Legal industries are generally not considered when it comes to digitalization. A recent survey revealed that 80% of lawyers don’t record time on a mobile device, and nearly one-third of firms are employing a version of Microsoft Word that’s seven or more years old.
As expected, the Luddite approach comes at a price. Firms quick to embrace and adopt technology report increased profitably compared to those that don’t, resulting in significant performance gaps. But there’s one technology that legal firms aren’t reluctant to adopt: Intranet Portals.
Legal firms require fast discovery of data hence legal firms are seeking help of intranet software to help them in managing their data. Every organization strives to be productive, but when your productivity is billable, it’s an entirely different level.
Modern intranets are an excellent way to managing information because they allow quick access to large quantities of data. Intranet serves as a comprehensive, collaborative centralized digital workplace.
Law firms adopting intranet technology are having a huge number of other benefits. In a survey it was observed that 78% of the firms that used intranet software have created a more collaborative culture say that improved collaboration has resulted in improved firm performance.
Why is it important for legal firms to possess an intranet portal?
A legal firm intranet is a one-stop-shop for legal firms, hosting everything from calendar events, forms, policies, case studies, dedicated practice groups, news, and announcements.
Our Sciqus intranet portals give instant access to regularly updated documents like legal precedents without having to dig through multiple systems, and because of the intranet search functionality, users can find this information quickly. The continued engagement of real-time comments on documentation has proven to be valuable. For example, lawyers within their firms can post or share their experience with regards to their experiences for the advantage of future users.
Intranet portal acts as a collaboration space within the organization and allow users to brainstorm, share insights, and jointly work together. Easier collaboration also means reduced email volume. Law firms also depend heavily on forms. Intranet can have these forms into one place, available to access at anytime and anywhere.
How does an intranet help?
Having content owners take responsibility for updating and maintaining their content, department pages, and practice pages ensures that the knowledge is kept current and accurate. The content isn’t stale and therefore the intranet is continually evolving.
And because our intranet has analytics, we will easily monitor the pages with the most/least traffic, see which pages require more tags, or need the “Best Bets” feature to support the users’ search terms.
Our intranet has also created a team atmosphere, as we all feel connected and more engaged in our work and with one another.
Intranet Features that are important for legal firms
For legal firms, it is very important to securely hyperlink externally and internally to a firm’s server. Same with compatibility to use quite one browser.
We also appreciate the choice to lock down, or secure pages, to specific audiences and users. The location is secure and ensures that only those with specific permissions can access the varied sections.
Having software that’s intuitive and straightforward to use, also because the ability to coach other members at the firm is equally important. Since we will sync to our Active Directory, it’s easier and safer to manage users, seamlessly.
Online Forms
Law firms are traditionally big on completing forms! It might be to file an expenses claim, record time spent performing on a specific case, getting a new client on the system, or booking a room. With an intranet, these forms are often completed online, eliminating the duplication of effort involved in processing paper forms. Some cloud-based legal intranets will even have easily customizable standard form templates so you’ll be up and running during a matter of hours. Furthermore, the intranet can automatically direct a claim for expenses, for instance, through to the accounts department for payment. Forms can be stored online for easy access.
The bottom line is that online forms bring speedier, more accurate processes. What’s more, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment by not using paper for your work.
Client Portal
Another important feature for legal firms is external communication and collaboration with clients. Operating as an extranet, or a personal network that securely shares company information with selected third parties, a portal helps you better serve your clients. A series of integrated site permissions means clients can only access appropriate information, and therefore the latest online security measures like encryption protect the confidentiality of the information and safeguard it from hackers. The client portal means you’ll provide a superior anytime, anywhere service for preparation of an affidavit, will, contract or deed etc.
If you are considering implementing a legal intranet portal, then get in touch with the knowledgeable team at Sciqus and we will be happy to solve all your queries related to Intranet Portals.