Automation and the modern law firm

In the fast-paced world of law, time is money. Every minute spent on manual tasks is a minute taken away from serving clients and growing your firm. That's why automation has become a game-changer for law firms across the country.

The modern law firm is leveraging AI to its fullest extent. Having processes in place to automate tasks allows you to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional legal services.

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Here are the top three reasons why automation is key for law firms: 

Efficiency

By automating repetitive tasks, law firms can maximize productivity.

There are various tools in the back office that we recommend (check out our favorites here) that all serve various functions ranging from "speeding up data transfer from paper records" to "helping produce the appropriate accounting entries." One of our favorites in the bunch is Clio, which offers a robust suite of law firm client management tools, ranging from paperless document workflows to intuitive search for all things related to client matters.

One of the requests we hear most frequently from our own customres is the need for better systems architecture around collections. Specifically, decreasing lockup and speeding up the time between when work is billed to when your client pays you. Ensuring you have the right law firm "tech stack" set up will allow you to optimize productivity.

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Accuracy and consistency

Manual tasks are prone to human error, which can lead to costly mistakes and inefficiencies. 

There are automated accounting systems for law firms to leverage that drive accuracy and consistency in their operations. Not only can a more rigorous accounting process reduce the time spent on mundane tasks, but it also reduces the risk of client dissatisfaction due to errors. 

While there are more tools than ever on the market today, setting up and maintaining the processes is a critical component in the success of the overall system. Ask your accountant to help you evaluate if you are getting the most out of your tech stack.

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Cost savings

‍Automation helps reduce the time needed on certain activities, which in tune saves you money. 

It’s common practice for law firms to delegate all activities that are below their billable rate. Freeing up more time could free you up to focus on billable activities. Or, maybe that extra time is better spent enjoying the hard work you are putting in, on a pickleball court. Finding a path toward profitability doesn’t always mean turning time toward billable hours, but lowering costs with automation will increase overall profitability for law firms. 

The key takeaway here is that by streamlining workflows and eliminating time-consuming tasks, you can run a more efficient law firm that focuses on Client Service. 

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Choosing the right partner for your law firm

Law firms need an accounting provider that knows the ins and outs of legal finances and can help unlock the efficiencies of AI. Choosing the wrong accounting provider can be a real headache and create bottlenecks. Imagine spending hours dealing with confusing spreadsheets, long email threads, or getting hit with fines for not following the rules correctly. It's frustrating and can slow down your firm's progress. That's why it's crucial to find a provider who gets legal finances and can help law firms run smoothly without all the headaches or mistakes. 

For law firms looking to navigate today's dynamic legal landscape, join hundreds of other professional services businesses that trust Pilot to run your back office. As the leading accounting firm in the United States, Pilot is uniquely equipped to meet the needs of legal professionals because we intimately understand the journey for entrepreneurs and business owners alike. 

Get peace of mind knowing you have a trusted accounting partner in Pilot. 

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