I received this question from a reader today:”I am a solo practitioner with a very diverse practice. What software system would you recommend for keeping the basic information and notes on my files, plus allowing me to create mail out lists?”

Here is my response:

The two software programs that I see many smaller firm lawyers using successfully are Time Matters and Amicus Attorney. Both programs can help you to keep all the emails, documents, telephone calls, contact information, to-do’s, notes, etc. together by client. You can also use the programs for conflict checking, group mailouts and other practice management activities. Which program will be best for you will, of course, depend on a lot of factors, such as your comfort with technology and the nature of your practice.

These are not the only programs out there. Just the most widely used. It can be beneficial to use a popular program because it is more likely to “survive” and continue to have technical support available. Plus you will find more articles and blogs discussing capabilities, problems and solutions.

Some resources to help you make your decision:

  1. State Bar’s Law Practice Management Program website. There you will find a links to Product Reviews by lawyers, links to websites for technology consulting services, and other information.
  2. Gerry Morris’ technology column in The Practice Manager published by the State Bar of Texas (Law Practice Management Program). Gerry has written in detail about how he uses Amicus Attorney, and I think he has written about Time Matters, too. You can find the archives under the link to “Newsletter” on the Law Practice Management Program’s website. Unfortunately, the site does not currently have a mechanism for searching by topic. You can email the webmaster by submitting your questions at “Website Ideas and Suggestions” on the State Bar “contact us” page. Perhaps he can search the topic for you to direct you to the correct archived newsletters.
  3. The Griffing Network sells, installs and trains on software used by lawyers. They are quite knowledgeable about the features and benefits of each program, and should be able to help you determine which is best for your needs. Robin Birmingham can be reached there at (713) 789-3323 x101. She can answer a lot of your questions or direct you to the right person.
  4. The Griffing Network also does CLE training on legal specific software from time to time for the State Bar of Texas. You might check with the Law Practice Management Program (800-204-2222 X1300) to see when the next CLE programs will be offered.
  5. The Technolawyer community provides a lot of information and feedback about many products. You can search the archives or sign up for the newsletters to be emailed to you regularly. A search will turn up lots of info about Time Matters and Amicus Attorney, as well as other legal industry programs.
  6. Most of the legal software suppliers will provide you a demo program or allow you to run a free trial version of the software for 30-60 days. Check out their websites.
  7. Finally, at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting in June each year, the exhibit hall always has software exhibitors. They will demo products, answer questions, and provide you with a demo cd to take back to your office.

I applaud you for taking steps to improve your productivity. I know that right at first the effort may seem to slow you down, rather than speed things up. I think the investment of your time and money will be worth it in productivity gains once you get familiar with the process.

Good luck with finding the right software for your office!

-Debra