking professional or personal legal assistance from three offices across the region.

With a leading reputation for client care the firm is committed to year on year improvements. To facilitate its ambitious goals, the practice has selected the Proclaim Practice Management solution to replace their incumbent system. Eclipse will conduct a conversion of case and accounting data into Proclaim.

Proclaim will be rolled out to over 100 members of staff to streamline processes across multiple business functions including industrial disease, lasting power of attorney, personal injury, conveyancing and legal accounting.

For conveyancing work the firm will utilise integrations with the Land Registry Business Gateway (LRBG) for property enquiries and Legal Bricks – which allows conveyancing searches to be requested directly through Proclaim, enabling a more efficient service for clients.

In addition Heptonstalls is implementing SecureDocs, the online self-service solution to enhance client communications by enabling secure electronic document viewing and signing.

Shane Hensman (pictured), IT Director at Heptonstalls, commented:

“Our mission is to be an outstanding, client-focused firm acting for both businesses and individuals, to achieve our long-term goals we needed to revamp our internal processes by investing in a future-proof practice-wide system. With Proclaim’s range of functionality, scalability and flexibility, we have found the perfect solution to succeed.”

[eclipselegalsystems]

Eclipse unveils latest version of TouchPoint+

Eclipse Legal Systems, the Law Society Endorsed legal software provider, has announced the latest iteration of its self-service portal TouchPoint+.

The new enhancements complement Eclipse’s existing TouchPoint+ self-service portal, which is a device-independent and interactive online experience for legal service providers, their business partners and clients, using real-time data from Eclipse’s core Proclaim Case and Practice Management solution.

TouchPoint+ now includes two-factor authentication (2FA) for even stronger security and a new Client Matter functionality for improved usability.

2FA adds an extra layer of security ensuring users trying to gain access are who they say they are. This is facilitated through SMS text messaging – after receiving the correct username and password TouchPoint+ sends a unique one-time passcode to the user’s pre-registered contact number. The user must then enter the passcode back into TouchPoint+ to gain access.

The Client Matter functionality further increases efficiency for the user by enabling access to all cases associated to them without the need for multiple login credentials. A dedicated tile allows for swift navigation between matters which can be easily updated accordingly.

Jennifer Connolly (pictured), Product Manager at Eclipse, comments:

“Eclipse’s innovative ethos enables us to constantly enhance the feature-set offered by our ever-popular self-service portal. 2FA can be switched on to help mitigate the risk of potential threats and gives law firms increased confidence in data security. Users are already benefitting from the time saving efficiencies brought by the new Client Matter tile.”

[eclipselegalsystems]

The Eclipse Proclaim Modern Law Awards 2020 – shortlist

We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the Eclipse Proclaim Modern Law Awards 2020, which takes place on Thursday 6th February at the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester.

After facing a number of tough decisions to whittle down all of the high-calibre entries, the judges have created a final shortlist of firms and individuals, which can be seen below.

Congratulations to all!

ABS of the Year Beacon Wealth Legal Ltd BW Legal Services Limited ESP Law Ltd Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre St James’ Square Law Firm

Law Firm of the Year Birketts LLP Duncan Lewis Solicitors Hudgell Solicitors Nayyars Solicitors Ramsdens Solicitors LLP Warner Goodman LLP

Boutique Law Firm of the Year (1-10 Employees) 3D Solicitors Capitalise Business Solutions ESP Law Ltd Manders Law Purdy Smith The Law Boutique

Boutique Law Firm of the Year (11+ Employees) Family Law and Mediation Limited FD Law trading as Hayes Connor Solicitors FTA Law Greenhalgh Kerr Solicitors Stuart Miller Solicitors Limited TQ Property Lawyers

Managing Partner of the Year Ayesha Nayyar – Nayyars Solicitors Emma Carey – MSB Solicitors Helen Johnson – Johnson Astills James Thornton – ClientEarth Lindsay Healy – Aria Grace Law Paul Monaghan – St James’ Square Law Firm

Lawyer of the Year Charlotte Clode – FBC Manby Bowdler LLP Amira Hughes – Howell-Jones LLP Georgia Holmes – Barcan+Kirby LLP Madelene Holdsworth – Slater and Gordon Lawyers Shaheen Mamun – Black Antelope Law Sophie Murgatroyd – Bridge Law Solicitors Limited

Chambers of the Year Exchange Chambers Hardwicke Normanton Chambers Park Square Barristers

Barrister of the Year David Boyle – Deans Court Chambers Nabila Mallick – No5 Chambers Philip Rule – No5 Chambers Sally Penni – Kenworthys Chambers

Team of the Year Consilia Legal Instalaw Solicitors OakNorth

Paralegal of the Year Callum Scott – Nottingham Law School Legal Advice Centre Hazel Montgomery – Cartwright King Solicitors Machaela O’Brien – Coodes Solicitors Natalie Lamb –  Slater and Gordon Lawyers Nicholas Ash – Will & Probate Services (Estate Planning) Ltd Nicola Goodburn – Ward Hadaway

Rising Star of the Year Danielle Day – Berwins Solicitors Heather Moore – Slater and Gordon Lawyers Jonathan Andrews – Reed Smith Kayleigh Leonie – Macfarlanes Markella Papadouli – The AIRE Centre Reise Luke – Instalaw Solicitors

Innovation of the Year Capitalise Business Solutions Chambers365 by Clerksroom ContractPodAi Legl Luminance Zeus Claims Solutions Limited

Marketing & Communication Strategy of the Year Berwins Digital Countrywide Legacy FD Law trading as Hayes Connor Solicitors Legmark Ltd Morton Fraser The Carvalho Consultancy

Client Care Initiative of the Year 1st Resolve Ltd Bell Lamb and Joynson Solicitors Farewill Rothera Sharp Solicitors Stuart Miller Solicitors Limited Touch Solicitors Limited

Outstanding Commitment to Training Bidwell Henderson Costs Consultants Ltd Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) Countrywide Conveyancing Services Jackson Lees Group My Home Move ProMediate (UK) Limited

Best use of Technology BW Legal Services Limited Chambers365 by Clerksroom Farewill High Court Enforcement Group Limited Settify & The International Family Law Group LLP Zeus Claims Solutions Limited

Business Growth Award Aria Grace Law Capitalise Business Solutions Farewill Legl Simplify Thomas Legal

Combatting Fraud Award Estatesearch NetWatch Global Shieldpay Ltd SmartSearch Teal Compliance Ltd Thirdfort Limited

Diversity & Inclusion Award Barcan+Kirby LLP Black Antelope Law Dentons MSB Solicitors Osborne Clarke Wedlake Bell

Supporting the Industry (1-25 Employees) Clinco Curian Medical Limited DMR Collation Ltd LawNet Ltd Obelisk Support Zeus Claims Solutions Limited

Supporting the Industry (26+ Employees) Corporé Limited Geodesys GlobalX Mobile Doctors Limited poweredbypie Shieldpay Ltd

[eclipselegalsystems]

West End law firm Campbell & Co selects Proclaim Case Management solution

Bespoke legal experts Campbell & Co Solicitors is set to implement the Proclaim Case Management solution from Eclipse, the Law Society Endorsed legal software provider.

With over 30 years of experience in the legal sector, the Mayfair-based firm provides valuable legal assistance across a range of specialist areas, including personal injury, medical negligence, conveyancing and commercial.

Campbell & Co sought a solution to replace their incumbent system that would enable the firm to capitalise on new opportunities and build upon their existing reputation of excellence. The firm chose the Proclaim Case Management system with ready-to-go workflow modules for its personal injury and medico legal teams.

The firm will further streamline processes with full integration with the Ministry of Justice Claims Portals, enabling the management of both RTA and EL/PL claims directly from the Proclaim desktop, without resorting to the manual entry web browser method.

In addition, the medico legal workflow boasts an in-built ‘Expert Selector’, which will enable Campbell & Co to select the most relevant medical expert faster, benefitting clients with even greater speed.

Sandra Campbell (pictured), Principal Solicitor at Campbell & Co, comments:

“Our clients have come to expect an exceptional compassionate service at what is often a difficult time. With Proclaim, and the increase in efficiencies it will brings to our firm, we can focus on our client’s individual needs and tailor our expertise to suit the requirements and intricacies of every unique case. We’re confident we’ll be able to take on more cases than ever before – without compromising on the quality of our services.”

[eclipselegalsystems]

Pinkney Grunwells selects Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse

Leading regional law firm Pinkney Grunwells is set to implement the Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse, the Law Society Endorsed legal software provider.

Established in 1938, the Yorkshire-based firm boasts offices in Scarborough, Bridlington, Whitby, Driffield and Hunmanby, and has been offering direct and honest legal advice to local residents and businesses since its inception.

Providing a wide range of services including Conveyancing, Family and Probate, Pinkney Grunwells sought to replace its incumbent systems with a single solution geared towards firm-wide case management and practice financials. The firm selected a fully integrated Proclaim Practice Management Software solution.

As part of the project, Eclipse is carrying out a conversion of both case and accounting data from the practice’s incumbent systems.

To further streamline the conveyancing process, the firm will utilise Proclaim’s integration with the Land Registry Business Gateway (LRBG). This enables users to seamlessly interact with the Gateway from the Proclaim desktop environment. Tasks such as property enquiries and bankruptcy searches can be completed without leaving Proclaim.

The firm is taking advantage of Proclaim’s ready-to-go probate workflow which automatically completes all relevant forms including the IHT400 – ensuring sensitive matters are managed properly, accurately, and with no distractions.

Daniel Boynton (pictured), Operations Manager at Pinkney Grunwells, comments:

“Our clients’ expectations are becoming increasingly high, it’s key that we exceed these demands to set us apart from the competition. Proclaim will enable us to build on our operational effectiveness and re-invest time saved in enhancing our client’s experience.”

[eclipselegalsystems]

Three ways to keep your client’s sensitive data secure

The security of client data should be your number one priority. Most individuals won’t even consider hiring a law firm if they don’t feel confident their details will be properly secured.

The regulatory requirements with regards to data are another incentive to ensuring everything is managed correctly. With the introduction of GDPR, it’s more important than ever to handle data in the right way.

There are a number of ways in which data can be compromised. It can happen maliciously, where a hacker or fraudster is looking to breach your systems and steal sensitive information – probably for financial gain.

It can also happen accidentally. Human error is a part of life, and it’s not uncommon for an email to mistakenly be sent to the wrong person – an email that contains data that should not be shared with anyone other than the intended recipients.

Neither of these scenarios are completely unavoidable. But you can mitigate the risk by taking reason steps to maintain the trust of your clients, and reduce the chance of fines and other punishments by regulators.

So, what can you do?

Your Case Management software is where your client’s data is going to be stored. So you need a solution that provides suitable security, and makes it easier for you to stay on the right side of the regulations.

Meet GDPR requirements

Proclaim features two GDPR toolsets that assist you in remaining compliant. They are the GDPR Information Asset Register, and the GDPR Individual Rights Workflow.

The Asset Register acts as a map for all the data you hold. It allows you to track where information is stored, and helps you understand why you have it and what it is being used for.

The Individual Rights workflow manages GDPR requests such as the Right to be Forgotten from individuals whose data you hold, allowing you to respond to their requests in a simple and efficient manner within the regulatory time limits. Only authorised users can access this information. And it issues on screen alerts to flag potential non-compliance matters.

Ring-fence data securely in the cloud

Whilst you can host Proclaim on your own systems, Proclaim can also live happily in any secure UK based ISO accredited data centre, meaning data is never held on users devices. This makes it easy to control who has access to client information and means misplaced laptops are not the severe data breach they once were.

Your entire Proclaim database is regularly backed up automatically, so should a disaster strike your offices you can be back concentrating on client care in no time, accessing Proclaim from any location.

Send and receive sensitive data in encrypted emails

One of the newer features of Proclaim is the integration with RMail, which allows you to send encrypted emails to clients. This means if an email gets intercepted, no data will be at risk because only the intended recipient can see the contents of that email – including any attachments.

It works through Outlook, so there’s no additional effort required from the sender. There’s a simple button you can press to ‘encrypt’ any email and then send it directly through Proclaim. Your recipients can even reply to the encrypted email in a secure encrypted portal.

You can also see when the email has been read by the recipient, which acts as proof of delivery – admissible as evidence in a court of law.

If security is important to you – and it should be – then Proclaim is the obvious choice as a Case Management solution.

You can find out more about this software by requesting a no obligation demonstration. Just visit this page.

[eclipselegalsystems]

Embracing app technology

Darren Gower (pictured), Marketing Director at Eclipse spoke with Legal Practice Management magazine to discuss why law firms shouldn’t think that, just because they’re operating in a traditional working environment, they’ve missed their chance to adapt.

If we’re honest, the legal sector has never been particularly quick to adopt new technologies. Traditional ways of working have always served us well in the past, so why change anything?

Well, the answer is because we can always get better. There’s always a new way to improve the level of service that law firms can offer their customers, and it’s often done through technology.

Digital technologies in particular have a big impact on businesses because they’re able to boost efficiencies. They can cut down time-consuming tasks into more manageable jobs, enabling more time to be spent on other areas of the business.

But it’s not just about embracing technologies that allow your fee earners to be more productive. You can also put these solutions into the hands of your customer – not only creating a better experience for them – but a more exciting one.

And the way to do that is through apps. Most people have a smartphone or a tablet and are used to using apps on a daily basis for a variety of things – from online banking and shopping, to browsing social media and reading the news.

The ability for them to communicate with their legal team through a simple, easy-to-use app –available 24/7 – is a huge benefit. They can view information about their case anytime without having to pick up the phone or send an email and wait for a response.

Certain apps used by law firms provide real time information, so users know that it’s completely accurate and up to date.

This additional value will encourage people to pay for and retain your services. You have to ask yourself what you can do that other law firms can’t. Using new technology is a great way of gaining an edge on your competitors.

Other firms are already providing these services – so you might be the one being left behind and losing that edge. The more quickly you implement apps and other process improvement features, the more you will benefit.

But it’s never too late. Don’t think that just because you’re operating in a traditional working environment, that you’ve missed your chance to adapt, and are behind everyone else.

Apps are going to be a bigger and bigger part of our lives in the coming years. Every day that goes by without you offering these powerful tools is another day that your competitors are gaining an edge.

[eclipselegalsystems]

RIAA Barker Gillette (UK) selects Proclaim Practice Management solution from Eclipse

RIAA Barker Gillette (UK) LLP is implementing Eclipse’s Practice Management solution, Proclaim, the Law Society Endorsed legal software provider.

Established in 1981, the West End law firm is part of the RIAA Barker Gillette Global Alliance, with affiliated offices from New York to Beijing. The firm boasts a leading reputation for the approachability and accessibility of its Partners and offers a highly personalised service. The firm provides a wealth of specialist services, including corporate and commercial, dispute resolution, employment, family, private client and real estate.

As a mid-tier law firm offering a wide range of services, RIAA Barker Gillette (UK) required a solution that could be rolled out across all departments enabling maximum efficiency. Proclaim’s compliance features and integrated document management and accounting systems made it the ideal choice of software.

TouchPoint+, Proclaim’s self-service portal, includes an app that allows the firm’s clients to access information from their mobile devices. This will help RIAA Barker Gillette (UK) to further enhance its position as a leading law firm providing outstanding client care.

Alex Deal (pictured), Managing Partner, of RIAA Barker Gillette (UK), comments:

“We’re delighted to be moving to the Proclaim platform – we’re confident the new system will have a massive impact on efficiency within our business. Proclaim’s flexibility impressed us and will enable us to integrate with our preferred software providers for postcode look-ups, digital dictation and ID/AML checks, making the transition to a new Practice Management system even smoother for both our clients and our team.”

[eclipselegalsystems]

Saving money with GDPR

Darren Gower (pictured), Marketing Director at Eclipse spoke to LPM Magazine to discuss how law firms should be efficiently handling GDPR regulations.

A year on from the introduction of GDPR, and adhering to its policies has never been more important than it is today. Not just from a compliance perspective – and being compliant will save you from being issued with fines – but in terms of the security of your law firm.

Research recently unveiled by the government shows that GDPR has, at least in part, contributed to the decline in cyber attacks against businesses in the UK. In fact, the number of companies who have experienced some sort of breach or attack went down from 43 percent to 32 percent.

According to the government’s report, each cyber security “breach” or “incident” costs large businesses an average of £22,700. So GDPR is a cost-saving exercise in more ways than one – it can prevent you from being fined and protect you from malicious attacks.

GDPR compliance pleases the regulators, it’s good for your clients, and it also has a positive effect on your bottom line. Which is why it’s so surprising that many firms don’t have efficient systems and processes in place to ensure everything is above board.

Sure, your business may not have violated any rules as of yet, but without a suitable plan of action for handling data, and dealing with Subject Access Requests, you could be walking on a tightrope.

It only takes one failure for the regulators to step in and start issuing penalties.

Implementing an entirely new system, or modifying the one you have, might be an expense you’re not particularly happy about paying. But it will undoubtedly save you money in the long run. An efficient, modernised organisational structure can make all the difference.

That means centralising all your data, rather than having it spread out across various platforms throughout your business. Effective search tools will enable you to comply with those Subject Access Requests in a timely manner, and discard appropriate data as and when necessary, to avoid being pulled up by the regulator.

Whilst a base system that improves efficiency across the board will enable firms to better comply with GDPR, there are more specific solutions available, built in a more bespoke manner particularly for this area of compliance.

Workflow systems dedicated to Subject Access Requests, or the individual rights of users as established by GDPR, can maximise efficiency even further, and ensure you’re doing everything you can to save money for your business.

Likewise, there is more you can (and should) be doing to reduce your risk against cyber attacks than simply adhering to GDPR. And the government’s report acknowledged as much. Many SMEs do not have cyber security policies in place and have not engaged in any formal cyber security training.

So when you do implement those systems and processes that will allow you to comply with GDPR, and therefore potentially save on costs, it’s essential firms look into what else they can be doing to ensure all their data is safe. It keeps the regulator happy, and it keeps your clients happy.