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Legal Project Management (LPM) is all about efficiency. It involves handling large matters in a manner that best uses the firm’s resources and brings in the most profit. A key component of this goal is the type of technical support your firm chooses to utilize.
There are essentially two necessary technical components for LPM. The first is your project management software and the second is the legal billing software.
With the growing popularity of LPM, the market for project management software is quickly expanding. But it’s important that you don’t blindly pick the first software company that comes across your inbox. Take time to research your options and choose a tool that best meets the individual needs of your firm and its practice areas. Here are some points of consideration when choosing your project management platform:
- The ability to list and categorize all emails and other types of correspondence pertaining to the matter
- Detailed calendar options, including the ability of the project manager to see task assignments for individual team members
- Easy access to documents created within the matter
- The ability to save relevant case law and access it throughout the duration of the project
- Conflict reporting for all individuals or organizations involved in the matter
- Easily accessible contact information for all parties involved in the matter
The point of LPM software is to organize the matter in a way that makes the process less stressful and easier to navigate for team members and management. A successful platform increases productivity and allows for the most efficient use of time, but it’s important to point out some elements of LPM software that are not as attractive.
For example, some platforms are extremely expensive for the initial purchase. A subscription service may prove to be a more cost effective option for your firm. Compare costs for various platforms, but be careful to also consider the available features of each.
You should also be prepared to train yourself and the rest of the firm’s staff on the proper usage of the software. This may entail bringing in a representative from the company and setting up specific training sessions. Many platforms offer free training, so be sure to include this in your shopping considerations.
Successful LPM requires comprehensive software that can handle the specific needs of your firm’s case load and practice areas. The other side of the technology coin is legal billing software. It is vital to have a platform that offers project management billing tools, time management capabilities and simplified invoicing options. TimeSolv legal billing systems are perfectly suited to meet your LPM needs. Among many other features, it allows your firm to:
- Break down matters into individual tasks among timekeepers
- Define budgets and time limitations for each team member
- Create project milestones for client invoices
- Reuse plans across multiple projects
- Limit timekeepers when they have reached their allocated budgets
The combination of a comprehensive project management platform and TimeSolv’s billing capabilities is vitally important to LPM. Click here for a free 30 day demonstration of TimeSolv and set your firm on the road to project management success.
Learn how to use TimeSolv for Legal Project Management
About Erika Winston:
Erika Winston is a Virginia based writer with a passion for all things legal. As a former domestic relations attorney, she understands the challenge of determining the best fee structure for your practice. Erika is a regular contributor to TimeSolv and a variety of other publications.
