AFG Law goes cloud with CTS

AFG Law embraces agility with CTS’ cloud solutions and legal specialist support

About AFG Law

AFG Law is a long-established multidisciplinary law firm providing a range of services across the Northwest and beyond. It is built on traditional foundations combined with modern values and a fresh forward-thinking approach for over 125 years. AFG Laws’ specialist team of solicitors have been providing expert legal advice and services to both individual and commercial clients across many different areas of law, including property matters, family law wills and probate, criminal defence, dispute resolution and more.

With offices in Bolton and Bury, AFG Law’s dedication to providing effective, friendly and high-quality legal services has enabled it to become one of the area’s most highly respected and successful firms, winning several awards for customer excellence and employee engagement.

AFG Law made the strategic decision to partner with CTS selecting their managed cloud solution combined with managed support. The aim of this collaboration is to increase stability as the firm continues to grow and provide a strong foundation for its digital innovation endeavours.

The requirement

Facing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm sought a tailored cloud solution that would enable them to improve efficiency, facilitate hybrid work capabilities and ensure data security and compliance while delivering high-quality legal services in a dynamic, digital environment. Moreover, as the contract with their incumbent neared its end, AFG Law undertook a comprehensive review of their business objectives during which it re-evaluated specific needs and expectations from a managed service provider. Given the complexities of the legal sector, it became evident to AFG Law that it needed to establish a partnership with a specialist who had a deep understanding of the legal industry as it advanced forward.

 The solution

After conducting thorough due diligence and engaging in extensive discussions to find the most suitable partner, AFG Law made a strategic decision to collaborate with CTS who proposed a fully managed cloud solution combined with legal specialist 24/7/365 support. With CTS’ private cloud infrastructure, AFG Law harnesses the benefits of a much more agile system which not only ensures that its growing user base can work flexibly with the tools and systems they need at their fingertips but also guarantees scalability as the firm moves forward with their business objectives.

This adaptability ensures that the firm maintains competitiveness in a dynamic legal environment. CTS 24/7/365 support encompassing routine maintenance monitoring remediation helpdesk support and emergency assistance is provided via both their UK and New Zealand service desks. By partnering with a legal sector specialist, AFG Law’s end users can access CTS support and triage teams at any time, resolve issues swiftly, and continue their work without significant interruptions ultimately contributing to a more efficient and productive work environment. Leveraging their extensive expertise in legal applications such as ALB and Bighand, CTS empowers AFG Law to enhance efficiency, productivity and flexibility while ensuring the protection of their critical applications and data thus eliminating downtime.

This collaboration instils the firm with the confidence to concentrate on its legal practice while ensuring that its it infrastructure is adeptly handled and that they have ready access to cutting edge legal technologies. Matthew Davidson, head of finance at AFG Law says: “It became evident to us that CTS’ comprehensive understanding of our application suite and close relationships with leading legal technology providers would be truly invaluable to us in achieving our future goals.” By having strong relationships with key players in the legal technology landscape, CTS can provide AFG Law with insights into the latest advancements. Access to cutting-edge solutions and the ability to stay at the forefront of technological innovation in the legal sector.

The results

AFG Law’s recent move to a state-of-the-art office represents a significant milestone in its pursuit of modernising its workspace and operations and supporting its growing team. This move has been greatly facilitated by their decision to bid farewell to their on-premise server room and fully embrace CTS’ managed cloud solution. By transitioning to this cloud-based infrastructure, AFG Law has not only streamlined its operations but also gained the agility and flexibility needed to accommodate its evolving needs. The elimination of traditional server rooms has freed up valuable office space allowing the firm to create a more efficient and collaborative work environment.

The seamless integration of its cloud-based systems ensures that its critical legal data is readily accessible to employees whether they are working in the office or remotely. This accessibility not only enhances productivity but also upholds the highest standards of data security and scalability. With CTS’ continuous support through their 24/7 legal specialist service desk, AFG Law can confidently concentrate on high-impact initiatives.

Its primary focus now centres on elevating user experience and ultimately client service delivery through innovation. Knowing that CTS expertly oversees its cloud gives them the peace of mind to excel in their innovative endeavours. Having a legal specialist who genuinely understands our business objectives has made our partnership remarkably seamless.

“With CTS always working diligently in the background, we have the confidence to explore new avenues of innovation knowing that our IT and cloud environment are in capable hands. This ensures that we remain proactive, innovative and well-prepared for the future, allowing us to focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional legal services,” Davidson concluded.

About CTS

CTS delivers IT services that transform the user experience and operational success of law firms and barristers’ chambers both day-to-day and in the longer term. Unlike most IT firms, we understand the highly regulated nature and distinctive culture of the legal sector and their users. Our experience and expertise allow us to create a tailored solution that will maximise the efficient use of fee earners’ time enhancing productivity and profitability. Our services have been uniquely shaped for law maximising reputation and minimising risk for the clients we support