10 key questions to ask cloud based legal tech providers

Is your law firm considering switching to a cloud-based legal practice management system? Actionstep has outlined 10 key questions to ask cloud-based legal tech providers at the outset.

1. Can I customise the system? 

Every firm has its own ways of working, so you should look at systems that provide a high level of customisation for complex or unique processes. 

2. Can the system automate processes? 

Look for a system with built-in and customised workflows to underpin automation. When workflows are set up to your specification, you can collect information, assign tasks, track progress, update clients automatically, and more. 

3. Does the system have equivalent features? 

Every firm has favorite features they don’t want to lose when migrating to the cloud. Identify your must-haves and only consider cloud systems with equivalent features.  

4. Does the system integrate with Office 365? 

If you want a seamless integration with Microsoft Office, select a provider that has a true “cloud-to-cloud” integration with Office 365. 

5. Does the system include advanced document automation? 

Look for systems with robust document automation capability so you can bring client and matter information into precedents, forms, and other templates.  

6. How will the provider convert data into the new system? 

A system that has a purpose-built conversion tool will automatically transfer current data into the new system. Without this, you may be in for a long and expensive manual migration. 

7. Does the system include general ledger accounting? 

If the legal tech provider has a general ledger accounting module, you can have one system for your practice management, billing, and accounting.  

8. Can I download my data whenever I want? 

Choose a provider that allows you to download a full backup of all your data on demand.  

9. Can I download data to use in other reporting tools? 

Look for providers that allow you to download a local copy of your data for custom reporting and data visualisation using tools like Microsoft Power BI. 

10.  Do you like using it? 

Ask for a demo or a free trial to see if you can imagine using it every day. If the provider is truly in the cloud, they should be able to give you access without installing any software. 

Ready to learn more? 

Moving your law firm to the cloud is a big decision with many factors beyond these 10 initial questions. If you’d like to learn how Actionstep can help make the switch as easy as possible, get in touch with our team.